April 2023 Newsletter

During the month of March, we accomplished legislative wins for several of our bills in committee. The first bill to be approved, by Human Services, was SB 260 - Menstrual Equity! We also had Senate Committee approval of SB 11 - CSU Mental Health, SB 223 - Child Welfare & Attendance, SB 372 - Respect for Names, SB 456 - Housing Vulnerable Youth, SB 457 - Access to Optical Care for Minors, SB 499 - Cool Schools, SB 541 - Youth Health Equity + Safety, SB 635 - Access to Childhood Developmental Screening, and SB 838 - Fair Access to Victims Assistance.

Durante el mes de marzo, logramos victorias legislativas para varios de nuestros proyectos de ley en el comité. ¡El primer proyecto de ley aprobado por Servicios Humanos fue el SB 260 - Equidad menstrual! También obtuvimos la aprobación del Comité del Senado de la SB 11 - Salud Mental de CSU, SB 223 - Bienestar y Asistencia Escolar Infantil, SB 372 - Respeto a los Nombres, SB 456 - Vivienda para Jóvenes Vulnerables, SB 457 - Acceso a Atención Óptica para Menores, SB 499 -Escuelas Frescas, SB 541 - Seguridad de Salud Juvenil + Equidad, SB 635 - Acceso a Evaluación del Desarrollo Infantil y SB 838 - Acceso Justo a la Asistencia a las Víctimas.

Did you know you can watch Senate Committee Hearings and call-in to support legislation?

Stream HERE.

March is Women's Herstory Month, and Senate District 20 was able to honor one woman who has been doing important work in our communities during the Senate Floor Ceremony.

Maribel García commits her life to uplifting and empowering women and LGBTQ+ communities. Founder of Chicas Mom, she opened one of the first San Fernando Valley food pantries during the pandemic. Now, as CEO of Latinos en Diseño, Maribel provides resources to Latinas who want to build and grow their small business.

Marzo es el Mes de la Narrativa de Ella, de la Mujer y el Distrito 20o del Senado pudo honrar a una mujer que ha estado haciendo un trabajo importante en nuestras comunidades, durante la Ceremonia del Pleno del Senado.

Maribel García dedica su vida a elevar y potenciar a las mujeres y las comunidades LGBTQ+. Fundadora de Chicas Mom, abrió una de las primeras despensas de alimentos del Valle de San Fernando durante la pandemia. Ahora, como Directora Ejecutiva de Latinos en Diseño, Maribel brinda recursos a las latinas que desean construir y hacer crecer su pequeña empresa.

 

The California Legislative Latino Caucus marks 50 years of fighting for representation and justice! In celebration, their Foundation Scholarship Program is accepting online applications until June 1. Apply for an opportunity to receive a $5,000 scholarship to help pay for college expenses. Details HERE.

¡La Bancada Legislativa Latina cumple 50 años de lucha por su representación y la justicia! Para celebrar, su Programa de Becas de la Fundación está aceptando solicitudes en línea hasta el 1 de junio. Solicite la oportunidad para recibir una beca de $5,000 para ayudar a pagar gastos universitarios. Detalles AQUÍ.

 

Our next Coffee with Caroline will be on Saturday, May 13, 9:30 AM in Lake Balboa! Details coming soon.

¡Nuestro próximo Café con Caroline será el sábado, 13 de mayo, a las 9:30 AM en Lake Balboa! Pronto tendremos detalles.

We are looking for dynamic, service-oriented, and organized people to join our district team at the Van Nuys office. Assist us in delivering excellent service to the people of Senate District 20, while also actively working to improve the lives of all Californians. Don't wait, apply now! District Coordinator & Communications Intern applications HERE.

"I've done a lot of great interviews with members over the going-on-5 years of this podcast, and this is one of the most powerful." - Brian Green, Host.

On Then There's California, Brian Green and I discuss the importance of representation, introducing legislation that reflects the experiences of the people of California, and the power behind the words we use and choosing more inclusive language. Listen HERE.

 

March 15 - As part of the Warner Bros. 100th anniversary celebration, James joined the Burbank City Council for the unveiling of this seven-and-a-half-foot tall, bronze Wonder Woman statue honoring one of their most iconic and beloved characters.

March 21 - Our field representatives were out first thing in the morning, and in the rain, to support students receiving food at LAUSD Grab n Go sites during the strike.

March 26 - Our Story Is hosted the first of a monthly free Farmer’s Market in Canoga Park, with Makenna in attendance. The organizers, a mother-daughter duo, created this market style experience so people in the San Fernando Valley who are experiencing hardship can pick out their fresh fruits and vegetables, receive a hot meal, and have a chance to socialize in the community. The next event is April 29, info HERE.

Nominate a leader! Each year, the Leadership Awards recognize individuals advancing breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California. Each recipient's organization receives $250,000, and the Irvine Foundation helps them share their solutions with policymakers and peers. Irvine encourages nominations that reflect the diversity of California's populations, regions, and sectors. Nominations are open until April 27. More information can be found HERE.

 According to the Los Angeles County Library, San Fernando is the oldest city in the Valley, and therefore the namesake of our region. Founded in 1874, development is attributed to its proximity to the San Fernando Mission, which was established in 1797. Though it is a small city today, it has a mighty spirit and strives to preserve the rich heritages of the indigenous peoples, Latinos, and ranchers who are still the foundation of their community and culture.

Thank you for reading the Senate District 20 April Newsletter!

May you and your families be well,

Senator Caroline Menjivar, MSW