SD 20’s 2024 Legislative Package + Post-Storm Resources

It is with immense pride that I share our first legislative update of the year, including the 21 bills I introduced in my second year as your State Senator! Policy committee hearings begin in a few weeks. Track a bill's progress and consider submitting a letter of support to the relevant committee(s).

Protecting Vulnerable Communities

SB 1112 - Provides children, ages 0-5, with access to early developmental screenings through Resource and Referral and Alternative Payment agencies. Also, ensures those who need additional services are referred at no cost.

SB 1281 - Establishes an administrative process to simplify and streamline the procedures for enrolling individuals with developmental disabilities and assisting them in remaining in the Self Determination Program (SDP).

SB 1323 - Seeks to modernize California's current "one-size-fits all" approach to our Incompetent to Stand Trial Process by producing better long-term outcomes for people who become system-involved with felony convictions due to serious mental illness.

Consumer Protection

SB 1103 - Reduces the risk of displacement for small businesses and nonprofits by providing common sense commercial tenant protections, including transparent and fair leasing practices.

SB 1124 - Prohibits unaccredited lawyers and claims agents from processing VA disability claims, ensuring proper oversight and protections for veterans seeking such services.

SB 1142 - Protects Californians who are behind on their electricity bills by barring investor-owned utilities from charging more than 20% in arrears for reconnecting service, and codifies The California Public Utilities Commission prohibition on residential reconnection fees.

Environmental Protection

SB 1091 - Will streamline the process for schools to conduct greening projects.

SB 1193 - Will phase out the sale of harmful leaded aviation fuel, known as avgas, that endangers the health of communities and particularly the long-term health of children. Watch the press conference at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima.

SB 1497 - Seeks to establish a program that assess fees on the largest fossil fuel polluters, to pay their fair share of the damage their products have inflicted on California's communities and the environment.

Plus More!

• SB 944 Juvenile Halls
• SB 953 Period Equity Now
• SB 954 Youth Health Equity + Safety
• SB 959 Transgender, Gender Diverse & Intersex Health Care
• SB 987 Pretrial Services
• SB 1027 Political Reform Act: Identity Theft Mitigation
• SB 1033 Congregate Living Health Facilities
• SB 1057 Juveniles
• SB 1069 Supporting Incarcerated Survivors
• SB 1079 Youth Housing Bond
• SB 1170 Candidate Mental Healthcare Act of 2024
• SB 1492 Private Duty Nursing

On February 14, speakers at the Joint Subcommittee #3 & #5 Oversight Hearing of Juvenile Justice Realignment gave powerful testimony as system-impacted youth, advocates, public defenders, and administrators. The stories from inside LA County's juvenile halls are shocking, and we cannot continue this current system. As Chair of Budget Subcommittee #3, I am determined to work with my colleagues to increase oversight of these facilities and their administrators. We must update policies to stop the abuse of incarcerated youth, including youth held in our Sylmar facility, give these young people the tools they need for life after incarceration, and decrease recidivism.

In recognition of Black History Month, Team Menjivar and I connected with Black-owned small businesses in the district and joined Black in the Valley for their Small Business Mixer.

Good Vibe Barbershop
Northridge

Kings Deli
Burbank

Blade Barbershop
Two Locations - North Hollywood & Van Nuys

Black in the Valley
Small Business Mixer in Canoga Park

SoCal Gas customers, who need assistance paying their bills, can check eligibility for Assistance Programs and One Time Bill Grants.

Los clientes de SoCal Gas, que necesiten ayuda para pagar sus facturas pueden verificar su elegibilidad para Programas de Asistencia y Subvenciones para Facturas Únicas.

In response to the recent extreme storms and flooding that have pummeled Southern California, local and state agencies are offering the following resources:

• Potholes on a City of Los Angeles Street
  Report a pothole
  File a Claim For Damages from a pothole on a city street
• Caltrans Maintenance
  Report a concern or file a request for service on a state highway
• Insurance
  The California Department of Insurance has listed the Top Ten Tips for People Affected by Winter Storms. You can also contact the office directly at 800-927-4357.

En respuesta a las recientes tormentas e inundaciones extremas que han azotado el sur de California, las agencias locales y estatales ofrecen los siguientes recursos:

• Baches en una calle de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles
  Reportar un bache
  Presentar un reclamo por daños y perjuicios por un bache en una calle de la ciudad
• Mantenimiento de Caltrans
  Informar sobre una inquietud o presentar una solicitud de servicio en una carretera estatal
• Seguro
  El Departamento de Seguros de California ha enumerado los Diez Mejores Consejos para las personas afectadas por las tormentas invernales. También puede comunicarse directamente con la oficina al 800-927-4357.

Learn about the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court at our Town Hall on Friday, March 8, at LA Valley College. CARE Court aims to help the thousands of Californians who are suffering from untreated mental health and substance use disorders, leading to homelessness, incarceration or worse. Topics will include eligibility requirements, information for petitioners, services and treatments offered through CARE Court, legal and medical rights of individuals involved in CARE Court, and the respective roles the Court and Los Angeles County agencies play in the process, including the LA County Dept. of Mental Health and the Independent Defense Counsel Office.

Presenters:
Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner
Assistant Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II
Executive Officer/Clerk of the Court David W. Slayton
Public Defender Ricardo Garcia
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Director, Dr. Lisa Wong

This town hall is intended for service providers, behavioral & mental health professionals, nonprofit staff, and interested community members.

Join me in the March for Justice on Sunday, March 17, at the 29th Annual Cesar Chavez event. Rally begins at 10 AM at Pacoima Charter Elementary, and the march will proceed down Van Nuys Blvd. to Richie Valens Park by 12 PM for the festival.

Únanse a mí en la Marcha por la Justicia el domingo 17 de marzo en el 29º evento Anual de César Chávez. La manifestación comienza a las 10 a.m. en Pacoima Charter Elementary y la marcha continuará por Van Nuys Blvd. hacia el parque Richie Valens a las 12 p. m. para el festival.

To meet the demand for family housing, resulting from the Southern California manufacturing boom, Basilone Homes (currently the location of Hansen Dam Golf Course) was among the first integrated communities in San Fernando Valley. Many Black American veterans, who moved into this public housing post WWII, would go on to purchase homes in the Pacoima suburbs.

Thank you for reading the Senate District 20 February Newsletter!

May you and your families be well,

Senator Caroline Menjivar, MSW