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Dear Friend and Neighbor,
Hard to believe, but we’re finally in the last month of a very eventful 2021. Recapping all that’s transpired since I took office last December would be an encyclopedic undertaking, so I’ll spare your inbox and instead give you the usual rundown of some of the work my office has done over the past month. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, I am, as always, grateful for this opportunity to serve as your state senator. Thank you for allowing me that privilege.
Depending on what field or industry you’re in, December has its own energy. As a public servant, it’s wonderful to feel the warmth and cheer of the holidays as I make my way around the communities that I proudly represent. At the same time, there’s also a certain level of tension in the air, as we ponder what the new year is likely to bring: a new legislative session that must still make allowances for managing through the pandemic; my own legislative package (which I look forward to sharing with you); a continued need to address some of the persistent social and economic issues and challenges created by the pandemic; and, not incidentally, the completion of the once-a-decade legislative re-districting process. My staff and I somewhat anxiously wait to learn the shape of our district in the new year, but regardless of any and all changes to the legislative map, I will always continue to represent you to the very best of my ability.
During this last month of 2021, I hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. If I may be of any assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 714-525-2342 or online at https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/contact.
All the best from my family to yours this holiday season,
Josh Newman
Senator, 29th District
Help Shape California: Governor Appointments Workshop
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, is charged with appointing more than 3,000 people to nearly 300 boards and commissions, ranging from the Coastal Commission to the Medical Board to the Film Commission. If you’ve ever wanted to be more engaged in the state’s affairs in a particular area, applying to serve on a state board or commission is a satisfying way to participate in civilian and professional representation, agency oversight and policy implementation.
California is continually in need of public servants with varied backgrounds and perspectives to serve and represent regional, statewide and industry issues and concerns. If you’ve ever been curious about gubernatorial appointments or are learning about this opportunity for the first time and desire more information, I invite you to join me, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva and the Governor's Appointments Secretary as we demystify the process. We’ll discuss how to get started, what you should know before you apply and best practices for filling out your application. We’ll also address any questions that you may have.
Who: Senator Newman, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva and the Governor’s Appointments Secretary
What: Governor Appointments Workshop
When: Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
Where to Participate: Via Zoom (Webinar ID: 834 4687 9504) or via Facebook Live
Have questions? Submit them in advance to: Erica.Lucia@sen.ca.gov
For more information on appointments, please visit https://www.gov.ca.gov/appointments/
Shining New Light on a Forgotten War
On Veterans Day, I had the honor of participating in the dedication ceremony of the Orange County Korean War Memorial, held in Hillcrest Park in Fullerton. This memorial is the first of its kind in the country to memorialize the names of all 36,591 U.S. residents who gave their lives in the defense of South Korea during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1953.
This wonderful new memorial was the end product of the unyielding dedication and relentless efforts of the Orange County Korean War Memorial Committee, which over the past several years has rallied support from the Republic of Korea’s government, the City of Fullerton and countless members of the local Korean and Korean-American communities to bring this very admirable project to completion.
With the dedication of the OC Korean War Memorial, we here in Southern California are now able to pay proper tribute to a generation of U.S. military veterans who served and sacrificed, and whose memories have too often been obscured under the shadow of the “Forgotten War.” Every name etched on the five star-shaped installations that comprise the full monument represents a life and a legacy reminding us not only of the price of freedom, but of the women and men whose acts of extraordinary bravery make their devotion all the more important to honor.
Operation Gobble
This past Thanksgiving, my office and other legislative offices in the region partnered with Suburban Water Systems in support of its annual “Operation Gobble” turkey distribution program. Every year, as a joint philanthropic project, Suburban Water Systems and local state legislators come together to deliver turkey donations to food banks, non-profits and other charity organizations across the region.
Through a collaboration with the city of Stanton, the Walnut Valley Unified School District, Red Dragon Karate of Diamond Bar, and United Neighbors in Dignity of Anna Drive, my office distributed 100 turkeys to families across the 29th Senate District so that they, too, were able to enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.
A huge round of applause to Suburban Water Systems for coordinating an exceptionally fun and well-organized donation and distribution event, and for allowing my office to participate and extend a hand to people in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.
S.O.S: Critical SoCal Blood Supply Shortage
COVID-19 continues to affect all sectors of our lives, with especially serious consequences for the medical community. Hospitals across the country continue to experience a critical shortage in their emergency blood supplies, and though the American Red Cross works feverishly to meet the demand for blood, donor turnout at this time of year is unfortunately at a record low. If you are healthy and eligible, I strongly encourage you to make a blood donation to help patients who require immediate emergency care. In a short couple of hours, with a minimum of inconvenience or pain, you could very well save a life.
Below is a list of upcoming December blood drives in Senate District 29. To search and sign up for other blood drives in the region, please visit: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
2120 Valencia St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Room Name: Cultural Hall
Drive Code: LDSRH
Brea Masonic Center
Thursday, December 9, 2021,
Thursday, December 23, 2021, and
Thursday, December 30, 2021
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
500 E Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821
Room Name: Dining Hall
Drive Code: 1TRBR
Placentia Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
849 Bradford Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870
Room Name: Key Center
Drive Code: PPC
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Thursday, December 16, 2021
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
2351 E. La Habra Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631
Room Name: Gym/Rec Room
Drive Code: LDSlahabra
Brea Gateway Center
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
9:45 AM - 4:15 PM
305 W Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821
Room Name: Bloodmobile
Drive Code: BreaGateway
Frazier Martial Arts
Thursday, December 23, 2021
1:45 PM - 08:15 PM
759 E. Whittier Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631
Room Name: Bloodmobile
Drive Code: Frazier
Walmart Supercenter
Monday, December 27, 2021
8:15 AM - 2:45 PM
1000 E Imperial Hwy, La Habra, CA 90631
Room Name: Bloodmobile
Drive Code: 90631
Alta Resources
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
8:00 AM - 08:00 PM
950 Mariner St, Brea, CA 92821
Room Name: Shiloh Room
Drive Code: ALTAR
You would be hard-pressed to meet a more upstanding, compassionated, or devoted person as John Guillen, our current SD-29 “Citizen of the Month.”
In 2016, the city of Chino Hills established Chino Hills Champions, a special needs activity program and team that participates in seasonal sports leagues and Special Olympics events. When John learned about the program, he immediately volunteered as a coach. At the time, he already had 14 years of experience coaching special needs teams and had been volunteering regularly for organizations assisting individuals with disabilities. Chino Hills Champions represented another opportunity for John to continue to expand his work to advance inclusivity and provide encouragement, opportunities and inclusive fun for the special needs community. Along with community services coordinator Vanessa Badosa, John helped to energize the program by coaching athletes across a broad rotation of sports, including basketball, bowling, soccer and baseball.
Every week since then, John has worked with the athletes he supports on the shared endeavor of stimulating confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and social skills. While Chino Hills Champions takes part in the Special Olympics every year, the broader community which supports it, developed through a shared love of sports and reinforced by John’s seemingly boundless energy and open heart, is what keeps athletes coming back to participate season after season.
In addition to serving as a volunteer coach for Chino Hills Champions, John is also active in the Chino Hills AYSO Challenger League, Pomona Valley HoopStars, and the Canyon Hills Little League. I’m extremely pleased and proud to be able to honor John Guillen as Senate District 29’s latest “Citizen of the Month” for his passion and dedication to the special needs community. Congratulations to John!
Do you have a neighbor, colleague, family member or friend who is making a positive impact in our community? If so, we’d love to hear more about their work. Each month, I'll continue to recognize and honor constituents in the 29th District who are doing extraordinary work. You may submit your nominations here: https://tinyurl.com/g5oq7fqb
This month’s SD-29 Restaurant of the Month is OC Wine Mart & Deli of Yorba Linda, owned and managed by wife and husband Julie and Farid. The work of breathing new life into local spaces can be a monumental undertaking - just ask Julie. Revitalizing a low-traffic business area takes firm direction, knowledge and resolve.
Julie Lim is no stranger to the world of small business and all of its many challenges. After graduating from USC Law School, Julie discovered her real passion was for entrepreneurship. Over the past two decades, Julie has owned and operated multiple small gift shops while also honing her skills as a manager and a marketer, including the digital marketing strategies that have allowed her to enjoy stunning success in transforming old liquor stores into “must-visit” neighborhood wine bars.
In 2010, Julie and Farid opened their first OC Wine Mart. They since have opened additional locations in Yorba Linda, Orange and Aliso Viejo. With 32 different wines on tap available for self-sampling at their Yorba Linda location, Julie and her team of wine specialists urge customers to taste across the spectrum of wine varietals, from Zinfandels, Grenaches and Nebbiolos to Moscatos, Rieslings and Viogniers in search of the perfect vino.
What sets their family business apart from other wine and liquor stores is OC Wine Mart & Deli’s impressive selection of gourmet sandwiches, cheese platters, artisanal flatbreads and other treats to enhance that special wine tasting and shopping experience. Live music graces the scene on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. I challenge you to find another neighborhood liquor store that allows you to shop, drink and eat while enjoying such a relaxed and convivial ambiance.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a lover of artisanal meats and cheeses (or both!), OC Wine Mart & Deli should be at the top of your to-visit list. In addition to premier wines and delicious gourmet sandwiches, OC Wine Mart & Deli also specializes in corporate gifting, wine club subscriptions and catering. Support small businesses this holiday season of all kinds, and do make time to swing by OC Wine Mart & Deli at 4925 Yorba Ranch Road Yorba Linda, CA 92887 to find your favorite festivity in a bottle!
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
Meals on Wheels OC: Combatting Senior Hunger and Loneliness
Throughout the year, but particularly during the winter season, homebound seniors may have difficulty making and preparing meals on their own. As the weather becomes colder and the days become shorter, seniors also may experience an increase in loneliness and isolation. If you or a loved one is 60 years of age or older and are homebound due to illness, disability or lack of mobility (have difficulty shopping and/or preparing meals and do not have family or friends to rely on for regular meal support), Meals on Wheels OC offers a variety of programs to combat senior hunger and isolation. While low-income seniors are given priority, all income levels are eligible and services will be available to everyone who qualifies.
Meals on Wheels OC offers the following services:
- Home delivered meals (HDM): three nutritious meals a day, five days a week.
- Quarterly wellness assessments at home or by phone with a Meals on Wheels OC case manager.
- Home safety modifications and assistive devices to help keep home a safe place.
- Basic personal care and homemaking assistance (for qualifying participants, when funding is available).
- Referrals to community services, such as caregiver respite, home health evaluations or other needed services.
In addition to home delivered meals (HDM), seniors may receive meals at participating senior centers as a part of Meals on Wheels OC’s Lunch Café program. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on Wheels OC has converted the Lunch Café program’s on-site meal service to a “Grab & Go” frozen meal pick-up program. See available locations, days and times here: https://www.mealsonwheelsoc.org/covid-19-lunch-cafe/.
Meals on Wheels Orange County serves the following cities in Senate District 29: Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma and Stanton. To request a Meals on Wheels service, submit a web inquiry form or call 714-220-0224 to begin the intake process.
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