Dear Friend and Neighbor,

The late American author and naturalist Hal Borland got it right: “July is a blind date with summer.”  In your typical year, a Californian summer is its own unique and precious thing.  This year more so than ever, with so many Californians working hard to make up for lost time as the weight of the pandemic continues to lift.  Indeed, it’s an exciting and slightly nervous time for California.  Seemingly minor, personal decisions we each make will frame the way we view and experience the pandemic as it gradually tapers off.  As you ponder over the merits of mask vs. no mask, traveling vs. staying home, perhaps even whether to get vaccinated, please keep in mind that we are all part of the same social whole, and that the decisions we make have consequences not only for each of us but for all of us in the end.

With summer activities in full swing, including the return of long-awaited Fourth of July celebrations, I hope you and your loved ones stay healthy, hydrated, and safe.  And while my district office in Fullerton remains closed to the public for in-person service under the COVID protocols still in place, please know that you are always welcome to contact my staff at 714-525-2342 or https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/contact about any issues you’re experiencing with state agencies or programs.  My team and I will be more than happy to assist you in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Spanish.

All the best,

Josh Newman

Senator, 29th District

P.S.: In the spirit of the Fourth, which I hope you enjoyed this past weekend, here’s a small pop quiz for you history buffs/enthusiasts out there: True or False?  The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776.

As you may recall, in my last newsletter I detailed the priority funding requests I submitted for the district this year.  I asked for additional state funding to preserve West Coyote Hills, the last remaining substantial open space in North Orange County.  I also requested funds to extend and expand the North Orange County Public Safety Task Force, a successful 10-city collaborative that is working on regional solutions to homelessness, youth violence, and the challenges associated with post-incarceration re-entry in Orange County.  In partnership with Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, as the budget deadline came closer, we made one more ask, for $2.75 million for the City of Fullerton’s Hunt Library Revitalization Project.

The origins of this library present a fascinating lesson in Fullerton history.  Commissioned by industrialist Norton Simon and designed by famed architect William L. Pereira, the Hunt Library was a partner project to the Hunt Center, the new headquarters for Hunt Foods, which was located in Fullerton.  When Norton Simon moved his extensive art collection to Pasadena with the construction of the Norton Simon Museum there, the library building was donated to the City of Fullerton and opened to the public in 1962.  With striking elements of the International Style -- simple materials, rectilinear lines, repeated modular patterns -- the 10,500-square-foot building is an exemplar of the modernist movement in architecture and a unique contribution to Southern California’s build environment.

Norton, who envisioned the Hunt Center and Library to be a tranquil, cultured setting for Hunt workers and library visitors, loaned works from his own private art collection to be put on display at the library and its grounds.  The Hunt Library was a bastion of arts and culture during this time, and it’s safe to say that it would have followed a decidedly different trajectory were it not subject to an unfortunate series of events.  In 1990, the ConAgra corporation acquired the entire Hunt Center, and in 1996, it closed the Hunt-Wesson food processing plant, laying off over 300 workers.  In 2000, the Hunt headquarters building was sold to Grace Ministries International, which occupies the space today.  The Hunt Library remained as a Fullerton Library branch until it closed in 2013 due to a lack of funding, and was leased to Grace Ministries International.

Amidst talks of selling off the property, many Fullerton residents opposed the loss of such a historical public landmark.  A committed and resourceful “Save the Hunt” group partnered with a city Library Ad-Hoc Committee to preserve the library and ensure that it remains a source of cultural enrichment for the broader community.  In 2019, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva secured funding to begin the revitalization of the Hunt Library.  This year, she and I jointly submitted a request for an additional $2.75 million to complete the library’s revitalization and kickstart its future arts and culture programming with services that will commence in Spring 2022.

This Year’s Budget Funding Requests: How’d We Do?

I’m pleased to report that we did exceptionally well -- all three of my priority funding requests have been included and funded in the Budget Act of 2021, as follows:

• $7.8 million to extend and expand the North Orange County Public Safety Task Force,
• $28.5 million to preserve West Coyote Hills, and
• $2.75 million to revitalize the Hunt Library

This year’s funding requests addressed a “trifecta” of local issues around public land, public safety, and public enrichment.  Securing this funding will make it possible for our district to take bold initiatives in a variety of ways that ensure the preservation of our environment, create appropriate solutions to critical local challenges, and restore the education and practice of arts and culture in everyday life.

It’s important to emphasize that my priority funding requests for the coming budget year would not have been made possible without the effective input and advocacy of residents and civic leaders throughout the 29th Senate District.  Your active participation really does lead to active political representation. Please know that I remain as committed as ever to making sure your voice is clearly heard in Sacramento, and that as your representative I happily welcome your views and suggestions on how to further improve this wonderful district in which we live.

Making a Splash in La Habra

As proof of the impact these kinds of efforts can yield, in 2018, I worked with the City of La Habra to secure $1.2 million in funds in the FY 2018-19 budget for two “splash pads” to provide recreation and heat relief to the city’s children and families.  On June 25th, I had the pleasure of participating in the opening of the second of the two splash pads, in Brio Park (the other is in Oeste Park).  It was an absolute thrill to see just what a positive impact these projects are having as it opened to an enthusiastic reception from a throng of very happy La Habra kids and their families.

This month, I had the privilege of recognizing not one but two outstanding individuals as June 2021’s Citizens of the Month: Jay Williams, founder and Executive Director of OC United, and Amy Gaw, OC United’s Director of Foster, Adoption, and At-Risk Youth.

When they say the energy of a single person can serve as the impetus for great change, they’re probably talking about individuals like Jay Williams.  Jay, the former pastor of EV Free Church in Brea, envisioned a united Orange County that could face and address some of the region’s most pressing challenges together.  To do that, he founded OC United to catalyze and empower the local community through collaboration with local residents, businesses, and faith-based congregations to work on much-needed civic projects.  With programs like THRIVE and RESPITE, along with Citywide Service Days (colloquially known around these parts as “LoveFullerton”, “LoveBrea”, “LovePlacentia”, etc.), OC United has become a leading catalyst and coordinator of public service efforts tackling homelessness, domestic violence, foster care, and community engagement.  Through his efforts, Jay is leading the way for our community as an agent of transformative social progress.

Amy Gaw is equally impressive in her work and advocacy.  As Director of OC United’s Foster Care Initiatives, Amy is taking aim at the core of policy gridlock to target the challenges facing at-risk youth on two ends.  Consider this very sobering fact: within 18 months of their emancipation (that is, when they turn 18 and “age out” of the foster care system), 40-50% of former foster youth become homeless.  At age 24, only around half of these young individuals will be gainfully employed.  To address this cyclical problem, OC United’s RESPITE program offers resources for foster families and children, while its THRIVE program gives support to former foster and current at-risk young adults.  Amy’s stellar leadership is helping individuals and families rediscover hope, purpose, and value by restoring the agency and stability that are lost as a result of flaws in the foster care system and the pressures of homelessness.

True to its name, OC United stands as proof that real civic improvement can be achieved through the combination of individual leadership and the collective effort of the entire community.  I’m grateful for their wonderful work and proud to be able to recognize them both as SD-29’s citizens of the month for June.

Do you have a neighbor, colleague, family member, or friend who is making a positive impact in our community? If so, I'd love to hear more about their work. Each month, I'll be honoring constituents in the 29th District who are doing the kind of extraordinary work that Jay and Amy are doing. You can submit your nominations here: https://tinyurl.com/g5oq7fqb

The re-opening of California’s economy has led to a flurry of activity for Californians, particularly on the eating front.  After a year and a half of over-proofed bread and questionable slow cooker concoctions, we’ve all begun returning to our favorite local restaurants and rediscovering the joy of pausing life to sit down and savor good food with friends and loved ones.  My staff, all with ravenous appetites, have also roamed the area for local hotspots that sate their thirsts and enthrall the senses.  So committed were they that they even scheduled a lunch meeting for me at the top contender spot.  The votes are now in (drumroll please): I’d like to introduce you to Miirch Social, our June 2021 Restaurant of the Month.

Not everyone is a connoisseur of Indian cuisine, but whether or not you’re familiar with dal, vindaloo, or tikka masala, you'll agree that this restaurant’s dishes are phenomenal.  Miirch Social impressively blends the bold and rich characteristics of traditional Indian cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere to create an exceptional dining experience in the heart of downtown Fullerton.  To borrow the words of my district director Martin, whose enthusiasm matches his eloquence: “this place is amazing.”

Owner Jesse Singh, Vice President Vijay Rajput, and General Manager Maxwell Crane have established Miirch Social as a great new downtown destination for innovative, globally-inspired Indian cuisine and creative cocktails. By now, it probably goes without saying that you should probably visit its downtown Fullerton location at 138 W Commonwealth Ave and have a taste for yourself. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite locally-owned restaurant in the 29th Senate District? We'd love to hear about it. Submit your nomination for Restaurant of the Month here: https://forms.gle/Xpvguqgafi4R3Jv27

It’s very difficult to fit the entirety of a month into a newsletter.  Much to the dismay of Tiffany on my staff, who compiles staff highlights for the newsletter, my district team considers everything they do to be part of each month’s “greatest hits.”  Whether they’re working in the field or in the office, my district staffers’ days are filled with constituent interactions that, when stacked up, create a rock-solid foundation for accessibility and service.  If you’ve ever played Jenga, you understand the crucial nature of a single Jenga block.  Every event or meeting, regardless of size, is an opportunity to connect with residents of the 29th Senate District.  Having said that, let me share with you some of the highlights of my district team’s June 2021 efforts:

On June 13th, my staff and I (along with many other offices) attended Anaheim’s 26th Annual Flag Day Processional to commemorate the official adoption of the US flag in 1777 and to celebrate its enduring symbolic essence.  As you can see from the photo, it was a festive and thoroughly patriotic event, as well a great way to pay homage to our flag and the brave men and women who defend it through service in America’s armed forces.

On June 15th, Erica and Martin attended the Brea Police Department’s “Badge Pinning Ceremony” celebrating the promotions of Sergeant Eric Frank, Sergeant Richard Wildman, Lieutenant Tony Barbosa, Captain Philip Rodriguez, and Chief of Police Adam Hawley.  In the presence of colleagues and loved ones, each officer was promoted to his new rank through a symbolic, age-old badge pinning ritual.  The new positions these officers hold reflect the personal sacrifices and contributions they’ve made to protect the peace, justice, and safety of our community.  A big congratulations to Sergeant Frank, Sergeant Wildman, Lieutenant Barbosa, Captain Rodriguez, and Chief Hawley!

On June 17th, Nathan attended a tour of the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.  This was the first public tour of the base since the start of the pandemic 16 months ago.  The base is home to over 40 major tenant organizations, and supports more than 6,000 drilling reservists from the Guard, Army Reserve and other branches.  Many law enforcement and other first-responder agencies train at Los Alamitos.  Colonel Richard Lalor (CSG) and Los Alamitos Councilmember Dean Grose led the day’s tour. Representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Michelle Steel and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva were also in attendance.

On June 18th, Tiffany (who I’m told doesn’t like to drive on freeways), made an arduous, local-streets-only trek from Fullerton to the City of Industry to attend a street sign unveiling ceremony for “Mayor Dave Way.”  This official designation is in honor of longtime mayor Dave Perez, whose vision of creating a thriving commercial hub for retail, industrial, and manufacturing businesses grew into the City of Industry we know today.  It was a particularly touching event for Mayor Dave’s loved ones, who had the honor of personally unveiling the new street sign before an appreciative crowd.

On June 19th, to commemorate the designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, Nathan and Scott joined Supervisor Doug Chaffee from the OC Board of Supervisors and Anaheim city leaders at the Anaheim Community Center Park to host an information booth, offering assistance and state resources to constituents. As you can see, I was also there, in (two-dimensional cardboard) spirit.

The proceeds from sponsorships of this Juneteenth event were donated to the African American Alliance Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF).  The fund raises awareness of systemic racism and supports programs that advance African Americans in Orange County and surrounding communities.

On June 23rd, Scott and Martin attended the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce’s Board Installation Ceremony, where they congratulated new Chamber president Andrew Gregson and recognized the work of outgoing board members.  Retiring President Theresa Harvey was also honored with a joint state resolution, which my office presented together with Assemblymember Quirk-Silva’s office.

As the district slowly shakes off the effects of the pandemic, the Chamber continues to do its part to address the changing needs and concerns of North Orange County’s business community.  A heartfelt thank you to Theresa Harvey, whose years of leadership have provided clear direction and purpose for the Chamber and its strategic plan to prioritize business-friendly policies, community building, and workforce development.  And a warm welcome to Andrew, who will be succeeding Theresa and leading the Chamber in the implementation of new initiatives to continue the growth and success of local North Orange County businesses.

As the Legislature completes its annual budget cycle and moves toward the traditional July summer break, I want to take this opportunity to reiterate what a privilege and a pleasure it is to serve as your representative to the California State Senate.  For the past year, the pandemic and its aftermath have presented a series of unprecedented challenges for all of us in myriad ways, large and small.  As the darkness of the pandemic finally begins to yield to an ever-brightening future, California remains a big, complicated state with a host of problems needing solutions.  I’m committed to playing my part in finding smart solutions built on policies and not partisanship, as your advocate and with your help.  Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve.