Press Releases

Senator Bradford Honors Michelle Smith-Ballard as 2019 Woman of the Year

March 14, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Senator Bradford honored Ms. Michelle Smith-Ballard, as the Woman of the Year for the 35^th Senate District. Ms. Smith-Ballard currently serves as the Vice President of Community and Citizenship for Turner Construction Company with over 38 years of construction experience. She is responsible for the diversity outreach program on the construction of the new, state of the art Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park in Inglewood where she is overseeing one of the largest diversity and local hire programs in the region.

Statement by Senator Steven Bradford on Governor Newsom’s Death Penalty Moratorium

March 14, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Yesterday morning, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he will impose a moratorium on the state’s death penalty, granting reprieves to all 737 inmates on death row and closing California’s execution chamber during his time in office.

Senator Bradford Appointed Chair of Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color

March 01, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) was appointed Chair of the newly formed Senate Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color. The Select Committee will examine the challenges currently facing African American, Latino, Native American and Asian/Pacific Islander boys and men in California, and will focus on developing strategies that yield positive outcomes.

Senator Bradford Honors Ozie B. Gonzaque as 2019 Unsung Hero

February 13, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Monday afternoon, Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) recognized Mrs. Ozie B. Gonzaque as his 2019 Unsung Hero, an annual award given out by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) during Black History Month. Members of the CLBC honor their esteemed guests on the Senate and Assembly floors, presenting them with a framed resolution for their work and accomplishments in the community.

Governor Brown Signs Bill Improving Law Enforcement Transparency and Community-Police Relations

October 03, 2018

SACRAMENTO – On Sunday Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 978, authored by Senator Bradford (D-Gardena), which requires local law enforcement agencies to post their current policies, procedures, and training materials on their department websites.

Governor Signs Bradford Bill to Help Residents of the City of Carson

October 03, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Last Friday Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 343, by Senator Steven Bradford (D–Gardena), which provides an immediate income tax exclusion for payments received by Carson residents as part of a major pollution cleanup effort ongoing in the Carousel neighborhood.

Governor Signs Bill Extending Time for Victims to Apply for Compensation

October 02, 2018

SACRAMENTO – On Sunday Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1232 into law. This bill, authored by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and sponsored by Californians for Safety and Justice, increases the age of eligibility for a young person who has been a victim of a crime to apply for compensation from the California Victim Compensation Board.

Bradford Bill Increasing Employment Opportunities for the Rehabilitated Signed by the Governor

October 02, 2018

SACRAMENTO – On Sunday Governor Brown signed SB 1412 into law. The bill, authored by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), clarifies what information employers may use when screening job applicants. SB 1412 continues the progress that the Legislature and Governor Brown began last year to provide formerly-incarcerated Californians with genuine opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Governor Brown Signs California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018

September 27, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Late yesterday, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr signed Senate Bill 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act, authored by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena). This groundbreaking bill, aimed at reversing some of the damaging impacts cannabis prohibition has had on individuals from disadvantaged communities, is the first social equity cannabis measure in the United States.

California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018 Approved by the Legislature

September 05, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Late last week, Senate Bill 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act was approved by the Legislature with strong bi-partisan support and is now on its way to Governor Brown’s desk, where he will take final action on all bills of his last legislative session in office. This bill, authored by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), is the first of its kind, recognizing the damaging impacts cannabis prohibition has had on disadvantaged communities and in particular, communities of color.