A Successful First Year

2018 was a year of listening and learning, building a foundation of greater equity, justice and opportunity for the people of the 51st Assembly District, and for all of California.

In my first year as California State Assemblywoman, I hit the ground running.  From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for your support. I am uplifted by members of the community, many of whom are new friends, who show up and engage in valuable discussions about the 51st Assembly District.  We've accomplished so much in so little time, and I can't wait to continue.  Here's a brief overview of what we've done this year:

LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Seven of my Assembly Bills (AB) were signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown:

AB 2615 and 2745 bolster outdoor experiences, emphasizing safe and enhanced parks access.

AB 2358 and 2762 create jobs, offer improved worker protections and contribute to the economy. 

AB 2381 protects against pollution and secures resources to detect defeat devices designed to skirt California clean air laws.

AB 3101 simplifies the online application for community college to expand accessibility and opportunity for all applicants.

AB 2371 optimizes landscape water use, improving landscape designs, irrigation systems, and urban water use practices.

I supported key legislation addressing net neutrality, small businesses, reproductive health and restorative justice. I was also a proud co-author of Sen. Kevin de León's SB 100, which requires California to obtain 100% of its power from renewable energy sources by 2045.

As part of the 2018-19 State Budget, I secured funds for improvements in the 51st Assembly District, including;

• $10M for legal services for federal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients and unaccompanied immigrant minors.
• $6.5M for Exide lead contamination parkway (grass or soil strips near sidewalks) testing and cleanup.
• $500,000 for safer access to Los Angeles State Historic Park. 
• Significant investments in educational equity and homelessness prevention efforts.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HONORED

Throughout 2018, I welcomed notable 51st Assembly District community members to Sacramento and honored them for their outstanding service.

Woman of the Year - Leticia Guevara

Nonprofit of the Year - Homeboy Industries

Small Business of the Year - Antigua Bread

Veteran of the Year - Bill Rumble

COMMUNITY EVENTS

The community coffees I've organized in Eagle Rock, Cypress Park, Highland Park, El Sereno, East LA and Echo Park presented an excellent opportunity for neighbors to ask about legislative issues. 

My office also hosted tree adoption events, distributing free trees to neighbors in Highland Park, Silver Lake and El Sereno. Over 300 shade and fruit trees found new homes!