Greetings from Senator Bradford

Dear Friends,

I hope you have been enjoying summer, spending quality time with family and friends, and staying cool. The triple digit weather across our state has helped fuel the wildfires blazing throughout many California counties, so please be mindful of the dangers and of anything that could ignite a fire. In addition, it is also important to conserve energy in the summer months. I understand the heat can be uncomfortable and unbearable at times, but when possible, conserve energy. This will help prevent rolling power outages.

As summer recess closes, the Legislature reconvenes, and we hit the ground running - analyzing, debating and voting on hundreds of pieces of legislation for the 2017-2018 legislative session. Although it was legislative recess in July, I was busy working and connecting with you all. In this summer edition, I will provide you with a recap on a few of the many events I attended and led, in and around Senate District 35, as well as a give you a quick overview of the bills I am working to get signed into law this year. 

As always, do not hesitate to reach out to my District or Capitol offices if you need assistance, would like to provide input on state policy, or get information on community or capitol events.

Best wishes,


 

Steven Bradford
Senator, District 35

Senator Bradford's Housing Summit & Resource Fair

On Saturday June 23^rd, I hosted a Housing Summit and Resource Fair at El Camino College. Hundreds attended to learn about housing affordability and development. My colleague and friend, Senator Jim Beall, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, participated as the keynote speaker discussing our state's housing crisis and what we are doing in the Legislature to address the problems at hand.

According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, the median California home is now priced two and a half times higher than the median national home. By 2017, a typical California home cost $560,000, a purchasing cost higher than houses sold in Massachusetts or New York. Similarly, rising rent costs are forcing more and more citizens into homelessness.

In order to start defeating this crisis, myself and my colleagues developed legislation Last September, Governor Brown signed a package of 15 bills to address the lack of supply and accessibility to clean, affordable, and safe housing. One bill signed in particular was Assembly Bill 1505, which I acted as a principal co-author of, and allows cities and counties to require that a portion of units in market-rate housing be set aside as affordable.

Following Senator Beall, three separate panel discussions were held with expert presenters such as Darrell Simien, Senior Vice President of Habitat for Humanity in the Greater Los Angeles Area; Sherri Franklin, Principal of Urban Design Center; and Fred Howard, Manager of Keller Williams Realty. The panels informed community members on the Senate's most recent housing package as well as gave critical answers to questions about current and future housing solutions.

In addition, a Resource Fair was held in the lobby area where valuable information packets were handed out by local and state housing providers, government agencies, banks, and veterans groups.

African-American Leaders of Tomorrow

On July 11^th, as Vice Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, I had the wonderful opportunity to help select of over ninety California students to participate in the African-American Leaders for Tomorrow Program. These future leaders gained meaningful exposure to life on a California College campus while the program took them on a four-day career development and civic engagement workshop at CSU Dominguez Hills.

32^nd Annual Gardena Cinco de Mayo Celebration

On Saturday, May 5th, I attended the 32nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration in my hometown of Gardena. Great food and even better company were everywhere to be found. A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican Independence, similar to July 4th for the United States. However, May 5th actually commemorates the unlikely victory of the Mexican army over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. More recently, the 5th of May has come to illustrate the overwhelming pride in the amazing accomplishments, positive influence, and appreciation of Mexican-American culture.

South Bay Promise Signing Ceremony  

On Friday, May 11^th, I was invited to speak at the "South Bay Promise" signing ceremony. The South Bay Promise helps create a seamless transition for students moving from high school to El Camino College and ensures they are supported for success once they arrive. South Bay Promise students have access to designated counselors to help select transfer pathways of study or preparation for entering the workforce through Career and Technical Education. The South Bay Workforce Investment Board supports the program by offering their services to Promise students. Including resume building, interview preparation, and hiring events.

45^th Annual Whitney M. Young Awards Dinner

On Friday May 11^th, I also attended the Urban League's 45th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards. The Los Angeles Urban League serves, educates and empowers African Americans and other minorities to secure economic self-reliance and civil rights. The League provides targeted social programs and advocates for issues that benefit our communities. Originally formed as the Tuskegee Industrial Welfare League in 1921, the League set its sights on helping African Americans participate in American life and transform the conditions of their social and economic environment. A few months later, the Tuskegee League merged with the National Urban League to form the organization that we see today.

Sadly, in early July, the Senate adjourned in memory of John W. Mack, who served as President of the Los Angeles Urban League from 1969 to 2005. I remember Mr. Mack as a mentor, a friend, and a political and civic icon. He fought for justice as a leader in the 1960 Atlanta student civil rights movement. Then, with the Urban League, he led efforts to create equitable employment and education, and grew its budget to $25 million while reaching thousands of people each year. Mr. Mack also co-founded the Los Angeles Black Leadership Coalition of Education, and served in a leadership role at the United Way Corporation.

John Mack's legacy will endure in the countless people he elevated throughout Los Angeles and the county and he will surely be missed.

Torrance 59^th Annual Armed Forces Day

On Saturday, May 19^th, I was honored to be a part of Torrance's 59^th Annual Armed Forces Day of Observance and Celebration. Torrance is one of few cities nationwide sanctioned by the Department of Defense to honor our Armed Forces through an annual Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration. Torrance's Armed Forces Day Parade has the distinction of being the nation's longest running military parade sponsored by any city. Each year, the City of Torrance identifies one branch of the military - the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard - as the "honored service" of the Armed Forces Day Celebration.  A high-ranking member of the honored service is invited to serve as Grand Marshal. This year's celebration honored the United States Marine Corps.

Memorial Day Service

On Monday, May 28^th, I joined congresswoman Maxine Waters and Assemblywoman Autumn Burke in Lawndale in solemn observance of Memorial Day to honor and remember those members of our Armed Forces who have sacrificed everything to preserve the freedom that we carry with us. We must never forget the lives that are surrendered in the protection of that privilege or the loved ones and families who continue without them.

City of Carson's 120^th Philippine Independence Day Celebration

On Saturday, June 9^th, The City of Carson remembered Philippine Independence with the Annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration. This celebration is the biggest event in the City of Carson with thousands of people from all over Southern California coming to delight in food, fun conversation and culture. Festivities began with a flag raising ceremony, followed by an ecumenical service, and a holy mass. The diversity and inclusion throughout Senate District 35 is what makes it such a great place to be!

Brotherhood Crusade 50^th Anniversary

June 15^th marked the 50^th Golden Anniversary of the Brotherhood Crusade, which I attended at the California Science Center. The Brotherhood's mission is to remove barriers and help individuals pursue success in life while facilitating opportunities for a better quality of life by improving health, academic success, and promoting growth that is personal, financial, and cultural. This inspirational organization serves our community with pride, compassion and commitment. I was humbled to present a congratulatory Resolution to this influential institution, alongside fellow Senator from Los Angeles, Holly Mitchell.

ILWU & Pacific Maritime Association Annual Luncheon

On June 22^nd, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and PMA hosted their annual luncheon, raising over $100,000 for the local Boys and Girls Clubs of Los Angeles Harbor. Featured speakers included, Petros Papadakis, Radio & TV commentator and Tim McOsker, CEO of AltaSea. I had the perfect seat and enjoyed talking with Patrick Wilson, Mayor of Rolling Hills. Mayor Wilson is also Board President of the Boys and Girls Club of LA Harbor, a board member of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the owner of Fast Lane Transportation.

July 4^th Community Observance at the Korean Friendship Bell

On July 4^th, I joined the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce for the 42^nd Annual 4^th of July Community Observance at the Korean Friendship Bell. The enormous and intricately-decorated bell was donated to Los Angeles by the people of the Republic of Korea in 1976 to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of U.S. independence. Overlooking the sea gate from which U.S. troops sail into the pacific, the bell is a beautiful symbol of patriotism and diversity.

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

On July 12^th, my colleague, Assemblymember Gipson and I had a very informative meeting with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Chambers of commerce are large networks of businesses designed to promote and protect the organizations and their mission. While they advocate for business-friendly policies, they also play a leadership role in partnering with community based organizations to serve the citizens in their region. Wilmington Chamber of Commerce does just that and is a critical component of economic vitality in the surrounding area.   

Malaga Bank Commemoration

On July 19^th, it was my privilege to honor Malaga bank for its 10 years of dedicated service to the City of San Pedro. I presented Rosemary Callahan, the Vice President/Retail Banking Manager of Malaga, with a Senate Certificate applauding her and her staffs' efforts to make banking easy and accessible to all members of the South Bay community. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial institutions it is my hope that other banks will follow Malaga's lead.

Summer Jobs Available

Looking to bolster your resume, support your community, and earn some savings?

Los Angeles County recently announced the summer start of its annual Youth@Work program for youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Officials announced plans to expand youth employment opportunities across the county with a goal of hiring 25,000 young and capable persons.

Youth@Work pairs paid work experience with employment, training and support services provided through a network of America's Job Centers of California that are guided by the county's Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services.

Visit the Los Angeles County Workforce Website to learn more! https://workforce.lacounty.gov/youth-services/

New ARC Project Announced

The Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Root & Rebound have announced a new partnership to expand reentry legal services in Southern California!

The partnership is called the Southern California Reentry & Advocacy Project. From obtaining identification to accessing public benefits, securing employment or reuniting parents with their kids, LA County residents with criminal records face a multitude of challenges in far too many areas of life.

To address this large and unfair gap in services, the Southern California Reentry and Advocacy Project aims to expand reentry legal services, advance the civil rights of Southern Californians impacted by incarceration, and empower formerly incarcerated individuals to live healthy, successful lives when they return home.

Click here to go to ARC's website and learn more about this crucial project.

Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Stuck with student loans and working for a nonprofit organization? The California Association of Nonprofits may be able to help!

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program started in 2007 by President Bush helps graduates accept nonprofit or government jobs and stay in the public sector. The PSLF program forgives student loan debt for nonprofit or government employees after a number of qualifying payments if applicants meet certain requirements.

To learn more click here!

UPDATE: 2018 Legislation

Lastly, the end of the two-year legislative session is fast-approaching. I have over a dozen bills still making their way through the legislative process on topics ranging from smart criminal justice reform and equity within the cannabis industry, to energy savings and business growth. You can follow and read more about my full legislative package on my website at: http://sd35.senate.ca.gov/legislation and track the status of each bill at: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/.  

With August underway, we have only a matter of weeks to get all Assembly and Senate bills to the Governor's desk. It is possible for 5,600 bills to be introduced every two years and we are in the final stages of the 2017-2018 legislative session. Even though we are nearing the end of the process, it is not too late to make your voice heard. In fact, this is the most critical time to weigh-in. Whether you are calling one of my District Offices in Inglewood or San Pedro, my Capitol Office in Sacramento, another California Legislator's office, or the Governor's office, your input and feedback is important. With your help and support, I know that we will finish strong. Thank you for reading!