Hello neighbors.
Increased gun safety, reduced energy costs, better mental and physical health for homeless people and expanded ways to address climate change are among my proposals Governor Newsom signed into law before the deadline. from last Friday.
Other successful measures during my last term in the Senate include strengthening inland water quality standards and promoting ways for low-income residents to obtain health coverage.
Because Californians demand safer streets, a healthier environment, better schools, and easier access to health insurance for working families, I’m happy to end my legislative career the way I started: working tirelessly on behalf of Californians seeking a better quality of life.
Here, in order of bill number, are summaries of my key legislative achievements in 2022:
SB 529 – Transmission Construction Streamlining
This measure will accelerate the construction of essential power lines and promote clean energy to fight climate change.
SB 774 – Emotional Support Dogs
This law will allow homeless people to bring their pets with them when they are admitted to a publicly funded shelter program.
SB 786 – Blockchain Technology
Counties can now provide vital records through blockchain technology, a secure and highly convenient process for the average person to access their vital records.
SB 891 – Stormwater Permit
This pro-environment bill improves the state’s stormwater management by closing gaps in existing legislation to bring businesses into compliance and improve water quality.
SB 903 – CDCR Report on Homelessness
This legislation responds to efforts by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to meet the housing needs of people recently released from custody, including people with serious mental health issues.
SB 967 – Access to Health Care
This patient-friendly measure allows taxpayers to indicate on their annual tax return if they want additional information about their low-cost health care options.
SB 973 – Additional State Payments
Residents of modest means will receive greater financial support under this plan to streamline payments and reduce bureaucracy in the state of California’s Supplemental Income Program.
SB 989 – Property Taxation
This new law will prevent unintended tax increases when homeowners move, whether they are elderly, disabled or forced to move due to a natural disaster.
SB 1157 – Indoor Water Use Standards
Supported by state and national environmental groups, SB 1157 builds on California’s success in improving water efficiency by updating standards for indoor residential water use.
SB 1174 – Clean Energy Infrastructure
Supported by the Environmental Defense Fund as well as the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and many others, this eco-friendly law directs state energy agencies to improve transmission planning to deliver energy that California depends on to achieve its goal of becoming 100% clean. energy by 2045.
SB 1254 – Clean Drinking Water
This removes barriers to providing clean drinking water to all Californians, including approximately 1 million Californians who currently do not have access to it.
SB 1327 – Gun Safety
This first law in the country will help end gun violence by allowing individuals to sue those who supply certain dangerous firearms.
SB 1340 – Solar Property Tax Reform
This eco-friendly bill will reform taxes related to the construction of new active solar power systems to help ensure that more green energy projects are built in our state.
My other successes this year include securing $150 million to green schools statewide and, as cited in several recent heart of the valley Editions, has secured $24 million to help fund several programs and community groups in the San Fernando Valley.
For additional news you can use, scroll down to learn more about free pet licensing and adoptions, falling COVID infections, and MORE.
Now tell me what’s on your mind. Contact us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my email, or call my office at (818) 901-5588.
Be well, stay safe and remember we are all in this together.
Bob Hertzberg
VALLEY NEWS
(PHOTO CREDIT: LA County Animal Care and Control)
FREE PET LICENSES, WAIVER OF ADOPTION FEE NEARLY ENDED
The Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Department reminds residents that pet adoption fees and licenses are waived through October 31 for residents of the City of San Fernando and Hidden Hills. To access pet records to see if licenses are up to date, click HERE or call (562) 345-0400, or email DACC at [email protected]
(PHOTO CREDIT: California Grants Portal)
JEWISH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ELIGIBLE UP TO $200,000 FOR SECURITY
The California Nonprofit Security Grant Program secured $50 million in public funding to help Jewish nonprofits improve their security. Eligible groups can receive up to $200,000, and the deadline to complete a security assessment and apply for a grant is 5 p.m. on October 28. Application materials can be found HERE and should be submitted by the deadline to [email protected]
(PHOTO CREDIT: LA County Health Services)
COVID CASES IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA CONTINUE TO DECLINE
The number of daily COVID-19 positive patients in Los Angeles County hospitals fell below 500 this week, a significant decrease from the previous week. Regulations and guidelines are becoming more lax as cases decline, but authorities are still encouraging residents to get vaccinated and minimize the risk of exposure by wearing a mask and only participating in outdoor activities . More here.
(PHOTO CREDIT: LAUSD)
LAUSD BOARD MOVES TO DEMAND MORE GREEN SPACES ON CAMPUSES
Because shadeless asphalt playgrounds exacerbate extreme heat, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education just approved a resolution that will require all campuses to have a minimum of 30% green space by 2035 This good news follows the successful efforts of Senator Bob Hertzberg. this year to acquire $150 million in new state funding for greener schools. Canopies of trees, plants and outdoor learning spaces are among the features that will be added to these playgrounds to create safer environments for students. The district said it would prioritize green spaces on campuses that have the highest percentage of asphalt.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Grainger.com)
THE RECOVERY DISTRICT SPEED DAMPER PROGRAM
Starting yesterday, October 6, Los Angeles residents can once again request speed bumps be installed in their neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Speed Hump program. Officials are accepting new applications with new funding that allows the department to complete existing projects and start new ones. After residents apply, the LA Department of Transportation will conduct a technical review to ensure the street is eligible. Factors to consider include the speed limit, incline, width, and drainage conditions on a street. Submit an application HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Caltrans)
SYLMAR’S ROXFORD I-210 STREET RAMPS CLOSED UP TO 45 DAYS
The California Department of Transportation has closed the Interstate 210 Roxford Street westbound on- and off-ramps at Sylmar for up to 45 days to complete repaving work. Residents and local businesses near the highway may experience noise, vibration and dust associated with construction activities.
Closing the ramps will provide additional space for teams to pave the far right lane. This is the last long-term ramp closure planned for the project.
Motorists are advised to use an alternate route during the closure. All closures are weather dependent and subject to change. Drivers are encouraged to check traffic conditions before departing for their destination by visiting Caltrans QuickMap.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Home Depot)
THE GRANADA HILLS HOME DEPOT PROJECT IS ON HOLD
Representatives from Home Depot Corp. have applied to the Los Angeles Planning Department to build a new Home Depot at North Hills Center, 16830 Devonshire Street, Granada Hills. Public hearings are ongoing. If approved, the store would be 136,000 square feet and replace the local Regency Theater, as well as several other stores to the west of it. More here.
REMEMBER, WE ARE A TEAM
I appreciate hearing from you. If you have a specific question or concern, or a story to share about the valley, please click here to email me or call my office at (818) 901-5588. You can also join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
(heart of the valley is a free weekly email newsletter from Senator Bob Hertzberg. Subscribe HERE. Submission of articles for VALLEY NEWS, VALLEY ACTIVITIES or other suggestions are welcome and can be sent to [email protected]).