A Monthly Message from Senator Limón
Happy June!
This month, the legislature celebrated the amazing work of nonprofits throughout the state for their tireless dedication to our community.
As the chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, I am honored to announce that the 2022 Senate District 19 Nonprofit of the Year is, Mothers’ Helpers.
Read more about Mothers’ Helpers below and help us thank them for their service to mothers in need.
My office is of assistance when needed. To reach us, please call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 965-0862 or our Oxnard office at (805) 988-1940 or email Senator.Limon@senate.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Monique Limón
Senator, 19th District
Last month was an important month in the legislative process and I am happy to share that my office was successful in moving forward critical legislation. From policies that will protect our environment, increase access to higher education, increase access to critical health resources, and ensure pay equity. I continue to work hard to represent the Central Coast and create a brighter future for Californians. For my full statement on the passage of our legislation, click here.
This week it was my honor to name Mothers’ Helpers, Inc as the 2022 Nonprofit of Year. Mothers’ Helpers is dedicated to supporting mothers in need by connecting them with essential items like strollers, cribs, blankets, and more that are critical in caring for a child. Mothers' Helpers, Inc. was founded by Robin Unander-La Berge and Dan La Berge of Santa Barbara in October 2009. The organization connects community members in need with gently used baby items. What started as helping out one single mother find a crib for her newborn, has turned into a community of parents and mothers helping to support mothers throughout Santa Barbara County. Thank you for your service to our community!
To read more about their incredible story, please visit their website.
Gun and School Safety Town Hall
As the representative of a district who has been impacted by gun violence, the shooting in Uvalde, Texas has sparked serious concern amongst the youth in our district. In response to calls and questions from constituents, I held a gun and school safety town hall to update the district on what California is doing to curb gun violence in our communities. In times like these it is important that we do not lose hope, but instead come together to put an end to this senseless violence.
For a list of pending and current legislation on gun and school safety in California, click here.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month in California, where we believe in celebrating and uplifting the efforts and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in the Golden State.
Looking for an event to show your pride in SD-19? Check out the events below:
Pacific Pride Foundation Presents: PRIDE! DATE NIGHT:
Join the Pacific Pride Foundation for a date night at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in honor of pride month on Thursday, June 16 from 6 – 8 PM!
For a full list of Pride events hosted the foundation please visit: Pacific Pride Foundation Events
There are several Pride events in Ventura County during the month of June, for more information, click here.
Additional Pride events throughout SD-19:
Oxnard Pride – June 25, 2022
Camarillo Pride – June 26, 2022
Outdoor Equity Grants Program
In 2019 I was proud to author AB 209, the Outdoor Equity Grant Program, which helps to increase access to outdoor educational opportunities to California kids. In the 2020 Budget, the Outdoor Equity Grant Program received $57 million dollars to fund 125 programs throughout the state. I am thrilled to announce that three programs in our district received this grant funding, helping to connect hundreds of children to the benefits of the outdoors.
MERITO Foundation, Inc. – From the Avenue to the Channel Islands
Regents of the University of California – Outdoor Adventures (Aventuras Afuera) - Jardin City of Santa Maria – Santa Maria Outdoor Recreation Experience - SMORE
Ventura River Trail Improvements – CalTrans Clean Grant Award
In May, Team Limón attended an event celebrating a $5 million grant award the City of Ventura received from the CalTrans Clean CA program for improvements to the Ventura River Trail in the Westside Neighborhood. It was my honor to support their grant application and help improve the river trail, including repaving the bike trail, the addition of solar lighting, and the removal and replacement of trail fencing. Targeted improvements include accessibility to access the trail, public art, trail monuments, environmental and ‘no litter’ signage, native and drought-tolerant shrub and tree planting, trash cans, wayfinding to the trail, and other various trail user amenities.
For additional information on this project, click here.
Juneteenth is a federal and state holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture and contributions to our communities. Join SD-19 in celebrating Juneteenth at one of the events below.
June 18, 2022 – Juneteenth Oxnard 10am-5pm at Plaza Park
500 S. C Street
Oxnard, California 93030
The Annual Juneteenth Celebration event will be held on Saturday, June 18th , 2022, at the downtown Plaza Park, Oxnard, CA from 10a to 5pm.
The highly anticipated 31st Annual Juneteenth Celebration, will be streaming live on Facebook.
June 18, 2022 – Juneteenth Lompoc 11am-5pm at Ryon Park
800 W. Ocean
Lompoc, California 93436
June 19, 2022 – Caring for the People Block Party 12pm-5pm
200 block of Gray Ave, between e. Montecito Street & E. Yanonali Street – in front of our community partner Shaloob’s Funk Zone Patio.
The 2022 community event themed ‘Caring for the People’ also honors local Black artists & artisans, performers, and organizations as well as providing free food, dancing, and singing.
CA State Parks Week
June 14-18, 2022
California is home to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the country and every child and family should have the ability to visit these amazing parks. Help celebrate California State Parks Week by attending events in our district. Click on the link below to learn more information.
Volunteer & Partnership Dune Restoration Day at Carpinteria State Beach
June 18 @ 1pm-3pm
205 Palm Ave
Carpinteria, CA 93013