As the air outside is still very unhealthy, and we begin to enter into the Fall, 2020 continues to bring on an unimaginable set of challenges, and these last few weeks are no exception. Just as we’re trying to get used to distance-learning regiments, limited opportunities for physical activity, and continuing to mind our latest Stay-At-Home guidelines, the raging wildfires and overall air quality have brought on a whole new set of personal tests for us. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has warned that most of our region will be affected by smoke with high concentrations of fine-particle pollution in areas closest to the Bobcat and El Dorado fires for quite some time. The Air Quality Management District, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have compiled a list of safety tips and advice to stay safe right now. Experts are also advising that we continue to stay indoors if possible, keeping our windows and doors closed, and to be prepared for local public health alerts.
Virus and the Valley
Reaching the Finish Line
As we do our best to complete this year’s legislative work, I’m proud to have dramatically slimmed down my own bill package in order to focus like a laser on the state’s, and the Valley’s, most pressing needs during the pandemic. There is of course so much that needs addressing as we confront wildfires, electricity blackouts, social trauma, unemployment, eviction threats, and of course all the enormous health impacts of COVID-19.
Virus and the Valley
Enduring “The Perfect Storm”
As we confront record breaking temperatures and exploding wildfires across our beautiful state, it feels like we’re living through “the perfect storm” - all while we’re still doing what we can to manage our day-to-day during this pandemic.
Governor Newsom recently reported that California has already had to fight over 6700 fires since the beginning of this year – which is roughly 2000 more than what we were dealing with at the same time last year. There are currently at least 23 major incidents, with 367 known fires burning statewide. It’s hot, smoky, and people are in need of relief.
Virus and the Valley
Crunch time at the Capitol
It’s crunch time at the Capitol, and things are moving fast. Because of our Constitutional obligation to end our legislative session on August 31st, the Legislature is bound to honor a specific schedule, and that’s been an extraordinary challenge as we work to try to address as many of the problems caused by the pandemic as we can.
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About Senator Hertzberg
Senate Majority Leader Robert Hertzberg was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1996. He then served as the 64thSpeaker of the California State Assembly, unanimously elected by both parties in 2000 and 2001.
After his tenure as Speaker, Hertzberg set out to the private sector as a clean energy entrepreneur and in 2014, he returned to state government when he was again elected to represent nearly 1 million people in the San Fernando Valley in the California State Senate. This made Hertzberg one of only six lawmakers in California history to serve as Assembly Speaker and subsequently win a seat in the Senate, where he now serves as Majority Leader.
Sacramento columnist, he is “an intense bundle of energy, an all-night negotiator.”
