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Hello neighbors.
As many of you know, I am months away from completing my final term as spokesperson for Senate District 18.
It was a bittersweet time. It’s going to be hard for me to leave this position, but I can’t help but be proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish for the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and California. We tackled the toughest issues and made sweeping legislative changes. We produced and passed landmark legislation that inspired neighboring states to do the same.
But I can say with certainty that the most enjoyable aspect of my career – the part that I will surely miss the most – has been my interaction with you. Whether it’s hearing constituents’ opinions or working collaboratively with other legislators, the collaboration and really deep sense of community that comes with this work is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. .
Just a few days ago, several of my Senate colleagues spoke kind words in commemoration of my eight-year career in the Senate. I was immediately moved to tears and couldn’t help but think of all the change we were able to foster.
Pro-Tem Senate Toni Atkins of San Diego, after reciting a poem, kindly said, “Call it a record, call it a legacy, Bob, what you’ve given us — your constituents, the people, and California — is exceptional, and we’ll give you that.” thank you. ”
My good friend, Sen. Bill Dodd of Napa said, “As a former Speaker of the Assembly and Senate Majority Leader, he has built a tremendous record of political achievement, and at the same time, he has never let fear of the failure to prevent him from rolling up his sleeves.”
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve you throughout my years as your representative for Senate District 18 and cannot express my gratitude for the friends and colleagues I have made in road course.
For additional news you can use, scroll down to read the fourth installment of some of the $24 million I’ve helped provide the San Fernando Valley, new investments in children’s mental health and MORE.
Now tell me what’s on your mind. Contact us via Facebook, TwitterInstagram and my email, or call my office at 818 901-5588.
Be well, stay safe and remember we are all in this together.
Bob Hertzberg
VALLEY NEWS
(PHOTO CREDIT: Gov.Ca.Gov)
CALIFORNIA TO INVEST IN CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
After two years of online learning, the return to in-person instruction has proven difficult for millions of students struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues. That’s why California plans to implement a $4.7 billion blueprint to establish better mental health services for people under 25. The plan incentivizes pursuing a career in counseling with a $20,000 scholarship and will add 10,000 more counselors to California schools. It further aims to address mental health issues early on, establish clinics and treatment centers, and add resources for parents, among other benefits. These services are intended to complement those already provided by the Children’s Mental Health Resources Hub, including their many hotlines and toolkits. To read the full master plan, please click HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: LACommunityFridge)
COMMUNITY FRIDGES OFFERS FREE FOOD
LA Community Fridges, a network of independent refrigerators and pantries, is placing communal fridges throughout the city, including Van Nuys, to help address food insecurity. Residents can take out food for free and everyone is open to donate to a refrigerator. The organization does, however, have a list of items it does not accept (including home-cooked meals) for security reasons. Locations, hours and more HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: NPR)
COUNTY EXPANDS MONKEYPOX VACCINE ELIGIBILITY
Although vaccine supplies remain limited, Los Angeles County has again expanded the eligibility criteria for the monkeypox vaccine. According to the county’s public health department, the vaccine will now be offered to gay or bisexual men and transgender people who have had intimate skin-to-skin contact with people at large places or events in the past 14 days, as well than to anyone who has had commercial and/or transactional sex in the last 14 days. Eligible residents can register online HERE, after which they will be alerted when a dose becomes available. More information on the spread and symptoms of monkeypox HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: LADPSS)
HEALTH CARE, NUTRITION AND MORE AVAILABLE IN LA COUNTY
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Human Services has launched an “Essential Services Month” campaign to inform residents of its many assistance programs. These include health care, nutritional assistance, cash for individuals and families with minor children, and home care for residents who are blind, disabled, or over 65. During this month, the department will additionally offer time-limited benefits, including the 2022 Child Advance Tax Credit program for families, through November 2022. More HERE or call 866-613- 3777.
VALLEY ACTIVITIES
(PHOTO CREDIT: Football for Her)
FREE SOCCER CLINICS FOR YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES
Football for Her, a Pacoima organization, hosts a free clinic every Friday to mentor and coach female and non-binary athletes ages 8-18. Made possible through a partnership with Angel City FC and Cedars-Sinai, the program provides a safe space for girls to train, meet new players and improve their skills. In addition to these services, professional athletes and mentors come twice a month to coach the girls and provide advice. All are welcome to register, regardless of their level of athleticism or background. Sign up and learn more HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Studio City Ward Council)
ATTENTION PHOTOS: THE STUDIO CITY PHOTO CONTEST ENDS IN SEPT. 12
The Studio City Borough Council is looking for great photos featuring the best parts of Studio City for their website. Photos must fit within a 1200×550 pixel frame, and entrants must live, work, do business, or have a business in Studio City to be eligible. To enter, email your photos to [email protected]. Registration is free and the contest ends on September 12. The five best photos will be selected and credited. More here.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Burbank Water and Power)
FREE RECYCLED WATER FOR OUTDOOR USE IN BURBANK
Burbank Water and Power is opening a free recycled water refill station beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6 for community members affected by the Metropolitan Water District’s emergency ban on outdoor watering in Burbank, the city of San Fernando and several other Southland towns. During the watering ban, September 6-20, the Burbank Fill Station will provide recycled water for use uniquely for outdoor watering such as trees, gardens and plants. Residents and businesses are asked to bring containers up to 300 gallons with a tight lid to the Filling Station, 1110 W. Clark Avenue near George Izay Park, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday , and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday noon. More here.
BRINGING MONEY AT THE SFV
(PHOTO CREDIT: Senator Hertzberg’s website)
LOCAL BUDGET WINNERS REFLECT, SERVE SFV DIVERSITY
Here’s part four about local programs and improvements that will soon have a positive impact on a neighborhood near you. Read part one HERE, part two HERE and part three HERE. All are the result of an annual budget process where I seek funds for worthy San Fernando Valley projects, and a total of $24 million will be shared. Part 5 next week! (Photos by Steve Fukushima).
NEARLY $400,000 FOR KEY SERVICES AT PENNY LANE CENTERS
From left, Wendy Carpenter, Senator Bob Hertzberg, Dr. Judith Sandino and Nydia Barakat at the presentation of a check for $390,000 for services related to substance use disorders and concurrent disorders.
SFV RESIDENTS GET MAJOR BOOST IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Tim Ryder and Marci Kass of San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Centers receive a $400,000 check from Senator Bob Hertzberg for local mental health services.
REDUCE BARRIERS, 2n/a GOAL ODDS OF $555,000 TO CHAMPIONS IN SERVICE
From left, Blinky Rodriguez, Senator Bob Hertzberg, Anna Dawahare and Bobby Arias with a check for $555,000 to Pacoima-based Champions in Service, a group dedicated to reducing barriers and providing a second luck, including tattoo removal, to those in need.
REMEMBER, WE ARE A TEAM
I appreciate hearing from you. If you have a specific question or concern, or a story to share about the valley, please click here to email me or call my office at (818) 901-5588. You can also join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
(Heart of the Valley is a free weekly email newsletter from Senator Bob Hertzberg. Subscribe HERE. Submission of articles for VALLEY NEWS, VALLEY ACTIVITIES or other suggestions are welcome and can be sent to [email protected]).
