Senator Newman’s July 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Summertime is now in full swing. I hope that over the course of this summer you’ll all be able to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather now that the notorious “June Gloom” has finally faded. July happens to be “National Parks and Recreation Month,” and there couldn’t be a better time to get out and appreciate California’s wealth of natural beauty. The national park closest to the 29th Senate District is, fittingly, Joshua Tree National Park, and a visit can actually be done as a day trip. I encourage you to celebrate by visiting any one -- or, for the truly ambitious, all -- of California’s world-renowned national parks.

For those not as inclined to hit the road, there’s always the old traditional summer standby of lounging by the pool and swimming with your kids. If you ask me, there’s not much better than that, but it’s critically important to highlight the importance of pool safety, especially as it relates to young children. Childhood accidental residential pool drownings remain of the highest causes of death for young children, both nationally and in California. In 2017, I authored Senate Bill 442, which requires that all new or renovated California pools and spas be equipped with at least two safety features. If you own a pool, I urge you to make sure that appropriate safety features are in place, and to always remain alert and vigilant when kids are swimming in your presence. Virtually all residential pool drownings are 100% preventable, and there are few things that are sadder or whose impact is felt longer than losing a young child to drowning.

On a sunnier note, as we celebrated our nation’s 247th birthday this 4th of July, I think it’s important to reflect and express gratitude for the choices we get to make and the lives we get to lead in this country. While we do face challenges, it is together through the (albeit sometimes messy) practice of representative democracy that we are able to collectively make decisions for the betterment of society. I’m ever grateful for the privilege and mindful of the responsibility in representing you and, as always, I commit to being accessible. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with questions, comments or concerns at 714-525-2342 or https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/contact.

Finally, I’d like to also note the impending arrival of the Islamic New Year on July 18th, and I wish everyone in our community celebrating on this day a very happy and equally prosperous new year ahead.

All the best,

Josh Newman

Senator, 29th Senate District

 

On June 15, in accordance with the Legislature’s constitutional obligation, an agreement was reached on next year’s state budget agreement through the passage by the Senate and Assembly of Senate Bill 101, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom on June 27. Despite state revenue projections coming in lower than expected (and drastically lower than the record surpluses the state enjoyed over the past two years), the recently adopted state budget moves California forward and, most importantly, avoids deep cuts to core programs while still preserving the state’s record-level “rainy day” funds.

The adopted state budget includes the following:

• Increased funding for school and community colleges by $2.1 billion
• $1.4 billion for childcare over the coming two years to supplement reimbursement rates for all childcare providers, and $1.5 billion for State Preschool Programs
• A rejection of proposed cuts to public transit, with $5.1 billion in transit funding 100% flexible for capital and operations expenses
• Implementation of a program for available funds for the Managed Care Organizations
• (MCO) tax to provide $2.7 billion for Medi-Cal reimbursement rate increases and other investments annually beginning in 2025 through 2029
• $82.5 million ($165 million ongoing) to Covered CA to lower copays and deductibles of Covered CA healthcare plans beginning January 1, 2024
• $300 million to expand nursing programs at community colleges over five years beginning in 2024-25
• Making permanent what was initially a two-year 10% CalWORKs Grant increase provided for in last year’s budget, thus ensuring $500 million will provide continued support for California’s most vulnerable families
• $1.25 billion for Climate and Energy, including key investments in Coastal Resilience and Clean Energy
• $1 billion for local governments to combat the homelessness crisis through the 2024-25 fiscal year, with additional accountability provisions for these local funds
• A net increase in total state budget reserves, to $37.8 billion

I’m also proud to announce that, as part of the budget process, I was able to secure $10 million for key community investments in Senate District 29, which include:

• $4.5 million for capital improvements to the facilities of the Fullerton Museum Center. As a pillar in the Fullerton community for over 100 years, the Fullerton Museum Center has always provided a vibrant central gathering place for the community, stimulated dialogue on important historical and cultural issues, and proudly promoted critical and creative thinking. The funding will allow the museum to make capital improvements to its facilities, including renovations to its classroom spaces, exhibition area, auditorium, conference room, and outdoor patio, and to increase accessibility and accommodate performances, community activities, and fundraising events. Additionally, the museum will be able to hire permanent and part-time staff for a museum director, a special events coordinator, curators, a gallery director of interpretive exhibitions, operations, and general support staff.
• $2.5 million to expand the HomeShare OC Program operated by Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County. HIS-OC’s HomeShare OC Program matches college students with senior homeowners who have a spare room available to rent, which creates a truly “win-win” situation in which college students can more easily complete their education, while providing homeowners with additional monthly income, companionship, and help with technology and household chores. The $2.5 million in secured funding will allow the HomeShare OC program to expand its reach and assist more students and seniors.
• $1.5 million to assist Placentia-based non-profit LOT318 in the purchase and renovation of an affordable family housing apartment building. LOT318 is a local non-profit providing programs and services to prevent gang activity and create pathways for education and personal growth for local residents. The $1.5 million in secured funding will facilitate the purchase of an apartment building which houses many of the program participants’ families, converting it into affordable family housing while also expanding LOT318’s service outreach capacity.
• $1.5 million for facility improvements and expansion of services by the Lestonnac Free Clinic of Orange County. Founded in 1979, this nationally renowned public health clinic provides free health care services to low-income and uninsured residents throughout Southern California. The $1.5 million in secured funding will allow the clinic to make much-needed building improvements to expand the number of patients it serves and to purchase a mobile RV unit to grow its street medicine program.

 

Flag Day and U.S. Army’s 248th Birthday

On June 14, I had the honor of joining Orange County Board of Supervisor member Katrina Foley to celebrate Flag Day and the U.S. Army's 248th birthday.

As a proud Army veteran myself, having served as an artillery officer from 1986 to 1990, I’m ever grateful to have had the opportunity of serving my country as a member of the greatest fighting force the world has ever known.

The US Army’s motto is “This we’ll defend,” and the Army, along with the other branches of America’s armed forces, does a wonderful job of taking young men and women from every walk of life and every region of the country -- from every race, creed, and religion -- and turning them into soldiers and comrades-in-arms. At any given time, roughly a million of these brave women and men stand at the ready, at home and in various far-flung bases across the globe, to defend the United States, protect our freedoms, and support our allies.

It may be one of those odd historical coincidences, or not, but exactly two years from the date of the founding of the first American national force, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution reading, “That the flag of the United States shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white in a blue field, representing the new constellation.”

Our distinctive and majestic flag, as you know, has evolved through various iterations into its current version, with its fifty stars and thirteen stripes of red, white, and blue, and continues to represent the democratic and egalitarian ideals which make America unique and a beacon of hope to so many throughout the world. Each June 14, on Flag Day, we have the opportunity to fly the flag and recognize the brave men and women who have taken the oath to defend our nation and uphold our national ideals and Constitution.

OC Pride Parade 2023

June marks the observance of Pride Month, inspired by the Stonewall riots of 1969. Pride Month has a long-observed history in California -- the first Pride march was observed in 1970 in Los Angeles. The celebration of Pride Month simultaneously offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards equality while also reminding us of the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community continues to face.

This year, I was once again pleased to be a part of Pride Month at the annual Orange County Pride Parade and Festival. This vibrant event featured a day of community events during which participants enjoyed music, entertainment, and access to a variety of resources. My staff and I were happy to be part of the annual Pride parade through downtown Santa Ana, passing out ice cream sandwiches to festival-goers enjoying the sunshine.

This year’s OC Pride Festival was truly impressive -- in fact, the largest to date -- and was a source of joy and positive energy for community members from throughout the county. At a time when the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are threatened around the nation, celebrations of Pride are a necessary source of affirmation and joy. In California, we are proud to recognize June as Pride Month and remain committed to the protection of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Retirement of CSUF President Framroze Virjee

On June 24, in CSUF’s Meng Hall, I was pleased to be able to play a role in the retirement ceremony for Fram Virjee, Cal State Fullerton’s esteemed and much-loved President. An embodiment of the upward promise of higher education, Fram championed the social justice issues of marginalized people all across America as an attorney for 30 years before directing his full heart and mind toward the betterment of the California State University system.

After three years serving in the CSU Chancellor’s Office, which administrates all 23 campuses in the university system, Fram was appointed president of Cal State Fullerton in 2017. In his five years as president of California’s largest undergraduate university, Fram spearheaded the transformation of CSUF’s campus, growth of its student enrollment, and a staggering 53% increase in graduation rate.

During his retirement ceremony, I had the honor of presenting Fram with a commendatory resolution from the California State Legislature, signed by the entire Orange County Legislative Delegation. I was joined in this honor by two of my district representatives, Nathan Bass and Scott Do, who are both proud CSUF alumni. Scott and Nathan joined me on stage and alternated reading passages of the resolution, taking great joy in celebrating the university president whose signature certified the diplomas of thousands of graduates, including their own.

In retirement, Fram and his wonderful wife Julie will be continuing work on one of their most heartfelt projects: improving the lives and well-being of Rwandans through their nonprofit Yambi Rwanda. Please join the Titan community in thanking Fram and Julie for their service, and wishing them a very happy and productive next chapter in their lives.

29th Senate District’s June 2023 Restaurant of The Month:

It was my privilege to recognize Eureka Pizza Company in Yorba Linda as the 29th Senate District’s June 2023 Restaurant of the Month.

Originally located in Seward, Alaska, Eureka Pizza Co. has brought a unique dining experience to North Orange County since opening in Yorba Linda in 2016. Steven and Patricia Bangos offer an extensive menu featuring hand-crafted pizza and Mediterranean cuisine. Steven strives to deliver the highest standards of quality, value, and service, reflected through Eureka’s commitment to premium hospitality and house-made ingredients.

Eureka Pizza Company offers more than just pizza -- it’s also an officially registered viewing venue for Washington State University Athletics, making it a preferred space to enjoy a meal and a game with Husky family and friends in a warm and rustic atmosphere.

29th Senate District’s June 2023 Citizen of the Month:

I was proud to present OC Read, an impressive and impactful literacy-tutoring program created and run by OC Public Libraries, as the 29th Senate District’s “Citizen of the Month” for June 2023.

As the literacy-tutoring program of Orange County’s public library system, OC Read is devoted to helping the thousands of adults in Orange County who currently read at a basic or below-basic level. Utilizing personalized tutoring strategies tailored to the needs of individual learners, as well as family-based curricula, OC Read has vitally assisted residents to improve their reading comprehension and communication skills. All together, these improved skills bolster the capacity of individuals to express themselves effectively, engage in civic activities, and capitalize on opportunities for economic advancement.

In recent reporting about the program, which you can read in the Voice of OC article “Turning the Page on Low Literacy Rates in Orange County,” the selfless work of tutors Tim Elmore and Cynthia Traino was profiled. A volunteer at the Cypress Public Library, Tim has participated in OC Read for four years, and he is currently tutoring his second mentee. As quoted in Voice of OC, Tim has said the program has allowed him to apply his professional experience from a career as an electrical engineer toward a noble and worthy goal as he transitions to retirement. Similarly, Cynthia, who tutors in Brea, is a retired educator of 38 years who has generously volunteered her time and immense knowledge to individually mentor three readers over the last five years.

Please join me in honoring OC Read, Tim, and Cynthia for their selfless efforts to improve the literacy of Orange County residents and outstanding contributions to the public good.

 

From Erica Lucia, District Director

“On July 25, I attended the 10th Annual World Refugee Day with Senator Newman, hosted by Orange County Refugee Forum. The afternoon was filled with inspiring stories and performances by a number of Afghan, Iranian, and Ukrainian refugees who have recently relocated to Orange County. Among the community-based organizations present was Access California Services, who Senator Newman secured $5 million for in last year’s state budget, which will fund the renovation of their new headquarters in the City of Anaheim. AccessCal provides wraparound support for refugee families, and offers services in 23 languages.”

From Nathan Bass, serving the cities of Anaheim, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and Placentia:

“Since taking office in December 2020, Senator Newman and his representatives from his district office have participated in grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for businesses all across Senate District 29. Weekly occurrences often organized with the assistance of local chambers of commerce, these ceremonies are inspiring testaments to the bold streak of entrepreneurialism running through our community. On Saturday, June 24, I was proud to present a certificate of recognition to Michael Duralde, a certified personal trainer and Placentia native, to commemorate the opening of his new gym EFCT Fitness in the City of Placentia. If you have entrepreneurial ambitions too, I encourage you to access small business resources from the federal, state and local government at ociesmallbusiness.org.”

From Scott Do, serving the cities of Fullerton, La Habra, Stanton and Walnut:

“It was an honor to attend the 35th anniversary of the official designation of Little Saigon as a business district in Westminster last month. As a first generation Vietnamese-American, it is incredibly inspiring to witness the progress that the Vietnamese people have made in the United States. Not only is Little Saigon a cultural destination for the thousands of Vietnamese-Americans living throughout the country, but also a global destination for the whole world. 35 years ago, if you asked someone if they knew what phở or what Tết was, they would have no clue. Now, Vietnamese culture is very much a part of the greater cultural fabric of our community. Here’s to another 35 years.”

From Elizabeth Lavezzari, serving the cities of Cypress, La Palma, Rowland Heights and West Covina:

“On June 12, I had the pleasure of joining the Cypress City Council in recognizing this year’s Cypress Citizens Academy graduates at the City Council meeting. As part of this annual program, residents participate in a seven-week course to learn more about their local government and its operations. Cypress is one of several cities in Orange County that offer this program. It’s a great opportunity to practice civic engagement and community involvement (while also meeting some of your neighbors!). Congratulations to this year’s graduates and thank you to city staff for making the Academy possible!”

From Sheen Sidhu, serving the cities of Buena Park, Brea, Industry and Yorba Linda:

“This month, I had the privilege of taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony for Lestonnac Clinic’s new surgery center. When completed, the surgery center will house two operating rooms, where volunteer physicians and surgeons will perform often-neglected procedures such as colonoscopies, hernia repairs, and eye surgeries for low-income patients regardless of health insurance coverage. Executive Director Ed Gerber took the first swing at demolishing a section of drywall labeled “Barriers to Healthcare,” signifying Lestonnac’s commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare. Thank you to Lestonnac for their continued service to our community, and special thanks to all the physicians who volunteer their time and services to make this possible.”

 

Water Safety

Childhood drowning is the leading cause of injury death for California children ages 1 – 4 and the second leading cause of injury death among children ages 5 – 14. Be prepared this summer with the following tips to keep children safe from accidents:

Summer Meals Program

School may be out for summer vacation, but kids ages 0-18 can still receive meals (including breakfast, lunch or snacks) at no cost. No paperwork, identification, or income verification is required. Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find a summer meals site in your community, or click here.