A Monthly Message from Senator Limón
As we begin autumn, I think about how fast this year and specifically the month of August flew by. The Legislature has adjourned the 2020-2021 Legislative year, and I am pleased to announce that eleven of my bills are heading to the Governor for his consideration. The Governor has until October 10th to sign, veto or take action on bills.
The Legislature passed bills that address critical issues in California, including education, homelessness, COVID-19 resources, and assistance for individuals and families most in need. Thank you all who called, emailed, or wrote letters stating your position on legislation.
In the rest of the newsletter, you will find COVID-19 resources, community events I attended, and highlights from the past month.
As a friendly reminder for your safety and the safety of your loved ones, please continue to follow public health recommendations and continue to check Ventura County and Santa Barbara County public health departments for developing updates on mask requirements, vaccine distribution, and business guidelines.
My office continues to be 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
The CAW
I had the opportunity to visit The Santa Barbara Community Arts Workshop (CAW) in Santa Barbara. The CAW is an example of a building inspiring community infrastructure by making the arts and culture a vital partner in the downtown of Santa Barbara. The CAW creates a welcoming space for the entire community to gather, share cultural experiences and conversation, and be a community. To learn more about The CAW, visit https://www.sbcaw.org/
Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc.
On National Health Center Week, I had the pleasure of joining Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. tour of the Karen R. Burnham Health Center in Oxnard. This center increases access to crucial primary care services while reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for all patients. I look forward to the positive impact the health center will bring to Oxnard and surrounding communities.
Santa Barbara Anonymous Gun Buyback
I joined local leaders on the steps of City Hall to discuss the importance of ending gun violence in our communities and bringing awareness to the Anonymous Gun Buyback program. The Coalition Against Gun Violence (CAGV), the City of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Police Department hosted their sixth Anonymous Gun Buyback, the event collected 238 weapons, including five assault weapons. In the past six years, they have collected 1,407 weapons.
Home for Good Santa Barbara County AmeriCorps
Team Limón joined in honoring Home for Good Santa Barbara County AmeriCorps volunteers for their dedication to service. Despite the pandemic, the program housed over 500 individuals without housing within Santa Barbara County in 2020. Thank you for your time, commitment and passion to give back to our communities.
Ventura Compressor Modernization Project
Assemblymember Steve Bennett, local agencies, and I hosted a virtual town hall to learn about the Ventura Compressor Modernization Project. Community participation is essential for this process. Since April, we have been engaging with state agencies, the community, and regulators to gather information about the compressor station project and the process. As elected officials, we can only direct agencies through legislation; therefore, this town hall was a vital opportunity to listen to community members and identify possible legislative solutions to consider in the future. To watch the town hall click the image below.
Oxnard Union High School District Office
Team Limón attended the grand opening of Oxnard Union High School District Office. It was great to see school district leaders and staff while watching the talented student performers showing their school pride. I wish all students a prosperous and healthy school year.
MICOP Recognition
On International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, I had the opportunity to present Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) the 2021 Non-Profit of the Year award for Senate District 19. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to help our communities does not go unnoticed. MICOP is the only organization dedicated entirely to addressing the unique needs of Indigenous migrants in the Central Coast region of California. MICOP directly serves over 8,000 Indigenous community members each year, and offers a full-spectrum of programs that strategically integrate direct service with community organizing and advocacy. MICOP’s services include health access, systems navigation, humanitarian aid, language interpretation, and literacy. As we continue facing the COVID-19 pandemic, they remain committed to connecting families and individuals to resources and assistance. We are very fortunate to have you helping our communities in Ventura and Santa Barbara County.
Rose Martinez - California Conservation Corps
Meet Rose Martinez from Santa Maria, who is fighting the Dixie Fire in Plumas County alongside other California Conservation Corps members. Thank you, Corpsmembers, for all you do to respond disasters in California.
Small Business Grants
The Office of the Small Business Advocate has announced new funding rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. There will be three additional rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. For more information on grant requirements and eligibility, along with links to application tips and webinars visit CAReliefGrant.com.
Renter/Landlord Assistance
If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs – or if you’re a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation – help may be available. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.
Visit the CFPB’s Rental Assistance Finder to find out what this means for you and what you can do. The CFPB’s site also includes resources to help renters and landlords understand other resources to help navigate various financial hardships related to the pandemic.
Spectrum: Owning a Piece of America with Faith Bautista
“On this episode of "Owning a Piece of America," host Faith Bautista and State Sen. Monique Limón discuss various consumer protection programs available to Californians.”
Central Coast Public Radio: California to Provide Meals for all K-12 Students:
“As California students head back to school, they won’t need to pack a lunch. The new state budget for education allocates funds for universal meal plans for the next three years... State Senator Monique Limón represents the 19th district from Santa Maria to Camarillo. She said several policy attempts have been made to expand the lunch program in the past few years, but the number one obstacle was funding.” READ MORE.