Collecting Bill Ideas, Other News from Sen. Blakespear

Greetings!

This is an exciting time of year for me‚ because after wrapping up the legislative business for the year‚ it’s time to take stock‚ consider what we’ve done and then chart a path forward for next year’s legislative work.

In other words‚ it’s time to think more deeply about the problems we face in San Diego and Orange counties and in the entire state‚ and what more I can do to address them. I’m happy with the bills I got passed this year – and I am hoping the Governor signs them in coming days – but there is so much more to do!

What are the new laws we need to make California a better place? I welcome your ideas‚ and at the end of the newsletter‚ you can click on a link in the There Ought To Be A Law item to offer suggestions.

I will spend the next few months working with my staff to analyze all the ideas we have – and the ones I get from you – to determine which bills I should introduce next year. One reality about getting bills through the Legislature is that for larger bills there needs to be a coalition of supporters in order to demonstrate that the idea is a good one. So part of the work is talking with different organizations to assess and flesh out what ideas could generate that needed support.

Thanks for your input‚ and your partnership. I am here to serve you and tackle the biggest public policy challenges we face.

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Flames engulf Ortega Highway in Cleveland National Forest on day two of the Airport Fire in Orange County on Sept. 10. (Photo courtesy of the Orange County Register.)

Dangerous fires can erupt at any time in Southern California‚ and often without warning. The three large fires presently burning in Los Angeles‚ Riverside‚ San Bernardino and Orange counties offer a reminder of that.

In Orange County‚ the Airport fire started at about 1 p.m. on Sept. 9 in Trabuco Canyon. The blaze quickly spread north and east‚ jumping the county line into Riverside County‚ and evacuations were ordered. The fire burned homes along Ortega Highway‚ and in all‚ 160 structures have been destroyed and 34 have been damaged‚ according to Cal Fire.

As of this writing‚ the fire has engulfed 23‚500 acres and is 35 percent contained. I have tried to relay information about the latest developments with this fire‚ and disaster response and resources for those affected‚ through emails to constituents‚ thanks to the help of Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley and others‚ including the American Red Cross. I am immensely grateful for the highly professional firefighters and first responders who are on the front lines of the blaze.

For the latest on evacuations and road closures‚ go here for information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Also‚ the Red Cross is operating shelters in areas impacted by the Airport‚ Bridge and Line fires. Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find information on redcross.org‚ the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

The truth is we need to be ready to respond quickly to fire at any time. To learn more about how to prepare yourself‚ go here for tips from CalFire.

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The event included a wonderful assortment of appetizing dishes prepared by talented chefs.

I had an amazing time connecting with members of the North County African American Women’s Association (NCAAWA) at their 27th Annual Gentlemen’s Gourmet event this past weekend.

This annual cooking competition and fundraising event raises money for scholarships benefiting North County students. About 30 gentlemen chefs‚ both professional and amateur‚ showcased their culinary expertise and served their signature dishes‚ which were delicious!

I also loved NCAAWA’s commitment to sustainability by using paper cups instead of plastic‚ setting a great example for all attendees on how to be responsible and choose alternatives to plastic.

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With (left to right) Alma Smith‚ Lillian Adams‚ and NCAAWA President Robbie Calderon Hass at the Broadway Nights themed event.

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I joined Dr. Chad Nelsen‚ CEO of Surfrider‚ and Elizabeth Taylor‚ Surfrider Legal Counsel‚ to inspect the railroad tracks and the beach in San Clemente. Surfrider is focused on protecting the beaches of San Clemente‚ as well as in other places‚ along the rail line. I was glad to walk and talk with them and understand their issues. We have a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

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I learned a lot when I recently visited the DaVita Dialysis Center in Laguna Hills. Thanks to Jose Chavez (left) for the informative tour‚ introducing me to the patients and staff and explaining how they provide this incredibly important lifesaving care. Here Jose tells me about how the water is purified as part of the dialysis process.

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I was delighted to name Erica Alfaro‚ a first generation Latina and an award-winning author‚ as Senate District 38’s Champion of the Month for September.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month‚ which is celebrated each September‚ I am pleased to recognize Erica for her commitment to inspiring youth to pursue their education and persevere in overcoming barriers they may encounter to achieve their goals.

Erica’s journey – and her advocacy – is uplifting.

Erica was born in Fresno to parents who were farmworkers. She was raised in Tijuana until she was 13‚ when her family moved to Oceanside. She spoke no English‚ but her parents were determined to provide her with better educational opportunities in the United States.

Two years after relocating‚ Erica became pregnant at age 15 and dropped out of high school. Knowing that education was her best opportunity to improve her and her son’s life‚ Erica ultimately earned her high school diploma through a homeschool program.

In 2008‚ she enrolled at MiraCosta College‚ where she found a supportive and encouraging environment. Over the years‚ she continued her education‚ overcoming many personal challenges that included working a full-time job and raising a son with cerebral palsy as a single parent.

She eventually went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) in 2017 and two years later‚ a master’s degree in education. Her 2019 graduation photo‚ where she is depicted in her cap and gown alongside her proud parents in the Carlsbad strawberry fields‚ went viral‚ capturing the hearts of millions. (See below.)

Today‚ Erica Alfaro lives in Oceanside and is an international keynote speaker‚ an award-winning author and a passionate advocate for education. Through her powerful story of overcoming adversity‚ she continues to inspire audiences worldwide to pursue their dreams and never give up.

Thank you‚ Erica‚ for all you do!

 

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Did you know that suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‚ suicide claimed 48‚100 lives in 2021‚ almost double the 26‚031 claimed by homicides that year.

Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34‚ the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24‚ and the fifth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.

National Suicide Prevention Month is intended to raise awareness about this public health problem and to alert people to the resources available to them‚ if they are in a mental health crisis.

If you are in crisis‚ call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988‚ available 24 hours a day‚ 7 days a week. The Lifeline provides confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support is also available via live chat.

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The California State Capitol.

I pride myself in having assembled a strong team of dedicated staff to help me serve you.

Currently‚ I have an opening for a legislative director‚ and I am looking for someone with strong policy skills‚ a passion for legislating and a sincere desire to change the world.

The legislative director’s primary responsibility will be to develop and advance my legislative agenda. The salary range for this position is $7‚956– $15‚138 monthly‚ depending on experience. The job is based in Sacramento and the successful applicant needs to live there.

Minimum legislative experience of four years required. Interested applicants should submit their applications through the Senate Careers page. Any questions about the job should be directed to Jack Christensen‚ Chief of Staff‚ at Jack.Christensen@sen.ca.gov.

We Also Have Fall & Winter Internships

College students can get a close look at how government operates and what it’s like to work in public service by interning in my district offices. They also get valuable experience working as part of my staff team. Interns help our constituents resolve issues they experience with state agencies‚ and they learn about the legislative process and how public policies impact our communities.

We are accepting applications for both fall and winter. To apply‚ please send a cover letter and resume to my Senior District Representative Fernando Hernandez at Fernando.A.Hernandez@sen.ca.gov. Interns must be able to work 15-20 hours a week. These positions are available in my Encinitas and Laguna Hills district offices.

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The “All About Alzheimer’s” educational program will take place on Tuesday‚ October 1‚ 2024‚ from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center‚ 25925 Camino Del Avion‚ San Juan Capistrano‚ CA 92675.

This free program‚ in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter‚ will feature important discussions on “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” and “Healthy Living for Brain and Body.” Light refreshments will be provided and resource booths will be available to explore before and after the event.

If you are interested in attending‚ please RSVP today.

Do you think there should be a law about something? If so‚ click the button below and follow the directions to provide your suggestion. I want to hear your ideas! Last year a constituent’s ideas about the need to reduce stigma when a working mom needs to breastfeed while inside a state courthouses led to a bill that has already been signed by the Governor.

Send Suggestions

Thank you for your support. I am honored to serve you.

In partnership‚

Email me at Senator.Blakespear@Senate.ca.gov
Call my Encinitas district office at (760) 642-0809
Call my Laguna Hills district office at (949) 598-5850
Call my Capitol office in Sacramento at (916) 651-4038