February 2026 Newsletter

On February 6, student organizers led their classmates in a valley-wide STUDENT WALKOUT, protesting the excessive and harmful ICE activity in our San Fernando Valley neighborhoods. Thanks to the student leaders and parent chaperones, this protest remained peaceful and safe. Team Menjivar and I were so proud to stand with the students who were demonstrating at Van Nuys City Hall. It was truly inspiring to witness this advocacy on behalf of their families and neighbors, alongside a commitment to protecting the constitutional rights that will define their futures!

At a time when Californians are facing a housing shortage, coupled with an affordability crisis, many find their household finances further destabilized by the volatile and sometimes arbitrary escalation of homeowner association fees. This year I am authoring SB 1007- Fair and Affordable HOAs to help ensure homeowners know what their HOA fees fund, protect them from exorbitant increases of certain fees without homeowners’ approval, and guarantee that homeowners who are facing fines can access the HOA Board’s evidence against them. 

In these dark times, COMMEMORATIONS of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took on a more somber feeling in SD 20. Yet, we took to heart his call to be a “glittering daybreak of freedom and justice,” by not only remembering his teachings, but by also committing to practicing them with sustained action. This year I joined the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley for their MLK Breakfast and Day of Service, and the Burbank Human Relations Council “I Have a Dream” Breakfast, which included recognition of the writing, poetry, and art of youth leaders. 

Remember the Legislative Softball Game I cohosted in Sacramento last year? With proceeds raised from that game, I was able to present $12,000+ checks to support programs of the Los Anarchists Junior Derby in Burbank and AHEAD with Horses in Shadow Hills!

4,000 lbs of debris removed from this Shadow Hills encampment! District Representative Brandon worked with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to have MRCA Rangers and staff clean up an encampment in Shadow Hills. Check out the before and after !

Attention renters, landlords, and displaced homeowners experiencing emergency financial hardship! The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has launched phase two of the EMERGENCY RENT RELIEF PROGRAM for eligible property owners and tenants. Those who qualify for grants may receive up to 6 months of rent debt coverage or up to $15,000 per rental unit. Don’t wait, the application deadline is March 11, 2026, at 4:59 PM PST!

The California Housing Finance Agency Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan Program is focused on assisting first-generation, first-time homebuyers to realize their homeownership dreams! Registration will be open from February 24, 2026, through March 16, 2026. Selected registrants may receive up to 20% for down payment or closing costs. If you believe you qualify, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity, and help us get the word out to your friends, family, and neighbors in California too!

The City of Los Angeles is helping small businesses compete for contracts! ProcureLA is a free program offering education, connections to major public and private industry stakeholders, and one-on-one support. Whether you’re just getting started or want to grow your small business, this program can connect you with the tools and guidance to expand your contracting opportunities. LEARN MORE!

More pupusas on your plate and money in your bank with my Tacos and Taxes with Pupusas, happening April 11! I’m thrilled to partner once again with Golden State Opportunity, New Economics for Women, and Magnolia Science Academy in Reseda to bring IRS-certified tax preparers directly to my constituents. Find out if you qualify for additional state tax credits while enjoying delicious pupusas, for free! My District staff will also be on-site to share how we can assist you with state services. Secure your appointment bit.ly/sd20tacostaxespupusas.

April 11, 2026 | Appointments start at 9 AM
Magnolia Science Academy 1 & 5
18238 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

* Appointments required. Eligibility requirements include individuals with income under $69,000 and basic returns only (W-2 or 1099). Food and tax services not paid for at taxpayers’ expense.

Did you know that more than $14B of unclaimed property has been sitting at the California State Controller’s Office since 1959, just waiting to be reunited with its rightful owners?! The State Controller is tasked with keeping this money safe until it can be returned to Californians. Unclaimed property may include refunds, overpayments, unpaid wages and more. Don’t wait another moment! Visit CLAIMIT.CA.GOV to find out if some of that money belongs to YOU.

District Representative Star recently helped a constituent from North Hollywood reclaim their rightful property! So if you’re having difficulty with the claims process, call (818) 901-5588 for assistance from my staff.

Thank you for reading the Senate District 20 Newsletter
 

May you and your families be well,

Senator Caroline Menjivar, MSW