VIrus and the Valley

Staying At Home In The Valley

December 3, 2020

As we find ourselves closer to the end of 2020, I know it’s been a challenge to keep up the good fight. A recent story from the LA Times reports that our Valley neighborhoods are being hit hard by the coronavirus. Even with updated guidelines, we must be especially diligent to help get these numbers down, and keep our friends and family safe and healthy. Our latest Stay-At-Home order is here, and helps frame how we approach the coming winter months. Please be sure to review the information available in this newsletter, along with other opportunities to apply for grants, take an online meeting to learn more about tax updates, and to keep your loved ones who may be at risk of COVID-19 fed, and connected to our community.

A Thankful, Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

November 24, 2020

As we enter a time of year that’s typically filled with family and tradition, I hope this message finds you well, and that you’re incorporating new, safe ways to give thanks. Because of COVID-19, we have new guidelines in place, and it’s important that we do what we can to abide by them. This includes limiting our travel and keeping the festivities within our immediate household, continuing to wear our masks and wash our hands, and doing what we can to control the spread of this virus. This weekend is going to be critical - and will predict just how we’ll be spending the next round of holidays in the coming year.

Giving Thanks & Staying Safe

November 19, 2020

The latest data is showing us that coronavirus in on the rise in California. Here in the Valley, the county is working with the state, issuing updated guidelines for what we can do to help maintain our social-distance, and still spend the holidays with the people and the traditions that we love.

Listening To The Needs of The Valley

November 12, 2020

As a lawmaker, I’m still a few weeks away from getting back to my legislative duties. But I’ve been doing my best to use this time away from the Capitol to connect to the people, places and the issues that matter. It all helps make the Valley home.

Counting On The Valley in 2021

November 6, 2020

What an extraordinary week! From safely creating new holiday traditions, to participating in the election - all while doing our best to manage during a pandemic - it’s been nothing short of historic. I really think the Valley is such a resilient community, and this time is proving just how strong we really are.

Some things are going to be changing as we approach the New Year, and others may feel like they’re staying the same. But no matter what, we are moving forward together, and I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of extraordinary things we can do. This year, more votes were cast than in any other time in our democracy, and that’s pretty remarkable.

Preparing For A Busy Week

October 29, 2020

As we approach another couple of important holidays, I wanted to share just how inspiring it has been to witness how our communities in the Valley are (safely) coming together, supporting one another, and working to keep our COVID-19 numbers low. Just this last weekend, I was able to get a flu shot in San Fernando thanks to the LA Care Center, and drop off some supplies over at a physically distanced food drive in Valley Village. We’re working together, and as the days get cooler and the nights get a little longer, (don’t forget to set your clock back this Sunday!), it just goes to show that we get things done in the Valley, and we’re not about to quit now.

COVID-19 Updates For The Valley

October 22, 2020

While our fight against the coronavirus continues, we’ve had some pretty big updates that I want to make sure you’re aware of.

The first is that the Governor is introducing a team of experts to help us identify and safely distribute the COVID-19 vaccine once it’s created, tested and approved by the FDA. While there is no official date regarding when the vaccine will be made available, Governor Newsom says it’s important that we make sure that whatever is offered not only meets the need, but is equally effective for everyone in our incredibly diverse population.

New Traditions & Important Deadlines

October 15, 2020

We’re already midway through October, which means that many of us here in the Valley are preparing for some important holidays. As Halloween and Día De Los Muertos are soon approaching, it certainly won’t be the first time that neighbors, friends and family are adjusting to creating new traditions that keep us safe from the COVID-19 virus.

Don't Wait On Democracy - Vote!

October 8, 2020

As you may already know, all registered voters in California will be receiving their ballot through the mail to help take part in the 2020 election cycle. Voting accessibility has been a long-standing issue that has been close to my heart for many years, and it is incredibly meaningful to see the process come to life, and empower so many. You may have already gotten your ballot in the mail, and I want to assure you that voting-by-mail is safe, reliable, secure, and gives so many people a real opportunity to have their voices heard.

Caring For Ourselves & Each Other

October 2, 2020

It’s hard to believe it’s already October, but I hope this moment finds you hopeful and well. With so much going on in our streets and in our homes, many of us have been so preoccupied with our physical health, we often forget that there are other aspects that can affect how we approach our “new normal.” The cumulative stress of COVID-19, fires, social injustices and politics is proving to be unhealthy. That’s why the State recognizes the growing need to take care of the mental and behavioral health for all Californians, and in the following newsletter, I welcome you to look into some of the new, free/low- cost resources that are now available. We have to keep moving forward to get through this historic time, and these options are being put in place to help get us there. We want you to use them, because your success is going to help each one of us to a better, brighter future.