Dear Friends,

Senator Bradford at the Lawndale "Pirate Day" Parade

As your State Senator, and longtime member of this community, it is my duty to keep you updated and abreast of all the work I am doing, not only in and around the district, but also inside our State Capitol.  Over the past few months, we have all witnessed the senseless killings of unarmed African-American men at the hands of law enforcement, as well as dangerously divisive language from our Commander- and-Chief. This type of rhetoric does nothing to reduce the amount of violence and power that is imposed on everyday Californians.  I am confident that the hateful statements and harmful actions do not define or speak for most Americans, but together, we can build a bridge of understanding which can reinvigorate the spirit of a community that has made this state a leader in the nation and now the fifth largest economy in the world.

With May well underway, the bills I have authored this year are making their way through the Legislature.  Below is an updated list of my bills.  I hope that you reach out to both my District and Capitol offices with any input and support you may have, and we'll be keeping you updated throughout the process.  As always, thank you for reading and see you soon!
 

KJLH Radio Proven Achievers Awards

On Friday, March 2^nd, I attended the KJLH Proven Achievers Awards, at The LA Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. This event recognizes those who have sparked inspiration, and have embraced the Los Angeles community with a level of compassion and empathy neccesary to make an undeniable impact.  This year's honorees come from a variety of backgrounds and professions and include:

Actress and Comedian Sheryl Underwood, Khloe Thompson, Cynthia Davis, Metro President Phillip Washington, PUC Commissioner Carla J. Peterman, and Erich "Coach" Balls.  Attendees enjoyed listening to vingettes as honorees shared their personal motivations and goals, to change the lives of others.

Following the awards ceremony, I was able to gather attendees of the awards ceremony for a picture to acknowledge the release of Black Panther, and the meaning and true significance of the film.  Congratulations to these great community leaders, and thank you KJLH for putting together another top-tier event.
 

Local 1138 47^th Annual Firefighters Spaghetti's Dinner and Bake Sale

On Saturday, March 10^th, I attended the 47^th Annual Firefighters Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale in Torrance. The proceeds from this event benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch California Burn Foundation Summer Camp for burn patients.  Over the past years, the Torrance Firefighters Association has raised over $206,000 for burn survivors at Champ Camp.  Events like this showcase the impact community efforts have on our children suffering from traumatic experiences. 

I also had the opportunity to speak with the Torrance Firefighters Association, including President James Duarte, Torrance School Board Member, Teri Ragins, and my close friend, Mayor of Torrance, Pat Furey.  The Torrance firefighters have not only kept members of our community safe, but for the last 47 years, they have made a concerted effort to improve the lives of children. 

Thank you, city of Torrance and Local 1138 for your continued civic leadership. 
 

Senator Bradford Tours LAX

On Tuesday, March 27^th, I toured the LAX airfields and met with CEO Deborah Flint and staff. We discussed the airport's modernization plans, including the much awaited Automated People Mover project and the Consolidated Rent-a-Car facility. Mrs. Flint's leadership has been evident in her development of an innovative airport and unified staff culture.  I look forward to more great things coming out of LAX and her staff.  Thank you for your tireless work and commitment to keeping LAX as one of busiest and successful hubs in the Nation. 
 

Dedication Ceremony for the MLK Memorial Tree Grove

On Saturday, March 31^st, I had the honor of being invited to attend the ribbon cutting for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Tree Grove dedication at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Park in Baldwin Hills. The 15,000 square feet grove is engraved with MLK's picture and inspirational quotes.  It is set in a scenic view of downtown Los Angeles, and will certainly serve as a tranquil place to meditate and reflect on Dr. King's impact on our great nation.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas served as the master of ceremonies during the program, and we joined hundreds of attendees marching to the top of the park's property to admire the monument.  We were also blessed by having Reverend James Lawson, Jr. who was with Dr. King the day of his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee participate in the ceremony.  Dr. Lawson was the architect of the civil rights nonviolent movement, and was pivotal in planning the strike for Memphis sanitation workers, who were fighting for fair wages and safe working conditions.

Congratulations to the Baldwin Hills Conservancy for making their vision a reality and providing the community with a constant reminder one of our nation's greatest leaders.
 

Council of Black Administrators (COBA) 43rd Annual Black Child Conference/Scholarship Luncheon

On Saturday, April 14^th, I attended 43^rd Annual Council of Black Administrators (COBA) Black Child Conference and Scholarship Luncheon.  The theme of this year's conference was, "Dreams Achieved! Empowering Mindsets and Skill sets." The event began with a conference that included 24 workshops that provided empowering words and resources for all the conference attendees.  The highlight of the day was the celebration of 23 amazing students who each received $2,000 academic scholarships at the luncheon, and will be used as these students embark on their journey's to earn a college degree. 

Organizations such as COBA, that cultivate and support the next generations leaders, are essential to building community and also encourages talented students to return to their communities and do the same.  Thank you for the invitation and I look forward to hearing the great things these students will accomplish.
 

Senator Bradford Receives the Visionary Leadership Award

On Saturday, April 28^th, I received the Visionary Leadership Award from the Drew Child Development Corporation. The Drew Child Development Corporation (Drew CDC), a private, nonprofit organization located in South Los Angeles, is dedicated to the education and well-being of at-risk children in the metropolitan Los Angeles, area.  Since 1987, Drew Child Development Corporation has been a staple in communities throughout South Los Angeles, delivering a comprehensive array of services to over 10,300 children and families annually. Drew CDC's mission is to prepare the children of Watts-Willowbrook, Compton and South Los Angeles to succeed and thereby strengthen our community's future.

As the son of a nurse, I am well aware that resources and access to competent health care is a struggle facing many communities of color, and something I have advocated for all of my life.  Drew CDC has helped countless families in Los Angeles by providing health services which are not often available to disadvantaged communities.  Being acknowledged by such an impactful organization is a great honor, and an accomplishment that I will certainly cherish. 
 

Senator Bradford's Bill Expands Eligibility for Victims of Crime

This legislative session, I authored Senate Bill 1232, which will extend the time period in which a young person, who has been the victim of a crime, can submit an application for compensation with the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB). 

Very few individuals and families who are victims of crime, are even aware that the CalVCB exists, and that they may be eligible for compensation.

SB 1232, which was approved by the Senate Committee on Public Safety, the Senate Committee on Appropriations and passed by the full Senate body on the Floor, will be heard next in the Assembly. 

Specifically, this bill extends the time period in which a young person can submit an application from 3 years after their 18^th birthday to 3 years after their 21^st birthday.  Youth under the age of 18 and young adults between 18 and 24 are particularly vulnerable following victimization.  It has been proven that trauma as a result of being a crime victim, can have damaging consequences to brain development.  As we know, this has lasting and rippling effects on entire families and communities, who sometimes may never recover.

The money received from the Victims' Compensation Board will provide much needed financial support for youth who have missed work or school, and pay for counseling, therapy, and education or hospital bills.  Ultimately, this bill will help prevent a cycle of crime and victimization, helping individuals, families, and communities heal. 

For further information on who is eligible and how to apply, please visit The California Victim Compensation Board or call 1-800-777-9229.
 

2018 Legislation

Public Safety

• SB 978: Transparent Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures  - Requires local law enforcement agencies to post on their websites all policies and procedures that they must already make available, under the existing California Public Records Act.
• SB 1232: Providing Support for Victims of Crime - Extends the time period in which a young person can submit an application to the California Victims Compensation Board from 3 years after their 18th birthday to 3 years after their 21st birthday.
• SB 1279: Restoring Sentencing Proportionality - Simplifies California's complex web of sentencing laws to maximize the safety purpose of sentencing and restore greater proportionality in sentencing. 

Taxes & Local Economic Development

• SB 789: Inglewood Revitalization Project  - Grants a CEQA process streamline for the City of Inglewood Revitalization Project, which will protect existing housing while enabling the construction of the Los Angeles Forum, Rams Coliseum, Clippers Arena and related public transit infrastructure. 
• SB 343: Income Tax Relief for Carousel Housing Tract Residents - Grants residents of the Carousel Housing Tract in Carson, CA, relief from state taxes on payments made to them by the Shell Oil Company as it temporarily relocates them to clean-up toxic substances from beneath their homes.
• SB 1082: Late Fee Relief for State Taxpayers - Grants taxpayers a one-time late fee waiver if they fail to file or pay their taxes on time.

Business and Economic Development

• SB 1294: Cannabis Collaboration and Inclusion Act - Ensures that individuals with diverse backgrounds, from underserved communities, or who have been disproportionately impacted by the "war on drugs" are able to participate in California's now legalized, cannabis industry. 

Labor

• SB 617: Preventing Racial Discrimination in Workers' Compensation  - Prevents racial discrimination by prohibiting the use of genetic history as a consideration in workers' compensation cases.
• SB 1412: Removing Employment Barriers for the Rehabilitated  - Ensures that job applicants with an expunged criminal history are not denied employment for a position, if the crime they committed is irrelevant to the job.

Energy, Utilities and Communications

• SB 1110: Preventing Public Utilities Stranded Assets - Protects taxpayers from the outstanding bond debt of certain public power plants, which were built to increase reliability after the energy crisis.
• SB 1135: Expanding the California Alternate Rates for Energy program - Allows more disadvantaged families to participate in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program by directing the California Public Utilities Commission to include families deemed low-income in high-cost areas.

Health

• SB 1268: Preventing the Practice of Patient Brokering - Prohibits the practice of "selling" patients to addiction treatment centers and programs, also commonly referred to as "patient brokering," and authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and take action against those who violate this provision.

Governmental Organization

• SB 1283: Supporting the Growth of Local Brewpubs  - Expands the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's, Type 75 license to allow brewpub-restaurants to sell their products for off-site consumption and donate their products to non-profit organizations.

Elections

• SB 1250: Clarifying Elections Law - Further reinforces current law by clarifying that for purposes of holding office, the "domicile" of a Member of the State Legislature is to be determined solely by the operation of the conclusive presumption that their domicile is the address at which they are registered to vote (within current district boundaries).