Noteworthy Events and Gatherings
Cinder Eller’s Glass Slipper Foundation's Fourth Annual Prom Suit and Dress Giveaway in Inglewood on April 14. The Rams Cheerleaders, including the mascot Rampage were in attendance. Students were gifted dresses, suits, tuxedos, shoes, accessories, and even free alterations. This event makes a tremendous difference in the lives of young people. It gives them a chance to participate in a memorable experience that might otherwise be out of reach. Pastor Seth Pickens of Guidance Church is pictured with Senator Bradford.
Senator Bradford honored CSU Dominguez Hills President Thomas A. Parham as his California Black Caucus Unsung Hero. Senator Bradford called Dr. Parham a transformative and hands-on leader. Due to a scheduling conflict, Dr. Parham was unable to attend the February 26 ceremony on the Senator Floor, however, Senator Bradford presented the honor to Dr. Parham during the previous week. Attending the Unsung Hero ceremony to receive the honor was Davida and Kenya Parham.
The City of Inglewood held its Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 24th. Senator Bradford made remarks to the attendees and hosted an information booth. Joining the Senator were Michelle Chambers, Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor with the Rams pep squad. Also in attendance Inglewood Councilwoman Faulk, Inglewood Unified School District's James Morris, El Camino Community College District Board Trustee Brett C.S. Roberts, and Larry Mealer III, a 2nd grade student and an essay contest winner.
El Camino College hosted a variety of events for Black History Month. This year's theme was "Black Resilience: Honoring Legacy, Perseverance, and Beauty." One of the school's first events was “A Conversation on Black Reparations with Senator Steven Bradford.” During this discussion, Senator Bradford provided the students and community with information on the findings of the California Reparations Task Force, including its recommendations for redressing the historic harms perpetrated against African American slaves in California. During this event, held at the Social Justice Center, Senator Bradford shared that this movement for reparations is a collective effort with California being a leader in this movement. California could create a blueprint for other states to follow. The Senator encouraged members of the campus community to take the initiative to research and read up on true American History, and to read at least the executive summary Task Force's final report. Senator Bradford left the students with a call to action: he said he wanted everyone to be “JEDI” Warriors. Meaning he wanted them to fight for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. He made sure to impress on them that equity, diversity, and inclusion would mean nothing without justice.
What a thrill to cruise down Avalon Boulevard in some classic wheels during the 36th Annual Heart of the Harbor Holiday Parade. Special thank you to the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for hosting this holiday tradition for the community.
Senator Steven Bradford distributed more than 1,000 toys to families in Senate District 35 during a holiday fair held earlier this month on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills. The Senator partnered with U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots in Pasadena and dozens of volunteers, donors and host, CSU Dominguez Hills, to make this festive event a great success. Additional toys were donated by the L.A. Clippers/Intuit Dome, Mattel, and Impala Skates. Lawndale Councilman Pat Kearney and Gardena Councilwoman Wanda Love offered support as special sponsors. In addition to the toy giveaway, the event featured a snow exhibit that allowed children to experience sledding and playing in the snow. To promote community wellness, Walgreens offered free COVID-19 and flu immunizations. The gathering, held on Saturday, December 9, culminated with a visit from Santa Claus.
The City of Carson hosted its tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 7. The event is a true holiday tradition that the city has hosted for many years. The festive event draws participants from around the community, and is especially enjoyed by the children of Carson. Senator Bradford was honored to join Mayor Pro Tem Jawane Hilton, Councilmember Cedric Hicks, Councilmember Arleen Rojas, Mayor Lula Davis Holmes, City Treasurer Monica Cooper, and Councilmember Jim Dear.
Senator Bradford joined the community by participating in the 43rd Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade on Sunday, December 3. This festive tradition brought families, little league teams, scouts, high school bands, and volunteers to downtown San Pedro to celebrate the holiday season and the community. Parade highlights included “Timmy the Duck,” marching bands; including the award-winning San Pedro High School and Dana Middle School Bands, and equestrian units; Charros de Zacatecas, and Charros de Compton. In attendance were Assemblyman Mike Gipson, Supervisor Janice Hahn and Mayor Karen Bass.(pictured (R) with Honorary Mayor of San Pedro, Manny Jimenez.
Such a fun evening at the 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade! The parade is dedicated to promoting kindness and helping others. The event featured Toys For Tots, as well as numerous organizations and charities that help underprivileged people during the holiday season. A true Hollywood event, the parade featured a red carpet, dozens of celebrities and dignitaries, pageantry, dance groups, novelists, floats, equestrians and marching bands, including the Compton High School Marching Band from the Senator's 35th district!
The City of Compton honored the late rapper Eazy-E by renaming the 100 block of Auto Drive South after him -- officially declaring the road Eazy Street. Alonzo Williams, president of the Compton Entertainment Chamber of Commerce, played a major part in spearheading the renaming. Compton City Councilmembers Andre Spicer, Diedra Duhart, Jonathan Bowers and Lillie Darden previously voted to rename the street to honor the rapper and music mogul's legacy.
Compton Mayor Emma Shariff, L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, and Sen. Steve Bradford also supported the renaming. In attendance at the ceremony were Eazy’s mother Kathie Wright and his son Lil Eazy E along with Bone Thugs & Harmony member Krayzie Bone.
1,200 local families received free turkeys and groceries to make their Thanksgiving special. Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), in partnership with El Camino College, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and U.S.VETS Inglewood distributed 1200 turkeys and pork roasts, bags of groceries, and gift cards to families in need this holiday season. Senator Bradford began this annual tradition when he served on the Gardena City Council and has continued it during his service in the State Assembly and now as a member of the State Senate. Thanks to all of our volunteers and donors who helped make this giant event happen! They made a huge difference for local families!
Senator Bradford extends a Happy 90th Birthday to the Honorable Diane E. Watson! Watson is an amazing leader and trailblazer who has some impressive political firsts-- first Black woman elected to both the LAUSD Board and the State Senate. She is also a former Ambassador & member of Congress. She's done it all! Also attending the birthday celebration at the Getty House was Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas among many others.
On Veterans Day, we owe a true debt of gratitude to everyone who served our great nation in the armed forces. We honor them and recognize the ongoing sacrifices and struggles that often come with military service. Thank you, Veterans, for keeping our nation free. Senator Bradford was honored to spend time with and commend our veterans in Carson and Gardena. The Carson event featured keynote speaker Commander Virginia Kingston, U.S. Navy Ret. And Gardena hosted its 54th Veterans Day event & featured keynote speaker Col. Albert Ashby, U.S. Space Force.
Senator Bradford attended the November 8 board meeting of the Hawthorne Unified School District to present the Hawthorne Math and Science Academy (HMSA) with a certificate of recognition. HMSA was ranked within the top 1% of high schools nationwide, #31 among all charter high schools. HMSA is also designated a Gold Honor Roll School by the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program and earned the AP Access Award.
Thrilled to participate in the ceremonial document signing to celebrate the donation agreement between Los Angeles County, American Golf Corp, and the Fore Youth Golf Foundation. This agreement will enhance the powerful legacy of the great Maggie Hathaway through the renovation of the Maggie Hathaway Golf Course. Those involved spoke about the collaborative work behind the effort and how these improvements will provide the public with an affordable, accessible and revitalized outlet to play this wonderful game. I know it will also positively impact the young people in our community because this golf course was a big part of my youth and it still is today!
Among the speakers were Norma E. Garcia - County Department of Parks and Recreation, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Paul Ballam, American Golf, and Glen Porter – Western States Golf Association.
Sharing updates from Sacramento is an important part of Senator Bradford's work. On October 24th, Senator Bradford provided a legislative report to the Inglewood and Hawthorne City Councils on his legislation that has passed and been signed into law by Governor Newsom. The senator highlighted his Ebony Alert legislation that will help bring home missing Black children and young women as well as his legislation to promote greater equity and diversity within California's cannabis industry. The updates are important to not only share information but to answer questions and hear priorities directly from local elected leaders and the public.
The Inglewood Teen Center's 10th Anniversary celebration marked a positive milestone for our community! Since its opening in the first floor of the Inglewood Library, the center has partnered with local schools and community agencies to support our community youth between ages of 13-18 years old. The Inglewood Teen Center provides a safe and inclusive environment where youth can connect with one another, gain academic support, engage in educational enrichment activities, and receive work readiness training and job placement services. Senator Bradford shared a few remarks on the importance of spaces like this to help prepare the next generation for a productive and successful future. He also presented a certificate to the three youth honorees, Frank Straker, Elijah Freeman and Divine Ugwoegbulem, for Teen Center Ambassador, Best in Attendance and Rising Star, respectively. Senator Bradford also presented a certificate to CEO Jan Vogel and Program Coordinator Sharina Williams for the Center’s 10th Anniversary event on 10/24/2023.
The City of Gardena hosted its Harvest Festival at the Gardena City Hall Complex. The event featured a pumpkin patch, vendors booths, kids activities, and performances by children from the Gardena community. Senator Bradford joined with Councilmember Rodney Tanaka, Councilmember Mark Henderson and Mayor Tasha Cerda along with some of the performers and community members for this wonderful community gathering.
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Inglewood City Council presented singer/actress Becky G the Key to the City for her extensive contributions to music and the community. This award makes Becky G the very first Latina to ever receive the City's highest honor, joining an exclusive group of individuals who have shaped our vibrant community for the better.
"Beyond every recognition and award I've received in my career thus far, this is by far the most special. It's cool to have the key to Inglewood now, because Inglewood has always had the key to my heart." - Becky G
Senator Bradford attended the North Torrance Library Grand Reopening of their homework center. Torrance Mayor Chen cut the ribbon surrounded by members of the Torrance City Council, library staff and Torrance Refinery representatives. Donations from the Torrance Refinery made it possible. Also pictured: Sara Wilson, manager, Torrance Refinery, and Torrance City Councilman Kaji.
This evening Senator Bradford welcomed to Senate District 35 the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States, and the Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in Los Angeles. During the reception, the San Pedro Croatian community along with Senator Bradford acknowledged the history of the Croatian community in San Pedro and their significant contributions to the region. Pictured: Gordon Grlic’ - Radman, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblymember Al Maratsuchi and Rudy Svorinich
KJLH, Cal State University Dominguez Hills and Senator Steven Bradford hosted their 7th annual Men’s Empowerment Summit. This summit offers an opportunity for the community to come together and share resources and ideas that empower, inspire and uplift the community. This year some of the panels included: Building Generational Wealth, mental health, sports broadcasting and entertainment, reparations, male-to-male mentoring, and a number of other topics. Dr. Cornel West, the renowned author, philosopher, critic and intellectual, was the keynote speaker who spoke about the importance of Unity and uplifting each other. This event was attended by hundreds of men and women and celebrities and dignitaries alike including Laker great James Worthy and music legend Stevie Wonder.
Senator Bradford participated in the 2nd annual National Voter Registration Day event in Inglewood. The senator welcomed the attendees with the Inglewood Mayor and Council, along with Inglewood City Clerk Aisha Thompson.
On September 15th, Senator Bradford attended the 80th Birthday Bash for Bernard Kinsey and Nick Walker at the Kinsey Exhibit in SoFi. Khalil Kinsey, Councilmam Price, Bernard Kinsey. Also pictured: Senator Bradford and Shirley Kinsey and Senator Bradford and LA Councilwoman Heather Hutt.
On September 15th, Senator Bradford attended the Torrance State of the City address delivered by Mayor George Chen. Also among the many attendees were Congresswoman Waters, LA County Supervisor Hahn, LA County Assessor Jeff Prang, members of the Torrance City Council, and Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce President Dona Duperron.
Senator Bradford attended and sponsored the 3rd Annual San Pedro Music Festival. The event raises money for individuals and families impacted by violence. Donations assist with resources to heal the community. Senator Bradford is pictured with event performers members of Jazz in Pink band and founder Windy Barnes Farrell.
The City of Carson held its Cajun and Blues White Linen Affair outside City Hall. The event featured an evening of dining and entertainment while guests sported their favorite white linen attire. The event featured musical headliner Rose Royce and a number of other local acts. (Pictured with LAX Chief of Police Cecil Rhambo, Councilmember Cedric Hicks and Carson City Clerk Dr. Khaleah K. Bradshaw.)
The City of Lawndale celebrated 10 years of holding its annual Lawndale Blues Festival on September 9th. It was held at Jane Addams Park. Senator Bradford, along with Lawndale city council members, kicked off the event with welcome remarks in tune with the Kara Grainger Band warming up. The Senator spoke about the importance of music in connecting different cultures, and promoting diversity and growth. Also on the festival grounds was the South Bay Locals Blues and Cruise Car Show.
Groundswell had its third summit at the Bridge Street Headquarters in View Park. The topic of discussion was water infrastructure. The main point highlighted was that we don’t have a water scarcity problem, we have a water infrastructure problem. Senator Bradford was among the event’s speakers, including Los Angeles County Federation of Labor president Yvonne Wheeler and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The Senator spoke about managing AB 1736 which was approved by the legislature this week. This bill aligns the Water Replenishment District (WRD) with other local agencies that already have this authority and flexibility to proceed with constructing critical regional water infrastructure.
On Labor Day, the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition held its 44th Annual Labor Solidarity Parade and Picnic Rally. The event included a parade, picnic and rally at Banning Park in Wilmington. Senator Bradford proudly joined ILWU Local 13 workers along with Attorney General Rob Bonta, Supervisor Janice Hahn, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, Senator Susan Rubio, LA City Councilman Tim McOsker, and LA County Sheriff Robert Luna at the event.
Senator Steven Bradford welcomed attendees to the 20th Annual Gardena Jazz Festival on Sunday, August 27, 2023. The year’s festival was a sell out and featured performances by The Fernando Pullum Community Band, Brandee Younger, Rapper Yo-Yo, Ragan Whiteside and Boney James. The event MC’s were Pat Prescott and Keven Nash. Local dignitaries in attendance included: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager, State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price, Torrance City Councilwoman Bridgett Lewis, Lawndale Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Gardena Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Henderson, Compton Mayor Emma Sharif and more. During the festival, Senator Bradford, the Founder and Chairman of the Gardena Jazz Festival announced that he was able to secure $3,000,000 in state funding in this year’s budget and presented a symbolic check to the City of Gardena. The funds will go to renovate the gym in Rowley Park, where the concert had taken place for the last 20 years. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Henderson honored Senator Bradford for 20 years of the Gardena Jazz Festival. The Recording Industry Association of America presented the RIAA honorary gold plaque recognizing the Senator on the 20th anniversary of the Gardena Jazz Festival. A representative from Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office presented Senator Bradford with a commemorative certificate. Congresswoman Waters also presented Senator Bradford with a Congressional certificate. Senator Bradford announced a $5,000 donations to the Glass Slipper Foundation and Phi Beta Sigma. Senator Bradford’s district team organized and staffed a resource table with various community informational offerings.
I was thrilled to attend the ribbon-cutting for the Watts Business Source Center with CEO Quentin Strode, Mayor Karen Bass and Councilman Tim McOsker. The center will assist entrepreneurs and businesses through consulting, permit support, financial planning, and networking. This important resource will help to foster and promote our local business community. Here is a link to the resource center. https://vsedc.org/
To celebrate National Health Center Week, Senator Bradford toured the Venice Family Clinic in Inglewood. The clinic hosted a Resource Fair from August 8-12. This was the first such event since the COVID-19 pandemic. Venice Family Clinic is a nonprofit community health center that provides primary, comprehensive health care in addition to supportive programs and services. Venice Family Clinic has 17 sites across Los Angeles, and, four are in Senate District 35 (Inglewood, Gardena, Hawthorne, and Carson.) Their comprehensive care includes mental health services, dental care, specialized care for people experiencing homelessness, vision services, substance use treatment, prescription medications, domestic violence counseling, HIV services, healthy food distributions, health education, health insurance enrollment, child development services and more. They also have a unique pilot program at the Inglewood location where they partner with Everytable to provide meals to patients and their entire family using their Everytable Vending machine. This program services those food-insecure individuals who also have dietary restrictions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Senator Bradford attended the Welcome Reception for new Assembly Speaker, Robert Rivas. The event was hosted by LA County Supervisors Hilda Solis, Janice Hahn, and Assemblymember Isaac Bryan. Rivas was sworn in as Assembly Speaker on June 30 and took the place of Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon. The event was well-attended by many elected officials representing Los Angeles. Also in attendance was civil rights and labor icon Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez. Ms. Huerta has a long history of friendship with Speaker Rivas' family. During Speaker Rivas' remarks, he highlighted that even though he isn't from Southern California, he is extremely committed to understanding the needs of Angelenos and partnering with local elected officials to fulfill those needs. He underscored his approach to this leadership position: focusing on "value over volume, and outcome over ideology."
My Back to School Resource Fair & Backpack Giveaway on August 5th was a great success. Recognizing the needs of the community, this event provided critical services and supplies to help our students and their families as school resumes this fall. We provided services to more than 2,000 residents and handed out more than 1,000 brand new backpacks filled with school supplies. Our resource fair at CSU Dominguez Hills had incredible community support and provided free vaccines, health screenings and even haircuts. We also recognized some of our California Legislative Black Caucus scholarship recipients. Thanks to California State University, Dominguez Hills and California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute for partnering with me on this event and a special thanks to all of the organizations that donated their time and services. It’s such a great feeling to see so many kids who are ready for success!
Honored to speak at the Compton Business Roundtable this morning and recognize the event host, Councilwoman Lillie Darden. Great seeing our local business community out in force! I'm a strong business advocate and proud of my work to help secure tax credits during the COVID pandemic.(July 27, 2023)
Proud to join with the Teamsters National Black Caucus for their “United We Stand” Job Resource Fair at the Compton Airport this weekend. This great event helped expose students to job opportunities within a variety of trades and industries. Saturday, July 22, 2023
I found this year's African American Leaders for Tomorrow conference inspiring. The California Legislative Black Caucus hosts high school students from across the state at CSU Dominguez Hill. This program prepares the next generation of African American leaders to become community, business, government and non-profit leaders. This multi-day immersion experience helps these remarkable young people see the many potential pathways for reaching their goals. This is one of my favorite events of the year.
On Saturday, April 29, Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin hosted her third annual College Signing Day event to celebrate graduating seniors who have made the commitment to continue their education in college. The purpose of the event was encourage all students and families to get excited about higher education and their future careers. The event also featured a resource fair and entertainment by students from local high schools. Senator Bradford congratulated and encouraged the students and their families on the importance of higher education.
Senator Bradford celebrated swearing in of Gloria Gray as Councilmember of the City of Inglewood, District 1 on Saturday, April 29. The event drew many political, business and community leaders. LA Mayor Karen Bass administered the Oath of Office to Councilwoman Gray. Senator Bradford spoke to the high character of Councilwoman Gray who is a long-time friend. He shared that even though they had ran against each other for Assembly they continued to be very good friends and were very congenial during the campaigns. Councilwoman Gray acknowledged the Senator specifically for uplifting the young men of color in his district and making a difference in the quality of life for all his constituents. Councilwoman Gray is the second woman and first person of color to serve as Chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board and the first African-American woman to serve as Vice-Chair. To add to that, Councilwoman Gray is only the second African-American woman to be elected and the third woman seated on the Inglewood City Council.
The United State Golf Association (USGA), Southern California Golf Association (SCGA), and LA Country Club (LACC) toured the Maggie Hathaway Golf Course in Senate District 35 to celebrate the 123rd US Open coming to Los Angeles. The USGA, SCGA and LACC are donating $1 million to restore the par-3 Maggie Hathaway Golf Course, which is a public facility operated by Los Angeles County that provides thousands in the area with affordable, accessible golf. During the April 28th tour and June 11th community event, they noted how the USGA and Southern California Golf Association have committed to make other significant investments in the infrastructure and programming needed to grow and diversify golf in LA. Senator Bradford noted the significance of Maggie Hathaway as the first golf course he ever played on at age 11. Bradford stressed that, after the improvements, this facility should still be accessible to the residents who have been attending for years.
Senator Bradford attended the Special Needs Network 17th Annual Tools for Transformation Conference and Resource Fair at CSU Dominguez Hills on Saturday, April 22nd. This conference brought the country's most renowned experts together to provide parents, caregivers, and stakeholders with the latest information and techniques on topics relevant to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Community. Senator Bradford spoke about the great toll Autism takes and families and the need for comprehensive policies to address the most vulnerable in disadvantaged communities such as reducing child poverty and building a better safety net by expanding food programs, maintaining access to Medicaid and improving equity and quality of education. Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and Former Congresswoman Val Demings also shared uplifting messages.
On Friday, April 21st, Senator Bradford joined the Torrance Education Foundation Celebrate Education Dinner to celebrate 31 years of service to Torrance students. The Senator presented certificates of recognition to their two honorees. Mary Hoffman was presented with the James R. Armstrong Community Leadership Award and Bob Hable was awarded the Super Volunteer Award. Also in attendance were Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and Torrance Mayor George Chen.
My Nonprofit of the Year Honoree joined me in Sacramento for a special recognition luncheon. The Positive Results Corporation works to prevent and end violence and abuse. Thank you to CEO Kandee Lewis for being my District 35 Nonprofit of the Year. This team helps people heal from trauma, build healthy relationships and live their best lives.
On April 15th Senator Bradford assisted in sponsoring The Glass Slipper Foundation’s 3rd annual Prom Dress & Suit Giveaway. Cinder Eller-Kimbell, Inglewood Police Department’s Senior Community Affairs Liaison founded “The Glass Slipper; a Youth Foundation.” More than 400 dresses and suits were donated for the event. It was held at the WAYS Home Care location in Inglewood. Senator Bradford donated gift cards for the giveaway.
Senator Bradford commemorated the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.by attending the SoCal Southern Christian Leadership Conference MLK Day of Sacrifice Luncheon and 7th Annual Labor and Community Awards on April 15th. The honorees were Capri Maddox, Areva Martin, Charles Dickerson III, and the LA Black Workers Center. This annual event serves as a reminder that Dr. King’s last assignment was to travel to Memphis, Tennessee to organize a march in collaboration with Labor on behalf of striking Sanitation Workers. US Senator Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) was the guest speaker. He is the first Black US Senator from Georgia and he also served as the Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, who pastored to the late Rep. John Lewis and the same historical church Dr. King served as pastor. Warnock says he is “not a U.S. Senator, former-Pastor, but a Pastor in the Senate.”
I appreciate California Governor Newsom taking me up on my offer to try the best burger around! Hawkins House of Burgers has been a fixture in the Watts community since 1939! This Black and woman-owned small business is a true point of pride and a symbol of resilience!
