Asm. Schiavo's June in Review
We have BIG NEWS to share with you! I am proud to announce that this week, the Legislature passed an on-time balanced budget that provides for the health, safety, and general welfare of all Californians. AND we are fortunate to be bringing back over 20 million dollars of state budget investments into our community for infrastructure improvements for our schools, water districts and to address our homelessness crisis. This is one of the largest awards of district resources to any Assemblymember in the state and we are thrilled to be a part of bringing home the investments our district needs.
Given the size of our shortfall this year (nearly $32 billion), I am pleased that we were able to finalize this budget without having to dip into reserves or raise taxes, while maintaining priorities like affordable housing and addressing the ongoing homeless crisis. I am especially proud that the budget will include $82.5 million to implement the intent of our bill, AB 1208, to cover out of pocket costs for Covered California enrollees stuck paying for healthcare they can’t afford to use. Making healthcare accessible and affordable for all families is crucial in our effort to make sure people don’t go bankrupt paying doctor bills, and this bill goes a long way to ensuring that’s a reality.
This is a budget reflecting our values: prioritizing housing, healthcare, solutions to homelessness, education, job creation, and protecting our environment. In particular, I am pleased that the budget prioritizes spending on homeless programs, including an additional $325 million to support the Multifamily Housing Program and $50 million for the CalHome Program.
I look forward to seeing the Governor sign the final budget in the coming days and putting these dollars to work for our community!
Onward!
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo
IN THE DISTRICT
Meeting With Captain Diez & Sheriff Station Tour
Earlier this month, I joined Captain Diez for a tour of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station. During our visit, we had a meaningful discussion about the current challenges facing law enforcement and our community including the great need for access to mental health services, solutions to homelessness and creating safe communities. Together, we will continue to advocate for solutions that build a safer AD40 community.
Emergency Preparedness Fair & Workshop
Thank you to all who came out to our Emergency Preparedness Fair & Workshop! As we approach fire season, there's no better time to get prepared. Appreciate Office of Emergency Services, Red Cross LA, MySafe:LA, City of Santa Clarita Emergency Operations, California Highway Patrol: Southern Division and others for making it great!
Celebrating Juneteenth With NAACP Santa Clarita
We had a great time attending the 1st Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, hosted by NAACP Santa Clarita.
I am proud to stand with the community in commemorating this important milestone to finally end slavery in our country and to join in honoring Ira Rounsaville & Isiuwa Aimiuwu for their service to the Santa Clarita Valley.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Our office had an incredible time at Pride at the Park in Castaic! Big thanks to LA County Parks for organizing this empowering event at the Caustic Sports Complex. Shout out to PFLAG SCV for their dedication to creating a safe and accepting community!
It was a pleasure to participate in this year's LA Pride Parade as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere was electric, as people from all walks of life came together to embrace love, diversity, and equality. It was an honor to march alongside Equality California and fellow advocates, community members, and allies; standing united in our commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.
Our office had an amazing time at the first ever SFV Pride march last weekend! We are proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and will continue working towards a more inclusive future for all! Thank you to Senator Menjivar and San Fernando Valley LGBTQ Center for organizing a spectacular day for the Valley!
We will carry the spirit of Pride beyond the parade and continue our work to champion equality and ensure that every individual feels valued and respected. You are loved, today and always.
New Interns
We have some exciting news to share - our office is growing with the new interns who have joined our team! As they embark on their journey, we are dedicated to providing them with the necessary support and guidance they need to make a positive impact within our community. Stay tuned for updates on the amazing projects and initiatives our interns will be spearheading!
Community Hike With the Sierra Club
Thanks to everyone who joined me and the Sierra Club for a fantastic community hike at the Placerita Nature Center! We explored, learned, and connected with nature lovers. We are hosting community hikes throughout our beautiful San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys and hope you’ll join us on the next one. Let's continue to protect and cherish our environment for generations to come!
Young Community Leader Award
It is with great pride and admiration that I announce the recipients of our First Annual Young Community Leader Award. This prestigious accolade is a testament to our awardees' unwavering dedication to our community, their compassion for their peers, and their remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Their outstanding achievements and contributions to our community make us all immensely proud.
To our Young Community Leader Award recipients, as you continue to shine brightly, I encourage you to keep leading with passion, empathy, and a commitment to positive change. Your enthusiasm and drive inspires us all, and I have no doubt that your future endeavors will continue to make a profound impact. Congratulations once again, young leaders!
Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and the Environment 35th Anniversary
In celebration of SCOPE's 35th anniversary, we commend their grassroots efforts in promoting, protecting, and preserving the environment, ecology, and natural habitats of the Santa Clara Valley.
Constituent Services Success Story
Our District Office is here to help you navigate our state agencies - which can sometimes be challenging. One of the most common issues our office handles is assisting constituents to resolve their issues with the Employment Development Department (EDD) for their Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Paid Family Leave.
We are delighted to share one of our recent success stories from one of our constituents, Tien, who reached out to our office for assistance with her daughter's EDD case.
Tien was facing challenges in getting her daughter's identification verified and in order to process her application. Despite her efforts to call, she was unable to connect with a live person at EDD to address these issues. Our office was able to intervene on Tien's behalf and successfully resolved the situation.
"Although I had previously uploaded identification for my daughter's EDD claim, EDD was not completing her application. With Pilar Schiavo's office's help the claim issue was rectified within one week and my daughter was able to receive her unemployment benefits." - Tien
We are thrilled to have been able to assist Tien and her daughter in navigating the EDD system, and receiving their much-needed financial support – including back pay from the time she spent attempting to reach EDD.
We remain committed to supporting all our constituents however we can. You can reach out to our office for assistance.
SACRAMENTO UPDATES
Non-Profit of the Year
I am thrilled to announce that SRD Straightening Reins has been recognized as the Non-Profit of the Year for Assembly District 40! Their impactful work in bringing mental well-being and hope through equine therapy is truly inspiring. I encourage you to visit their website at srdstraighteningreins.org to learn more about their powerful story and purpose.
UC Davis Labor Center
I was happy to host UC Davis' new Labor Center and their first summer interns. I’m so proud that my friend and former colleague is a founding associate director of this new and exciting center to support good labor policy work here in Sacramento.
Northridge 6th Grader Leads State Bat Designation Effort
Naomi, a remarkable 6th grader from our district, is leading the charge to designate the pallid bat as our state bat. Her passion for our local ecosystem and conservation is truly inspiring!
I am proud to vote for Senator Menjivar's bill SB 732 and make this designation together.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
July 7, 14, 21, 28 - Porter Ranch Summer Movie Nights: 7:30 p.m.
Shepherd Church - 19700 Rinaldi St. Porter Ranch, CA 91326
July 8 - Hard Day's Night: A Tribute to The Beatles: 5 p.m.
27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
July 20 - Senses Block Party: 7 - 10 p.m.
Main Street, Old Town Newhall
July 27 - Chatsworth Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce ICE Breaker: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
St. John Eudes Church - 9901 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311
August 12 - Back to School Bash: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Gledhill Elementary, 16030 Gledhill Street, North Hills, CA 91343
STAFF UPDATES
Team Pilar wants to take a moment to celebrate an incredible woman in our office who had a birthday in June — Miriam! As my amazing and brilliant Senior Assistant, Miriam is an invaluable part of our team and we could not do our work without her. Happy Birthday Miriam!
I am thrilled to introduce two exceptional additions to our team who will play pivotal roles in serving our community. Join me in extending a warm welcome to Furkan Yalcin, our new Communications Director, and Uzoamaka Aniezue, our new Field Representative. Furkan brings a wealth of expertise in effective communication strategies, ensuring that we can better engage and inform you about important legislative updates, community events, and initiatives. With Uzoamaka's passion for public service and extensive knowledge of our district, she will be instrumental in connecting with constituents, addressing their concerns, and working collaboratively to effect positive change in your everyday lives. Together, our dynamic team is committed to serving you with the utmost dedication and efficiency.
