Independence Day Reflections

As Americans display their flags this weekend in celebration of our 233rd Birthday, Senator Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) wants to encourage everyone to take a few moments to remember the values and spirit that make this the greatest country in the world.

“I truly consider it a blessing to live in this country and to be able to enjoy the freedoms that we have,” said the Senator.

“It is an honor to serve as an elected representative and I have a great respect for the public trust I have been granted,” continued Senator Dutton. “I am humbled when I consider the long tradition of public service that has been set as an example throughout our history. We should all be proud of so many individuals who have put service to others first in their lives, making this a caring and compassionate nation.”

Senator Dutton wishes all Californians a safe and happy July 4th and is proud to salute our great country.

“Happy Birthday and God Bless America.”

Senator Dutton Offers Four Reforms to Free California’s Job Creators

Urges Colleagues to Celebrate Independence Day by Enacting Measures Aimed at Turning California’s Economy Around

As Americans celebrate our nation’s independence, Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) is calling on the Senate and Assembly to pass four simple reforms that will liberate California’s job creators from needless and oppressive government regulations stifling California’s economy.

“President Reagan said it perfectly during his inauguration speech in 1981: ‘Government is not the solution to our problems, it is the problem,’” Senator Dutton said. “For far too long this state has imposed unneeded and unnecessary regulations that have made California the most expensive place to do business and resulted in historic levels of job losses.”

“As we celebrate our nation’s independence, I’m calling on my colleagues to pass four simple reforms in July that will help businesses in this state not only retain jobs but also have a fighting chance at being able to create new ones.  California’s lawmakers would understand the urgent need for these reforms if they were currently unemployed, like 13% of the folks in my district.”

The measures Senator Dutton is calling for include:

1. Independence for Employees and Employers:

“Current California law requires employees to take a lunch or a break while they might be in the middle of a task,” said Senator Dutton. “People told me about intensive care unit nurses being forced to stop treating patients.”

Current California law also makes it overly burdensome for employers and employees to establish flexible workweek schedules, decreasing people’s ability to care for children, elderly parents, or otherwise improve their productivity.

These restrictions limit the ability of employees and employers to manage their own schedules and drives up costs for businesses so that they are unable to increase salaries, hire new workers, and expand into new services.”

2. Freedom from Frivolous Lawsuits:

“Lawsuit abuse continues to have a negative impact on California’s economy and drives jobs out of this state,” Senator Dutton said. “Unnecessary and expensive litigation not only punishes employers, but it also reduces employee salaries and drives up the cost of goods and services.”

3. Holiday from Burdensome and Costly New Programs:

Numerous studies show that California’s is one of the worst states in terms of business climate and regulatory environment.  As if these rankings weren’t bad enough, California is in the process of adding even more burdensome regulations!

“California is already an expensive place to live and do business,” Senator Dutton said. Making it even more expensive will only make matters worse, driving more jobs out of California and making it that much harder for families to make ends meet.”

4. Regulatory Revolution:

“California is a major economic power, but we are losing our standing in the nation and world because of needless and pointless California-only regulations that are putting our job creators out of business or forcing them to flee the state,” Senator Dutton said.

“We need to do a top to bottom review of California’s existing regulations to identify and eliminate duplicative, ineffective and otherwise unnecessary regulations that have been on the books for decades,” Senator Dutton said. “Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy will make it easier for businesses to succeed.”

Senator Dutton said that these four simple measures could easily be passed by the end of July.  These measures would have no immediate impact on the state’s deficit, but would help solve the state’s long-term budget woes by increasing the number of thriving businesses in California and reducing people’s dependence on state programs.

“The state is struggling with finding solutions to closing what is now a $26 billion deficit,” Senator Dutton continued. “Passing these four simple reforms this July will be an important first step in liberating California’s job creators and turning our economy around. Without a healthy and vibrant private sector, our state’s budget will forever be in crisis.”

Those desiring more information about these reforms may call (916) 651-4031.

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Pictured from left to right are County Fire Chief Pat Dennen, North Desert Division Chief Tim Wessel, Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, and Deputy Fire Chief Dan Wurl.

San Bernardino County firefighters serving the communities of Phelan, Pinon Hills, Wrightwood and El Mirage on June 30 celebrated the grand opening of Fire Station 10 at a ceremony where First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt praised them for their service and resourcefulness, and welcomed them to their new facility.

“This modern, state-of-the-art fire station replaces the previous facilities, which consisted of two aging mobile homes and a metal shed,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “Even though those facilities were not ideal, firefighters still accomplished their mission. I want to thank the firefighters who have served here for their resourcefulness and patience, and congratulate them on getting the type of facility they deserve.”

Supervisor Mitzelfelt was joined by San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen, who praised the Supervisor for his commitment to the fire department and public safety in general.

More than 100 people attended the ceremony, including a number of officials from state and federal fire agencies, along with Hesperia Mayor Thurston Smith, Hesperia Councilman Mike Leonard, Phelan-Pinon Hills CSD members Al Morrissette, Charlie Johnson and Joe Fahrlender, Pinon Hills Honorary Mayor Nancy Cosgrove and Phelan Honorary Mayor JoAnn Tidwell, as well as other dignitaries.

The previous facilities were inadequate, crowded and were meant to be temporary, but remained in place for 20 years.

The $2.8 million station is located on the same site as the previous Station 10 at 9625 Beekley Road. The 6,997-square-foot station will be able to house the fire engine, ambulance and up to seven personnel. New driveways and parking areas were also constructed along with a separate 1,800-square-foot storage building.

Supervisor Mitzelfelt also commented on the positive economic impact of the construction project. “I’m glad to know that we had the opportunity to help create several construction jobs for local workers. This and other County construction projects have continued to move forward despite the economic downturn,” he said.

The project was constructed by RIC Construction Company of Hesperia and took nine months to complete.

Mitzelfelt Presents $50,000 to Victorville Anti-Gang Program
Victorville’s innovative Uturn anti-gang program received a major boost on June 11 from Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who presented a $50,000 check to city leaders during a press conference at City Hall.

“I’ve supported several youth and gang intervention programs but Uturn is unique because it involves the entire family,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “I’m proud to assist this component of our on-going effort to expand youth programs throughout the High Desert because Uturn helps address the gang problem at its source. Young people who are involved in healthy, enriching activities are far less likely to get involved in gangs and drugs.”

The Uturn program began two years ago and is a partnership among the County, the City of Victorville, and the state and federal governments.

Mitzelfelt has also made contributions to Boys and Girls Clubs, Police Activities Leagues, the YMCA and other programs designed to keep youth on a productive path. He has directed more than $5 million to such programs as part of his commitment to a two-pronged strategy in the war on gangs - vigorous enforcement combined with innovative prevention and intervention programs.

“In these tough economic times it becomes increasingly difficult to continue community programs for our youth,” said Victorville Mayor Rudy Cabriales. “It speaks volumes of the partnership between the County and City government and our shared commitment to provide our hometown youth with the tools they’ll need to be productive and ultimately stay away from gangs.”

Unlike other prevention based programs, Uturn focuses on the entire family. The program aims to strengthen the family structure and create a greater sense of belonging to the community, thus making gang life less attractive. The program will accept selected families that commit to a minimum of three years to participate in the program. They will participate in individual and family counseling, classes, workshops, family trips, career field trips for youth, job training and education for adult family members, and structured community service for all members of the family.

Mitzelfelt Secures Funding for Rural Fire Stations
On June 23, Supervisor Mitzelfelt secured approval to create a budget reserve that will reach approximately $5 million to build fire stations in the remote areas of the County. The Board of Supervisors agreed during a final budget hearing to set aside additional federal funds for construction of fire stations over the next several years.

“I would like to thank my fellow Board members for agreeing that this extra funding should be targeted to provide fire coverage in underserved and underfunded areas of the remote desert,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “It has been a public safety priority of mine to build fire stations along the Interstate 40 corridor.”

Response times on Interstate 40 can be up to an hour or longer because fire crews have to come from Needles, the Barstow area or even Baker. The distance between Barstow and Needles on I-40 is 150 miles. Supervisor Mitzelfelt is committed to building a new fire station in Amboy, about halfway between Barstow and Needles, and another one near Goffs, about 40 miles west of Needles.

The additional funding is from the federal governmentís Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which allocates money to states and local jurisdictions that have areas of federal land, which do not generate property taxes. PILT payments are meant to partially offset the cost of providing public services on and around public lands, but the program was never fully funded until last year.

The County had been receiving about $1.8 million in annual PILT payments for the past few years. Congress last year agreed to fully fund the program through 2012 and the County received $2,877,981 in 2008 and $2,958,395 in 2009. Supervisor Mitzelfelt convinced the Board of Supervisors to use the difference, about $1 million per year for five years, for the desert fire stations.

The Board had previously agreed to spend $300,000 for design and engineering of the Amboy station, with another $2.6 million budgeted for construction in Fiscal Year 2010-2011.

In a separate action, the Board agreed to seek $12.6 million from a federal stimulus grant program that is targeted for fire station construction and improvements. If the County receives the grant, it would pay for the new Amboy station, and for new facilities to replace aging fire stations in Wonder Valley and Angeles Oaks.

County Employees Serving in Military Receive Extended Benefits
County employees who are called to active military duty will continue to receive full benefits and the County will continue to make up the difference between their military pay and County salary, after the Board of Supervisors on June 23 approved an extension of the County’s policy to make up the discrepancy between their military compensation and what the employees normally earn through County employment.

“When members of our County family willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom, the least we can do is ensure that they and their families are well cared for,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who served in the U.S. Marines during Operation Desert Storm. “With five military bases in San Bernardino County, we have chosen to be a leader in supporting the men and women who have volunteered to serve.”

The program was initiated almost immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Since then, about 130 County employees have used the program while on extended military leave. There are currently 16 County employees on active duty.

State law requires reservists who are called up for active duty to receive their full salary for 30 days. The County policy requires that those on active duty continue to receive their full County benefits, and receive the difference between their military pay and County salary, which usually is considerably higher.

The County was recently named the most supportive of the military among California’s 58 counties by the Yellow Ribbon America Campaign and the California State Legislature. In addition to providing full benefits, the County provides health and social services to members of the military and their families, and has shown support through food and supply drives.

Senior Meal Programs Receive Funding
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 16 authorized $3.86 million to fund meal programs for seniors throughout the County.

“These programs serve thousands of seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes and often struggle with monthly expenses,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “The meals themselves are important, but just as important is the opportunity to interact with others.”

The County contracted with senior centers to operate two programs: one for home delivery of meals and the other to provide communal meals at the senior centers.

Just in the High Desert, the programs have served 123,473 meals to 2,214 seniors during this fiscal year through May 30. Countywide in the past year, the programs provided 281,540 communal meals and 316,644 home-delivered meals.

For information on senior nutrition programs in your area, call (909) 723-1500.

Mitzelfelt Supports Proposed Creation of Solar Energy Zones in Desert
On June 29, Supervisor Mitzelfelt announced his support for the study of solar energy zones in the West announced by Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, and pledged to work with federal and state officials to ensure the voice of local government is heard and that critical desert resources are protected.

“As soon as this modern gold rush toward renewable energy started, I began calling for a comprehensive, detailed analysis of which areas appear to be suitable for solar energy development, and which areas should be off-limits,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “There is a broad consensus that we need to protect current resources and activities in the desert, and the best way to do that is by looking at these projects in the context of all competing uses, including mining, off-highway vehicle use, military needs, habitat protection, and scenic values that support recreation, tourism and filming.”

Secretary Salazar’s initiative will examine 24 areas covering 670,000 acres in six Western states where solar energy developers would receive expedited permitting for locations that have minimal conflicts with wildlife, other natural resources or land users. Projects outside those areas would continue to undergo rigorous environmental review. The Secretary’s goal is to have 13 solar plants under construction in the West by 2010. For more information, go to www.doi.gov.

There are currently 66 applications for solar projects in California that would cover 574,915 acres or nearly 900 square miles. Of those, 33 proposals are in San Bernardino County and could cover up to 352,480 acres or 550 square miles. That is more than 61 percent of all the proposed acreage for solar development in the state. Most of the proposed projects are in Supervisor Mitzelfelt’s district.

Supervisor Mitzelfelt also called for close coordination among ongoing federal and state renewable energy initiatives with a strong role for local government. Those include California’s Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) and Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. Potential energy development on private and disturbed lands should also be examined, he said. San Bernardino County has a number of solar energy projects proposed for private land.

“While we know the Secretary and Department of Interior agencies have no authority on intermingled private and state lands we hope that all actions are fully coordinated with county planning and zoning and the use of private lands is integrated in the planning,” said Mitzelfelt.

For more information visit: www.sbcounty.gov/Mitzelfelt.

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Ashburn E-Report: July 2009

America with Pride

July Fourth is the day we put aside our differences and celebrate the greatness of the United States. All I have to do is look around my district from the Alpine beauty of Inyo County in the North, to the stark desert vistas of Twentynine Palms in the South to sample the magnificence of our land. I don’t have to look farther than home to understand the spirit of its citizens. The people of my district exemplify the vigor, dedication, resilience and independence of Americans who have made our nation the strongest on earth and who have created a homeland that offers more opportunities and freedom than any other place in the world. I am proud, as I know you are, of our country and what we stand for. This 4th of July I will join with you and your friends and family to celebrate our great heritage, ever grateful for our opportunities and the privilege to say, “I am an American.”

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Special Interests Pushing Tax that will Punish Families

The latest tax craze in the State Capitol pushed by Democrats, is an oil severance tax. This is a tax that would be imposed on every barrel of oil that comes out of the ground. This increase in the cost to produce a barrel of oil will be passed on to the consumers with higher prices at the pump. With that comes a new blow to the economy as consumers and companies are forced to spend more on energy and less on buying or developing products and services.

This is hardly the time for a new tax on gasoline. Californians are struggling with high unemployment and the rising costs of living. Incomes are falling while the price of necessities like food and housing increase. As a result many of our neighbors are living from paycheck to paycheck, struggling just to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads.

The big spenders pushing the oil severance tax claim that it is appropriate because the state does not have this tax. They fail to mention that oil is already heavily taxed in California through elevated property taxes, and the highest sales and corporate taxes of all the major oil producing states. Adding an additional 9.9% oil severance tax will make California the most expensive state (total tax burden) in which to produce oil. The true impact of this tax will be higher gas prices. But that is the tip of the iceberg. Californians will also have to pay more for every consumer product that requires transportation from necessities like food and clothing to luxuries like 42 inch HDTVs. While some families will have to tighten their belts and perhaps forgo a summer vacation, many will see a more troubling impact at the dinner table. This tax will begin hurting families immediately and its impacts will be longer lasting as it stifles job creation and economic recovery.

Supporters of the tax argue that it will all be worth it if we can save state services from cuts. However, it is not at all clear that this will happen. In fact there is compelling evidence that projected revenues will not be realized. In 2006, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst reported that an oil severance tax would result in a reduction in property and corporate tax revenues and the possible reduction of sales tax proceeds. Kern County alone could loose 12-15 million dollars in reduced property tax returns that would otherwise have been allocated for schools.

Balancing the budget and preserving state services can be achieved by doing precisely what the voters have asked us to do- cut wasteful spending and stop uncontrolled government growth. California more than any other state is dependent on road transportation and any increase in gas prices will do more to hurt families than a reduction in government services. As the family budget goes south, so goes our businesses, our economy, and ultimately our state’s fiscal solvency.

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Gary Reed Unanimously Reappointed to California Community College Board of Governors

Senator Ashburn congratulating Gary Reed after his unanimous approval by the Senate Rules Committee.

On June 11, 2009, I had the distinct pleasure of testifying before the Senate Rules Committee in favor of reappointing Gary Reed to the Community College Board of Governors. In a 5 to 0 vote, the California Senate’s Rules Committee approved the nominee and moved his appointment to the Senate floor where he was subsequently approved by most of my Senate colleagues. Gary Reed has for many years actively supported educational causes in the district.

Reed was a member of the California State University, Bakersfield, Advisory Board, and the Porterville Education Foundation. In addition, he has been a partner in the investment management firm of Reed, Shoemaker & Brookshire since 1993 and is a member of the Porterville Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as chief of staff to Assemblyman Bill Jones from 1991 to 1992, and as a Tulare County Supervisor from 1988 to 1990. He has been a member California’s Community Board of Governors since 2005.

Gary Reed has made an invaluable contribution to the California Community College Board of Governors. His presence there has brought balance and common sense solutions to California’s educational challenges.

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Underdog Bakersfield Frontier High School Triumphant in California Interscholastic Federation’s State Track and Field Championships

Senator Ashburn and Senator Wright presenting a joint resolution to student athlete Matt Darr and Coach David Gaeta to recognize their special athletic achievement. From left to right, Senator Ashburn, Matt Darr, David Gaeta, and Senator Wright.

I was very pleased to honor Bakersfield’s Frontier High School student-athlete Matt Darr and his coach David Gaeta in an elaborate ceremony on the senate floor on June 15th.

The occasion paid tribute to high school athletes throughout the state who won the 2009 California Interscholastic Federation’s state track and field championships.

Matt Darr single handedly led his underdog team to victory by winning the shot put with a distance of 18.50 meters and the discus throw at 58.52 meters. He was the only athlete from Frontier High School to attend the competition and his winning times at the shot put and discus throw made him a double event champion.

Matt Darr showed how fool hardy it is to underestimate the residents of Bakersfield in any competition. You made us proud and good luck to you and your team and Coach Gaeta in all your future endeavors.

Around the District

Powerhouse Small Businesses

Congratulations to Rod Headley – president and founder of Central California Power, he recently expanded his business with a brand new shop in Bakersfield. He started his company 27 years ago and recently built a state-of-the-art shop that retrofits off-road and on-road equipment and vehicles for the petroleum, agriculture and industrial markets. A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the opening of his shop and he received my California State Senate Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding business achievement.

Mr. Headley’s business shows how the residents of the 18th Senate district have responded innovatively to the needs of the marketplace. His shop offers advanced emissions solutions that effectively clean the air in Kern County and California by offering new efficient CARB compliant diesel and natural gas industrial engines, and diesel particulate filters (DPF’s).

The engines of our economy are businesses like Central California Power. It has been my number one job in Sacramento to make sure that state government does its best to foster and promote our businesses. This session alone I introduced two bills SBs 444 and 445 to help grow our economy by providing incentives for companies to innovate by investing in research and development. Rest assured that I will do my best to make sure that small businesses like Central California Power continue to thrive by promoting fewer regulations and sponsoring legislation to foster innovation.

The Aera Clinic at the Grossman Burn Center

San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH) recently opened the first full treatment burn care center in Bakersfield through an innovative partnership with Los Angeles-based Grossman Burn Centers. Burn victims in Bakersfield and surrounding communities will be able to seek immediate treatment and subsequent rehabilitation instead of going to Los Angeles or Fresno.

The 5-bed in-patient center, where patients will come for surgeries and overnight stays, will occupy a section of the third floor in the hospital’s South Tower. Burn victims will now have the convenience of receiving total burn care closer to home and be treated by the world’s foremost experts in burn treatment.

Opening the burn center shows how the private sector can meet the challenges of providing health care to our community. In recognition of their great service to the citizens of Bakersfield and beyond, they received my California State Senate Certificate of Recognition for their outstanding and invaluable continuum of care.

Mobile Office Hours

To find out more about Senator Roy Ashburn and to view his Mobile Office Hours please visit his website @ http://cssrc.us/web/18/.

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A Nation at a Crossroads This July 4th

This July 4th, we celebrate our 223rd anniversary as an independent nation, with all of the freedoms and liberties attached to being a citizen of the United States. Our Founding Fathers fought to create a nation whose limited government respects individual rights.

We have come far from those early days. Indeed, the stars on the flag have increased, as we have transformed from a colonial outpost to the most powerful country in the world. What was once a largely rural, agrarian society has grown to become a mostly urbanized, industrial nation. We began as a nation that tolerated slavery and racial injustice and became a nation tolerant of people from all over the world.

As a nation, we have arrived at another crossroad—whether to maintain the Founding Fathers’ philosophy of limited government power and control or to embrace exactly the opposite with the continued expansion of government’s scope and power. A government that was once created merely to facilitate commerce and protect individual rights now finds itself enmeshed in industry, finance, and if President Obama has his way, healthcare.

Senator Runner Fights Unconstitutional Tax Hike. [Watch Video]

The United States stands on the cusp of the biggest expansion of government in generations. The government involves itself in areas beyond the scope of the Founders’ original intentions. With greater government involvement comes fewer freedoms—as companies that accepted bailout money are discovering—as will states that accept strings-attached bailout money. Will future generations look back at what we do today with admiration or derision?

This July 4th we as a nation have much to be proud of and much to look forward to. One need only compare our nation’s peaceful transition of political power to the recent clashes of rioters and police in Iran to be awed by the beauty of our republic where opposition parties do not fear threats of violence or imprisonment. However, the rapid expansion of government into all areas of our lives should give us pause.

As we remember the virtues represented by our flag, we must also consider what must be done to maintain the values the founders of this great nation left us. When Benjamin Franklin was famously asked what kind of government emerged after the American Revolution, he replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” It is up to us to determine the type of government we desire.

Huff Headlines: July 2009

Budget Update

With state revenues continuing to decline, and absent sufficient reforms or cuts, California is now facing an estimated $26.3 billion deficit. The State Controller says he is now forced to issue IOUs to tens of thousands of companies and individuals that are owed millions of dollars by the state. Despite this urgency, the majority party has unveiled a sham budget they say bridges $23 billion, but is full of fee increases and poison pills that stifle job creation, and absent real cuts to real programs only kicks the can (the budget shortfall) further down the road. It fails to address the entire deficit, uses Federal Stimulus money to backfill short-term cuts and contains gimmicks and new taxes all of which the voters resoundingly struck down on the May 19th special election.

Republicans in the Senate have been calling for a complete solution to the budget deficit, rather than a piecemeal approach. We are united with the Governor to balance our budget without raising taxes, stealing money from local government, borrowing, or gimmicks. We have also announced a series of commonsense reforms to overhaul state government and the way we do business in California.

Californians are fed up with the majority party avoiding the tough cuts. The Democrats’ leadership has grown a plethora of social programs and generous policies that can’t be sustained. My constituents have told me they want the Legislature to live within its means, and stop coming back to them for more money every time the state spends more money than they bring in.

You may be interested in looking at the Senate Republicans’ daily update on the budget. This website is dedicated to providing much needed transparency into the state’s budget process. It will keep you abreast of legislation, bill text and a host of other things that allow you to see for yourself what is at stake. This can be found at http://RestoreCalifornia.com.

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Fourth of July Activities in the 29th Senate District

I will be attending various community festivities around the 29th Senate District on Saturday, July 4, 2009.

All celebrations are free and open to the public. I hope that everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.

La Verne Flag Raising Ceremony
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day-Saints
2645 Amhurst St., La Verne
8 a.m.

Sierra Madre Parade
Sierra Madre Blvd./Sunnyside
11:30 a.m.

Claremont 4th of July Reception
Garner House at Memorial Park
440 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont
2:45 p.m.

Diamond Bar 4th of July Blast
Diamond Bar High School
21400 E. Pathfinder Rd., Diamond Bar
5 p.m.

La Habra 4th of July Spectacular
La Habra High School Stadium
801 W. Highlander Ave., La Habra
8 p.m.

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Around the District

I met with Kathleen Kane, Executive Vice President of Development and External Affairs, for a brief overview of City of Hope. We walked to Helford Clinical Research Hospital for an overview of the hospital, patient population and research facilities. Additionally, I met Dr. Dominic Femino, M.D. (Orthopedic Oncologist) for an overview of their use of fascinating new technology in their treatment of Musculoskeletal tumors.

Team Huff walked for the Diamond Bar Relay for Life in honor of former Diamond Bar Councilman Bob Zirbes. We had close to 20 walkers, including Diamond Bar Councilman Steve Tye, Three Valleys Water District Member Joe Ruzicka, Walnut Valley Water District Member Ling- Ling Chang, Pomona Unified School District Board Member Andrew Wong, and friends from Walnut Valley Rotary.

CSU Fullerton graduate studentsDana Hester, Eric Rabitoy, and Martha McDonald interviewed me on education related issues for their Doctorate Program at Cal State Fullerton. All three are Deans at Citrus College.

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments had their annual Jack Phillips awards. In order to honor his contributions, the Council of Governments Board voted unanimously to establish an annual awards ceremony to recognize individuals who have had a significant impact on the progress of their organization and the San Gabriel Valley and, in doing so, represent the ideals embodied by Jack Phillips. I presented the award to Harry Baldwin, former Mayor of San Gabriel. Others that received the award were Sharon Neely from the Southern CA Association of Governments, former Congresswoman Hilda Solis, and former Claremont City Manager Glenn Southhard.

I spoke at a Metropolitan Water District breakfast on the importance of water in California and what is needed to continue to provide water to 37 million California residents. Included in the photo with me are: Brigadier General Eric W. Crabtree, Commander, 4th Air Force, and Metropolitan Water Board President Jeff Kightlinger.

Lastly, I was briefed by Diamond Bar Councilwoman Carol Herrera, Industry Councilman Tim Spohn, along with city staff and consultants on the status of a recently proposed traffic congestion solution for the chronically jammed SR57/SR60 interchange. While multi-million dollar infrastructure projects like this take a long time to plan, finance and build, it is heartening to see consensus gelling on how to fix this traffic bottleneck.

2009 Citizen of the Year – Tina Javid

I am very pleased to announce that I chose Tina Javid as my 2009 Citizen of the Year. I had the honor of surprising Tina at the Chino Hills Community Foundation Gala on June 6th.

Tina was an easy choice, not only because she is very active in many community organizations, but with her contagious personality and can-do track record, she endears herself to nearly everyone she comes in contact with. Tina’s involvement includes serving as President of the Fullerton Chamber, President of the Legislative Committee of the Yorba Linda Chamber, Chairperson of the North Orange County Legislative Alliance. She is the past President of the Mt. San Antonio College Foundation Board, Program Chair for Rancho Del Chino Rotary, Board member of Placentia Linda Hospital, and Chino Valley YMCA.

Tina is a Public Affairs Manager for The Gas Company, where she has worked for 25 years, serving in a variety of areas including customer services, marketing, human resources, management training and public affairs. Tina’s responsibilities include representing The Gas Company in 12 cities and several communities: Brea, Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Industry, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Puente, Placentia, Walnut, Yorba Linda, Hacienda Heights, Los Serranos, Rowland Heights, Sleepy Hallow and Valinda.

Tina lives in Chino Hills with her husband Craig and their three children Nathan, Matthew and Jessica.

Congratulations Tina!

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Candace Wu - 2009 State Scholar-Athlete of the Year from Placentia

I had the honor of presenting Candace Wu of Valencia High School in Placentia with a Senate Resolution, on the floor of the Senate, in honor of her selection as the 2009 California Interscholastic Federation/Farmers Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Ms. Wu’s shining academic, athletic and civic record during her four years of high school more than earned her this recognition. Between her sophomore and senior years, Candace maintained a weighted 4.6 GPA. This, coupled with an astounding score of 2330 on the SAT boosted her admission into Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where she will pursue further academic success in the biomedical program.

An equally impressive athlete, Candace played four years on Valencia High School’s varsity tennis team, winning the Empire League doubles championship and rising to be one of the team’s top singles players. Her community service record, studded with numerous school club memberships, is most profoundly exhibited by the more than 300 hours she logged as a volunteer at Placentia-Linda Hospital.

Candace Wu serves as a gleaming example of civic service and an unrelenting dedication to academic success. The commendation provided in the form of the Senate Resolution is but one of what is surely to be a lifetime of such accomplishments.

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District Business Profile - Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams in Yorba Linda Ranked #1 in Orange County

With 30,000 Orange County residents voting, Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams was named the number 1 Sandwich Shop in Orange County by MyFoxLA, Channel 11. Additionally, for the past three years, Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams has been awarded the highest health rating given by the Orange County Health Department.

Stefano’s opened their doors in Yorba Linda six years ago and has become a local favorite. They have grown from a basic sandwich shop to an upscale gourmet deli-café that specializes in its own trademarked brand of spiral hams. Their motto is to provide “outstanding food with great service at reasonable prices.”

In addition to spiral hams, Stefano’s also serves delicious Italian food, including many traditional Italian desserts. Last year they started offering complete family style “dinners-to-go” each Thursday evening, giving their customers a very healthy and cost effective alternative to fast food. Stefano’s also offers complete catering services featuring their own unique hot Italian dishes along with more traditional meals, appetizers, salads and sandwiches.

According to Frank Stefano “Service to our customers is something every member of the team works to perfect and our entire staff is here for only one purpose, taking care of our customers because without them, we are nothing!”

Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams is located at 18220 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Yorba Linda. Phone: 714-993-4267.

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School Highlight - La Habra High School MBA Program

Innovative education programs always peak my interest and I enjoy visiting schools in my district which are making a difference in student’s lives. I had the opportunity to visit La Habra High School’s Marketing and Business Academy (MBA) along with La Habra Police Chief David Hinig, Anaheim Police Chief John Welter, Fullerton Joint Union High School District Superintendent George Giokaris, School Board members, and other guests. La Habra High School has a wonderful program that stimulates students and gets them more involved in the education process.

The Marketing and Business Academy is part of the state-funded California Partnership Academies program, integrating academics with career training. Although the program is open to all high school sophomores, it specifically targets at-risk students in 10th through 12th grades.

The program defines at-risk students as those from low-income households, those who live in a home where neither parent finished college, those who speak English as their second language, or students who had poor attendance or have performed below basic skills levels for their grade.

The MBA program at La Habra High is among 16 such programs in Orange County high schools overseen by California Partnership Academies. While La Habra High School focuses on Marketing and Business, Academies at other OC high schools offer programs where students learn specifics on careers in medicine, automotive technology, education and human services.

At La Habra High School, students in the MBA program are required to wear business attire one day per week and visit businesses they might plan on pursuing themselves. Most students who we talked with felt they were prepared enough through the academy to go out and start their own businesses. They were very confident and articulate when they spoke.

There are tangible differences found in the students in the MBA program. Ninety eight percent of sophomores in the Marketing and Business Academy program pass the California High School Exit Exam compared to 90 percent of all sophomores. Additionally, 20 percent of seniors in the MBA program are now taking Advanced Placement classes.

I am very happy to see such success stories in our schools.

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San Gabriel Valley High Schools Listed as Top in Nation

Eight San Gabriel Valley high schools from my Senate district have been named on Newsweek magazine’s annual list of the country’s top 1,500 schools. I am so proud that Diamond Bar High School was ranked on this list for the 5th time in a row. Other schools from my Senate District that were ranked highly are:

Walnut HS, Bonita HS, San Dimas HS, Rowland HS, Charter Oak HS, Glendora HS and Los Altos HS.

Newsweek compiles the list by taking the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge tests given at a school in May, then dividing it by the number of students graduating that year.

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