Dear Friends,
2014 is a new year of partnerships and progress. Our state’s economy is improving, we are increasing support to our education system, and we are addressing long-term public safety issues. This SPRING newsletter provides information on the latest happenings throughout the 25th Senate District and in Sacramento. You can find more information on my website: http://sd25.senate.ca.gov. You can also “like” me on Facebook to access current news. Please also note that we have relocated my District Office to a new address in Glendale: 1000 North Central Ave, Suite 240, Glendale, 91202. Our phone numbers remain the same.
-Senator Carol Liu
Community Schools National Forum
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Senator Liu with Kent McGuire, CEO of Southern Education Foundation, and Pedro Sagarra, Mayor, Hartford, Connecticut, at the Community Schools National Forum
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I was honored to be invited to address educators from 36 states at the Coalition for Community Schools National Forum in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 10th. Over 1400 education and community leaders gathered to discuss building community partnerships to accelerate school reform, improve academic success, and strengthen families and communities.
Community Schools strategies are growing nationally and across California. Building on my Community Schools statewide bus tour last October, we have seen an increased focus on the benefits of cross-sector collaboration aligning the efforts of schools, local government, non-profits, and the business community. I was invited to attend this national conference with my education policy advisor, Ed Honowitz, who is working with stakeholders to build a California Community Schools network.
The forum featured community and statewide efforts that have demonstrated positive outcomes such as increased attendance, improved access to healthcare, reduced truancy and suspension rates, and improved academic success and college attendance rates. Schools alone cannot meet the range of challenges our students and families confront. However, aligning the resources of local communities and coordinating the delivery of social services and enrichment opportunities can maximize the effective and efficient use of our limited resources.
The National Forum was a learning opportunity for education and community leaders from across the country. Experts shared information on family/school partnerships, building statewide networks to promote community schools, ending the school-to-prison pipeline, and building partnerships to meet the workforce demands of the 21st century. Promoting community school strategies continues to be a central theme of my agenda for improving the public education system.
For more information see:
http://sd25.senate.ca.gov/education/community-schools
2014 Legislation Update
This year my legislative package includes bills that protect consumers, address public safety issues, support seniors, and continue improving the quality of education in California:
- SB 827 will help prevent property sale fraud and protect homeowners and renters in Los Angeles County. When the County records a notice of default or notice of sale for a home, the occupants will receive a notice in the mail. Residents will know that a home is being sold, foreclosed on, or is possibly involved in a fraudulent transaction. This is an extension of a bill that I previously introduced a few years ago. Status: Senate—In Floor Process—Third Reading
- SB 833 will allow inmates in a county jail to voluntarily delay their release until daytime to make sure they have safe travel or transfer arrangements to a substance abuse treatment center, homeless shelter, reentry housing, or other facility. Status: Assembly—Pending Referral
- SB 914 will create an additional hardship exemption, at the determination of the court, for people over the age of 65 as well as for Dependent Adults. This exemption will permit a plaintiff in a small claims action to submit declarations to serve as evidence and will allow another individual to appear on behalf of the plaintiff. Status: Senate Judiciary Committee
- SB 1023 will enable community college districts to establish supplemental services within the existing Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program to meet the unique needs of foster youth. Status: Senate Appropriations Committee
- SB 1055 will create a funding channel for the development, expansion, and renovation of school-based health centers and, will authorize health education program grants. SB 1055 will leverage school and community resources to focus on the needs of the whole child and his or her family. School-based health centers can form the core of a community schools strategy. Status: Senate Education Committee
- SB 1123 increases access to infant and toddler care, family support services, and full-day state preschool services by directing a portion of the projected $350 million cost savings created by an expansion of the existing transitional kindergarten program to programs that serve children from birth to three years of age. Status: Senate Appropriations Committee
- SB 1189 will create a California Working Family Tax Credit equal to 15% of the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. This credit will strengthen the economic standing of families across California and make work pay for those in low-wage jobs. This will put California in line with twenty-five states and the District of Columbia that already have their own earned income tax credits. Status: Senate Governance and Finance Committee
For more information on my legislative agenda, please visit my website at:
http://sd25.senate.ca.gov/legislation
PCC Cash for College Workshop
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Senator Carol Liu with Pasadena Councilman John Kennedy, Pasadena City College President Dr. Mark Rocha, and other administration members.
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This February, I partnered with Pasadena City College to host a Cash for College Workshop. The workshop provided free assistance by financial aid experts for families completing the FAFSA, Cal Grant, and California Dream Act applications. Over 650 families received scholarship information and many students filled out their applications on site!
The California Student Aid Commission organizes workshops throughout the state and provides financial aid information to parents and students. For more information on future Cash for College Workshops, please visit: http://www.calgrants.org/index.cfm?navId=16
Drought
California is experiencing the most significant drought in recorded history and Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency. To address the water shortage, the legislature passed and the Governor signed emergency drought legislation, SB 103 and SB 104, which provide $687.4 million in funding to assist drought-affected communities in effectively managing local water supplies. Funding priorities include:
- Helping communities efficiently capture and manage water,
- Securing emergency drinking water supplies for drought-impacted communities, and
- Addressing housing and food needs for drought-impacted workers.
Distribution of the drought funds include:
- $549 million for infrastructure grants for local and regional projects that are already planned or partially completed to increase local reliability;
- $20 million for direct expenditures and grants to state and local agencies to improve water use efficiency;
- $14 million for groundwater management across the state;
- $10 million to invest in irrigation and water pumping systems that reduce water use, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions;
- $10 million for a grant program to implement water efficiency projects
- $15 million to address emergency water shortages due to drought;
- $13 million to augment the California Conservation Corps and local community conservation corps to expand water use efficiency and conservation activities
- $25.3 million to maximize the potential federal drought assistance that can be provided to provide food assistance to those impacted by the drought; and
- $21 million for housing related assistance for individuals impacted by the drought.
For more information on the drought and water conservation tips, please visit:
www.saveourH20.org — tips on how to conserve water
www.bewaterwise.com — water saving resource page
www.socalwatersmart.com — rebate offers on conservation of water
Common Core Roundtable Overview
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Senator Carol Liu at a Common Core Roundtable
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The Common Core standards are a set of academic standards for K-12 school districts that focus on critical thinking, mathematics, and English. Forty-four states have adopted the standards as a pathway to achieve a high quality, consistent education throughout the United States, and prepare students for college. Previously, each state developed its own set of standards, which led to a wide disparity in achievement and learning experiences.
I remain committed to providing the tools and information that will help our school districts deliver a quality education. To assist in the transition to common core, I host regular roundtables with superintendents and education leaders in Senate District 25 to discuss Common Core implementation and teacher support systems. Earlier this year, Joe Willhoft, executive director of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, spoke to the round table about next generation assessment systems for students. Joe spoke in front of a packed audience of educators at Royal Oak Middle School. For more information about my Common Core roundtables please visit my website at: http://sd25.senate.ca.gov/education/common-core
Women of the Year
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The 2014 Women of the Year (from left to right) Margaret Mgrublian, Jan Sanders, Sister Terry Dodge, Senator Liu, Anita Gabrielian, Caron Nunez
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Each year State Senators honor women in their districts who have made unique and often unsung contributions to their communities. This March, I was pleased to recognize five outstanding women as the 2014 Women of the Year. The Honorees were:
- Caron Nunez, La Crescenta. Caron is the president of the Lincoln Training center, a private, not-for-profit organization that facilitates successful employment partnerships between businesses and people with disabilities.
- Anita Gabrielian, Glendale. Anita is the Regional Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T. She is serving her fourth term on the Glendale Community College Board of Trustees.
- Jan Sanders, Pasadena. Jan is the Director of the Libraries and Information Services for the City of Pasadena. She is active in the American Library Association, where she has served a variety of roles including national chair for Federal legislative action, membership chair and governing Council.
- Sister Terry Dodge, Claremont. Sister Terry is the Executive Director of Crossroads, Inc., a residential treatment program for formerly incarcerated women.
- Margaret Mgrublian, Pasadena. Following her career in the electronics industry, Margaret has dedicated her time and resources to causes that inspired her, including Mother’s Club, AIDS Service Center, Cancer Support Community, Haven House, and St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church.
For more information about the Women of the Year, please visit my website at:
http://sd25.senate.ca.gov/news/2014-03-03-senator-carol-liu-honor-women-year-2014
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Event
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Senator Liu staff member Nareene Karakashian (second from the right) presented certificates of recognition to certified Tzu Chi Foundation volunteer tax preparers
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According to a report by the New America Foundations, over 800,000 Californians left $1.2 billion dollars in tax credits go unclaimed just in 2009 alone. These tax credits can provide much needed relief for working families. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit designed for low and moderate income working individuals and families.
To raise awareness of the EITC, I partnered with the Tzu Chi Foundation and Citrus College to host a free tax event for families and individuals. Certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) professionals provided free tax preparation assistance and free electronic filing for those making under $52,000 year. I look forward to hosting future ETIC events next year.
This session, I introduced SB 1189 to create a California state EITC that will provide more support for working families and help increase the rate of filing for federal tax credits.
For more information about the Earned Income Tax Credit, please visit:
http://www.irs.gov?Individuals?EITC,-Earned-Income-Tax-Credit,-Questions-and-Answers
Read Across America
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Senator Liu reading to students at Bret Harte Elementary School
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March 3rd was the National Education Association’s “Read Across America” day. Celebrated near the birthday of the late Dr. Seuss, “Read Across America” highlights the importance of reading in our schools. All across the country, our schools, libraries, and community centers bring books and students together for an event that is dear to my heart. As a former teacher, I always enjoy going back to the classroom and reading to our future leaders!
For more information about the Read Across America, please visit: http://www.nea.org
Police Chief Roundtable
To provide a forum and bridge the gap between state policy changes and communication with local law enforcement, I host quarterly roundtables with police chiefs and law enforcement leaders in Senate District 25. This March, we held our Spring roundtable at the Pasadena Police Station. Topics of discussion included: AB 109 implementation and issues, communication across law enforcement agencies, and rehabilitation/reentry of community programs.
For more information about my police chief roundtables, please contact Daniel Cedeno, District Representative, at Daniel.cedeno@sen.ca.gov
Small Business of the Year
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Karen Klemens, owner of the Mother Moo Creamery
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Each year, the California Small Business Association recognizes small businesses from across California. I am happy to announce that Karen Klemens, owner of Mother Moo Creamery in Sierra Madre, has been named the Small Business of the Year for Senate District 25.
Mother Moo Creamery is a small-batch ice cream shop that specializes in local, organic ingredients. In 2012, Mother Moo Creamery was named one of the top 10 best ice cream shops in Los Angeles weekly. Congratulations, Karen!
To view information on small business resources, please visit the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA), at:
http://www.business.ca.gov/Programs/SmallBusiness.aspx
Small Business Advisory Council
To advise me on small-business-related issues, I have assembled a small business advisory council consisting of local business leaders across Senate District 25. The council discusses and engages in strategic opportunities that will advance business development in the region. This April, I invited Jim MacLella, Director of Trade Development for the Port of LA, to lead a discussion on how the San Gabriel Valley can increase international trade. We often forget the impact of the ports and how vital they are to our economic growth. California alone has nearly one million jobs related to trade through the Port of Los Angeles. I will continue working with our Chambers of Commerce, my small business advisory council, and other entities to identify and address the needs of our business community.
For more information about my small business advisory council, please contact Talin Mangioglu, my District Director, at 818-409-0400, or talin.mangioglu@sen.ca.gov
Asian Tiger Mosquito
The Asian tiger mosquito is a particularly dangerous mosquito that has resurfaced in the San Gabriel Valley. This species is known to transmit dengue fever and encephalitis to people and heartworm parasites to dogs and cats. These black-and-white striped mosquitoes can breed in a tiny amount of water and their eggs can remain dormant for years, springing back to life when re-exposed to water. Please report Asian tiger mosquito sightings, daytime bites, or breeding sources immediately to your local Vector Control District. The Vector Control Districts in the region are:
- Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, 562-944-9656 (City of Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, La Canada Flintridge, San Marino)
- San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control, 626-814-9466 (Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Duarte, Bradbury, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont)
- City of Pasadena Department of Public Health, 626-744-6004 (Pasadena)
- San Bernardino County Vector Control, (909) 635-0307 (Upland)
For tips on how to prevent mosquito infestations, please visit:
http://glacvcd.org/Contents/Vector-Services-Info/Asian-Tiger-Mosquitoes.aspx
Monrovia High School’s “Kings and Queens” Robotics Team
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“Your Highness” the Robot
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Congratulations to the Monrovia High School robotics team for their entry into the First Tech Challenge Robotics World Championship! The First Tech Challenge robotic tournament promotes STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) through a competition in which student teams build robots to compete in performing a variety of tasks.
Monrovia High School’ “Kings and Queens” team is comprised of Amanda Sullivan, Melissa Johnson, Emma McIntosh, Jordan Nunez, and Nicole Miller. Physics teacher Tom Dobson was the team advisor. The Monrovia High FTC robotics after-school program is one of many STEM programs run through Monrovia High School, and it is supported by the Monrovia Schools Foundation.
For more information about the World Championship, please visit:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/FTCWorldChampionship
Upcoming Events
Foster Youth Town Hall
Senator Liu will host a foster youth town hall on Saturday, May 31st at All Saints Church in Pasadena. This town hall will provide information on employment and education resources, financial aid, and housing for foster youth. For more information, please contact Joyce Roys-Aguilera, District Representative, at:
Joyce.Roys-Aguilera@sen.ca.gov.
