Senator Newman’s June 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

It goes without saying that civics education is fundamental to the foundation of our democratic society.  Only by knowing and understanding how our government works can the public participate in the lawmaking process and our shared endeavor to make California a better, more prosperous place in which to live.

How many members are there in the California State Legislature? If members can only serve 12 years in the Legislature because of term limits, is that 12 years in each house, or 12 years between both houses? If laws go into effect on January 1 of each year, what happens if the Legislature passes a law on January 2?

These questions didn’t come from a civics or citizenship test. They were just some of the questions asked by the obviously bright and impressively well-informed students of Karen Unger’s 4th grade class at Pantera Elementary School in Diamond Bar, whom I had the pleasure of welcoming to the Senate Chamber in Sacramento this past May.

Mrs. Unger, as she is known to her class, has clearly been doing an excellent job teaching civics and social studies at Pantera, educating her students on not just the broad dimensions of our state and federal governments, but the nuts and bolts of the legislative process. Based on questions and comments made about term limits, our state symbols, and the biggest issues facing California’s education system, I can report with confidence and pride that these Pantera Patriots were among the most knowledgeable and engaged future citizens I’ve had the privilege of hosting in the Capitol.

Educators like Mrs. Unger, who are going above and beyond both inside and outside of the classroom, are examples of how much can be accomplished when we empower our teachers with the tools and resources needed to mentor the next generation of leaders.

If there’s one lesson to be learned for the rest of us, it’s to get involved in our legislative process, no matter how young or old you may be. With that in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 714-525-2342 or https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/contact to ask questions and share your concerns. My office and I are always here to offer assistance.

P.S. I can’t end without answering the questions. We have 120 legislators—40 members in the Senate and 80 in the Assembly. Term limits apply across both houses. And in most cases, bills signed into law on January 2 (unless they include an “urgency” clause) will have to wait another 364 days to go into effect.

All the best,

Josh Newman
Senator, 29th District

 

 

More on civics: the end of May is the traditional legislative deadline for bills passing out of their respective “house of origin.”  In non-legislative speak, this means that for a bill to remain active in the legislative process beyond this point, it must have been presented on the floor and voted on by the entire house by now. If a bill has been passed out of the Senate, it will then proceed to the Assembly for further deliberation, and vice versa. Thus far, my team and I have had success in moving along the following pieces of legislation in my bill package, which will now be heard in the Assembly:

SB 248: The DUPE Act

In response to the ongoing drama surrounding the famously ethically challenged Congressman George Santos, SB 248 creates a legal basis for holding accountable California candidates who might similarly mislead voters by requiring candidates running for office to submit their prior education, military, and work history to the Secretary of State at the time of filing. SB 248 passed off the Senate floor 33-6.

SB 291: Recess for All

Research shows that recess and outdoor play is an essential component of childhood learning and development. SB 291 would ensure that every child in grades K-6 be afforded at least 30 minutes of recess daily and would disallow the withholding of recess as punishment. SB 291 passed with a vote of 37-0 on the Senate floor.

SB 386: Fixes to California’s Elections Codes

This bill makes various changes to the elections code in order to further secure, modernize, and streamline California election procedures. SB 386 updates the elections code by (1) extending the signature verification period for state petitions and recall petitions to 60 days, and county, city, and special district initiative and referendum petitions to 90 days; (2) mandating that certain notifications about electoral guidelines are afforded to candidates seeking to run for office; and (3) removing antiquated instructions that appear on the ballot. SB 386 passed off the Senate floor with a vote of 32-8.

SB 409: Video Ballot Statements Pilot

SB 409 would establish a pilot program in one or more California counties, in which voters will be able to view video versions of the ballot statements submitted by candidates running for election. Voters will be able to easily access these recordings by going to the website of their county elections office, or by scanning a QR code image on the county voter guide. SB 409 received a vote of 39-0 on the Senate floor.

SB 425: Hydrogen Pickup Truck Incentives

SB 425 would grant purchasers of hydrogen pickup trucks increased financial incentives and access to HOV lanes. It’s my strong belief that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (also referred to as FCEVs in academic and policy circles) will need to be part of the mix of vehicle choices offered to California drivers in order to meet the transportation needs of some of the so-called “hard-to-decarbonize” driver profiles. SB 425 passed off the Senate floor with a vote of 38-1.

SB 444: Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) Programs

SB 444 encourages California Community Colleges to establish Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Programs and creates a set of regulations that programs must follow in order to receive state funding. Under this bill, the successful MESA program will be codified into the California Education code, thereby providing the stability and ongoing evaluation necessary to best serve students across the state. SB 444 passed on unanimous consent off the Senate floor.

SB 484: Allowing Escrow Agents Flexibility to Work from Home

SB 484 will ensure that escrow agents can continue to work from home and enjoy the benefits of remote work while maintaining all other protocols and safeguards pertaining to this important market function. SB 484 received unanimous consent on the Senate floor.

SB 494: School District Governing Board Meetings

SB 494 requires district governing boards to use the regular meeting process, rather than convening a special or emergency meeting, when taking action to terminate a district superintendent and/or assistant superintendent without cause. SB 494 also creates a “cooling off” period after a school board election before the governing board may act to terminate a district superintendent or assistant superintendent without cause. The bill received a vote of 32-6 on the Senate floor.

SB 568: Bolstering In-State Recycling of Electronic Waste

To combat the environmental damages and health hazards that occur when electronic waste (also known as “e-waste”) is shipped overseas for disposal, SB 568 will require that exporters of e-waste look first for in-state recycling capacity prior to a decision to export. Not only will this legislation work to address the environmental problems that e-waste causes abroad, it will also bolster in-state e-waste recycling as the industry continues to advance new technologies and processes to safely and responsibly extract scarce and valuable raw materials such as gold, platinum, cobalt, and other rare earth elements from e-waste. SB 568 passed off the Senate floor 33-6.

 

A Visit to Orangeview Junior High

In addition to hosting those remarkable Pantera Elementary students in Sacramento, my staff and I also visited Orangeview’s AVID students on May 12, who ushered us through campus. We were greeted with a performance from the school’s band, then joined an assembly of around 100 students. After an introduction by Sean Fleshman, an Orangeview history teacher and Community School Teacher Lead, I spoke about my background and my role as Chair of the Senate Education Committee and took questions from this equally engaged and impressive group of students.

As an end-of-the-year project, 8th grade students had been asked to come up with ideas to improve their school, to be submitted to the Orangeview Community Schools Site Team Committee. So before wrapping up, I asked the students to share the ideas they had thought of on how they would improve their campus for future generations of students. One student touched upon the need for healthier meal options, while another proposed the addition of a free period that would allow dedicated time for studying, homework, and other assignments. Their responses were insightful and reflective of the very real issues students are facing, and I was duly impressed by the thoughtfulness and maturity with which they presented their ideas.

Following the assembly, I joined AUHSD district staff and Orangeview faculty for a roundtable conversation regarding their experiences as a community school and their goals for the future. Orangeview is one of 13 community schools within the Anaheim Union High School District that has received funding as part of the California Community Schools Partnership grant program, and their success has made Orangeview a model for other community schools to follow.

29th Senate District’s May 2023 Restaurant of the Month

It's my great privilege to have been able to recognize Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. in Fullerton as the 29th Senate District’s May 2023 Restaurant of the Month.

Qamaria sources their coffee beans directly from Yemen, allowing residents of Southern California the opportunity to sample the bold flavors of traditional spice-infused brews.

The Fullerton café recently celebrated its Grand Opening earlier this month and is the first Qamaria café on the west coast. Its owner, Azmi Alzandani, was inspired to establish a family-friendly and inclusive environment where Yemeni culture could be shared, with coffee at the center. The café features a bright, lively interior which beckons patrons of all ages and offers a space for socialization and leisure.

During your next coffee run, pair a Qamaria latte with a piece of caramel milk cake at 229 E. Commonwealth Ave., Suite E, Fullerton, CA 92832.

29th Senate District’s May 2023 Citizen of the Month

I was equally proud to present Nat Betancourt Arellano, coordinator of the Cal State Fullerton LGBT Queer Resource Center (LGBTQRC), as the 29th Senate District’s “Citizen of the Month” for May 2023.

Originally setting out to become a sports photographer, Nat studied communications as an undergrad at CSUF. During that time, they developed a clearer image of themselves and eventually refocused their studies on the field of student development. Singing the chorus of the Bee Gees track “More Than a Woman,” Nat reflected on their own experience navigating identity and how the mentors and resources they encountered at CSUF enabled a watershed of personal understanding. From the LGBTQRC, its leadership, and cohort of students, Nat said they received unconditional love that empowered them to fully explore and outwardly express their truest self for the first time. Nat tries to maintain that sense of joyful encouragement as the current coordinator of that same resource center.

On the first floor of CSUF’s Pollak Library, Nat proudly oversees the LGBTQRC, which serves as a vibrant and welcoming space for queer students and an educational resource for the entire campus community.  In addition to organizing specialized services and events for queer students, including the cherished annual Lavender Recognition graduation ceremony, Nat strives to educate the community about queer issues, providing LGBTQ+ ally training to hundreds of students, faculty, and staff. Nat also works closely with the Office of the President of Cal State Fullerton, assisting with campus-wide initiatives to enhance the culture and environment at the university. Through these efforts, Nat passionately seeks to improve the capacity of all Titans to understand themselves and relate with one another.

Please join me in recognizing Nat, our May 2023 Citizen of the Month, for their outstanding contributions to the campus community at Cal State Fullerton.

Submit your nominations for Restaurant of the Month here and Citizen of the Month here.

 

From Erica Lucia, District Director:

“On May 12, I had the honor of joining MOMS Orange County, the Fullerton Fire Department, Chevron, and G&M Oil to host a press conference to raise community awareness for California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Program, and spotlight the wonderful work that MOMS OC is doing to provide vulnerable mothers and families with critical education and resources, pre- and post-partum. This event was the result of wonderful collaboration between the above partners to make meaningful community investment in light of a tragic incident. I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the event, which you can read more about here.”

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

“Each year, AP Physics students at Sunny Hills High School participate in a boat design contest as part of their capstone project. Given the nautical expertise I have amassed while working in the landlocked 29th Senate District, one group of students rightly asked me to pilot their craft during the final water trials on May 22. After inspecting the vessel for its seaworthiness and integrity, I christened it as the SS Eureka and hoisted a Bear Flag atop the stern. My voyage was then set off from the little-known Port of Fullerton. Unfortunately, very shortly after embarking, the Eureka’s hull cracked, ending the journey and plunging me into the water. Even though the boat failed, and the water was cold, I had a blast participating in this local tradition.”

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

“This month, I had the privilege of attending CSUF Project Rebound’s annual graduation banquet. The program honored over 25 of their scholars who had overcome the vicious cycle of incarceration and the struggles that come along with it to achieve their bachelor’s and master’s degrees (with some not far off from receiving their doctorate).

Project Rebound has given many formerly incarcerated people the opportunity, support, and guidance to achieve their academic goals. When I first heard about this program and the good work they’ve been doing, I went to tell my old man, who had been in and out of the system during his youth. Having gone through the justice system, and having the odds stacked against him, he understood the value and the opportunity that this brought to people like him. Project Rebound was one of the reasons my pops decided to go to college, over 30 years later, and not only obtain an associate’s degree, but a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. As Senator Josh Newman’s district representative and as an alumnus of CSUF, I’m proud to work alongside the great folks at Project Rebound, and I’m proud of the accomplishments they have achieved despite the odds.

Thank you not only for your commitment to bettering lives through higher education, but for your stories and achievements, which have inspired people like my father.”

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

“On May 11, I had the pleasure of joining the Cypress School Board in recognizing several outstanding educators who are retiring this year. Our office presented certificates of recognition, along with Cypress Mayor Pro Tem Scott Minikus and representatives from the offices of other local elected officials. This special occasion fittingly coincided with National Teacher Appreciation Week. It was a great opportunity to congratulate and thank the retiring educators for their decades of service to students within Cypress School District. As the daughter of a third grade teacher myself, it was particularly meaningful to hear their stories and I wish them well in their retirements!”

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

“On Wednesday, May 17, I had the honor of taking part in the Zero Waste, Zero Hunger event with Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. In 2022, Ralphs and Food 4 Less donated nearly ten million pounds of food to local nonprofits as a part of the Zero Waste, Zero Hunger initiative, ensuring that Orange County families had access to nutritious food during a very challenging time. Working alongside my fellow legislative representatives and volunteers from Ralphs and Food 4 Less, we packed cabbage that was grown and harvested from SHFBOC’s farm for distribution to local food banks.”

From Selwyn Gibson, District Intern:

“On May 19, I had the honor to meet the amazing people who operate OC United at their HQ open house in Fullerton. They have distinguished themselves as community leaders who seek to give those who have fallen on hard times a positive way forward and provide family and community for those who don’t have it. Their passion and concern for the youth in their care as well as their desire to continue to move the organization to new heights should give us all hope and faith in the human capacity for good.”

 

 

I'm lucky to have the privilege of serving you. As always, please let my staff or me know how we may be of service.

To contact the member of my team responsible for your community, click on their name to send an email:

Fullerton, La Habra, Stanton and Walnut: Scott Do

Anaheim, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and Placentia: Nathan Bass

Buena Park, Brea, Industry and Yorba Linda: Sheen Sidhu

Cypress, La Palma, Rowland Heights and West Covina: Elizabeth Lavezzari

 

 

South Coast AQMD Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program

South Coast AQMD has established a residential Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program to offset the cost of an electric lawn mower. This program will be available to residents within the South Coast AQMD’s four-county jurisdiction.

Through the Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program, participants can purchase a new electric lawn mower either online or from a manufacturer-authorized retailer or dealer, including hardware and home improvement stores. The program will allow residents to turn in their old gasoline lawn mower to an approved dismantler for permanent destruction and receive a rebate based on the purchase price of a new battery-operated electric lawn mower.

The Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program will be implemented on a first-come, first-served basis and will provide up to $250 towards the cost of the battery electric lawn mower.

Medi-Cal Redetermination

The Department of Health Care Services would like to remind Medi-Cal recipients that the redetermination process has begun. Everyone’s renewal date is different. Keep yourself and your family covered—in order to maintain benefits, you must make sure that your local Medi-Cal office can reach you with important updates, and that your information is current and up-to-date. For more information and to sign up for alerts, visit KeepMediCalCoverage.org.

Guaranteed Income for Former LA County DCFS Foster Youth - BREATHE Extended

BREATHE Extended is a guaranteed income project that will provide 200 former Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services foster youth between the ages of 21 and 23 with $1,000 per month for two years. Guaranteed income is a supplemental and unconditional monthly cash payment given directly to individuals.

A special application period will open for qualified foster youth on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 6:00 AM until Monday, July 3, 2023, at 11:59 PM here. For questions, please contact (323) 736-2122 or Breathedcfs@sbaycenter.com.