Team Menjivar and I have been working hard to get as many bills through COMMITTEE HEARINGS as we can before the legislature adjourns for Spring Recess! We will reconvene on April 21.

Over the last few weeks, Policy Committee hearings have been in full swing! A few highlights of my bills that are advancing include:

• SB 20- The Silicosis Training, Outreach, and Prevention (STOP) Act unanimously cleared the Senate Labor, Public Employment & Retirement Committee. It’s also a LATINO CAUCUS LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY! 

• Food allergy advocates, including students from San Juan School District Elementary, rallied support for SB 68- Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences at the Senate Health Committee hearing. The bill passed 11-0! WATCH

• SB 450 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee, bringing us one step closer to ensuring LGBTQ+ parents, regardless of their current residency, can legally establish their parental rights if their child was born in California.

• One of my bills to address the affordability crisis, SB 636, is out of the Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications Committee and on its way to protecting customers enrolled in CARE or FERA programs from utility disconnection if they experience a qualifying hardship. 

Watch the 3rd Annual Power of HerFluence

This year, I invited middle and high school girls to Reptacular Ranch in Sylmar! To build confidence and mental health awareness, the girls met goats, emus, llamas and camels, and even faced their fears by holding snakes, tarantulas and hissing cockroaches. Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre hosted an interactive drum circle where the girls practiced mental health strategies through music. Bringing unique opportunities to girls in SD 20 can inspire them to future careers, instill leadership skills, or simply reveal their own inner power! 

SENATE DISTRICT 20 STUDENTS, do you need money for college? Check out two of my scholarships that just opened up applications!

CA Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship applications are open until June 1, 2025. Visit CLLCF.ORG and apply for a chance to get financial support for your academic journey!

Las solicitudes para la Beca de la Fundación del Grupo Parlamentario Legislativo Latino de California están abiertas hasta el 1° de junio de 2025. ¡Visita CLLCF.ORG y solicita la oportunidad de obtener apoyo financiero para tu trayectoria académica!

LGBTQ+ students! The California LGBTQ Foundation Scholarship aims to help you achieve your dreams through higher education. APPLY by June 30, 2025.

¡Estudiantes LGBTQ+! La Beca de la Fundación LGBTQ+ de California tiene como objetivo ayudarte a alcanzar tus sueños a través de la educación superior. SOLICITA antes del 30 de junio de 2025.

3rd Annual San Fernando Valley Pride

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 28, 2025! Let’s raise our voices and wave our flags at the 3rd Annual San Fernando Valley Pride, Rooted in Resistance. Learn more about the event, RSVP, or sign up to volunteer with us at SFVPride.org. More details coming soon!

¡RESERVA LA FECHA – 28 DE JUNIO DE 2025! Alcemos la voz y ondeemos nuestras banderas en la 3.ª Edición Anual del Orgullo del Valle de San Fernando, Rooted in Resistance. Obtén más información sobre el evento, confirma tu asistencia o inscríbete como voluntario en SFVPride.org. ¡Pronto habrá más detalles!

Did you know district staff can assist with correcting a mistake on your Employment Development Department (EDD) PAID FAMILY LEAVE application? District Representative Katherine helped two constituents in Arleta when they were both disqualified from paid family leave benefits due to an application error. Katherine mediated discussions with EDD to adjust the error, and the couple was able to receive their full benefits

Built by Geronimo and Catalina Lopez in the 1800s, THE LOPEZ ADOBE is the oldest standing adobe structure in the City of San Fernando! The couple operated a general store, school and post office at nearby LOPEZ STATION, a hub along the wagon route connecting LA and San Francisco.

Thank you for reading the Senate District 20 April Newsletter

May you and your families be well,

Senator Caroline Menjivar, MSW