Senator Caroline Menjivar's April 2026 Newsletter

SD20, I am proud to announce, that I have cofounded the first ever creation of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus and will be serving as the Co-Chair. The first-of-its-kind caucus will bring people together to elevate the service and work towards ensuring veterans and military families remain a valued part of California’s communities. While small, your mighty California veteran legislators are working as a united bipartisan body, committed to examining every avenue possible to champion issues that will uplift our veterans out of homelessness. 

The caucus is composed of veterans from three branches of the military: 

• Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D): U.S. Marine Corps
• Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R): U.S. Marine Corps
• Sen. Shannon Grove (R): U.S. Army, the first female veteran elected to the California Legislature
• Sen. Bob Archuleta (D): U.S. Army, Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
• Sen. Tom Umberg (D): U.S. Army

This month has been fast, nonstop, and full throttle. We are presenting our bills in policy committees, many of which have already gotten out of committee. On April 8, 2026, we got two bills out of the policy committee. The first, SB 1125, seeks to create the first ever program to establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program. My second bill, SB 1314, puts our kids first over harmful smoke shops by banning new smoke shops within 600 feet of schools and daycare centers. 

Join me for a cup of coffee on May 9th from 10am to 11:30am at Aura’s Café in Reseda. Let’s talk about the legislative year so far while we enjoy a cup of coffee together all for free! Plus, learn about constituent services offered by the Legislature.

May 9th 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Aura’s Cafe | 18401 Sherman Way,

Reseda, CA 91335

SD 20 entrepreneurs! Icon CDC is hosting a FREE training classes this month to help equip aspiring business owners with the tools, knowledge and skills to successfully launch and operate a small business. The next class is on April 22nd at 6 PM on Access to Capitol. Participants can attend in person and/or virtually.

In recognition of Foster Care Awareness Month this May, KITS is hosting their 2nd Annual Resource Fair on May 13th. To help youth connect with career aspirations, community resources and meet with organizations focused on supporting system impacted youth. 

Click HERE to Register.

14200 Aetna St. Van Nuys, CA 91401
 

Did you know SD20 is home to the first and largest Wat Thai temple in all of the United States? Wat Thai Los Angeles was founded in 1971 and continues to be a sacred place for many. The temple also holds the biggest Songkran Festival, Thai New Year celebration, in the United States. 

Thank you for reading the Senate District 20 Newsletter
 

May you and your families be well,

Senator Caroline Menjivar, MSW