Porter Ranch Gas Leak: One Year Later

Yesterday marked one year since the gas leak began at the Aliso Canyon natural gas facility in Porter Ranch, which forced thousands of families and businesses to relocate. While we cannot undo the damage that was done, we can and must take steps to ensure that this type of disaster never harms our community again. That is why my team and I continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that stringent safety standards are put in place. To learn more about some of those standards and what the next steps are for the facility going forward, please visit my website here.

Keeping Our Promises

Over the weekend my office and I investigated the recent disturbing revelation that nearly 10,000 California National Guard soldiers who were improperly paid bonuses a decade ago are now being forced to pay thousands of dollars back to the government. Our men and women in uniform risked everything to protect our country and our way of life, and we must not break our promises to them. That is why I sent a letter this afternoon along with 24 of my colleagues in Congress to the Secretary of Defense urging him to halt further attempts to collect these payments.

David G. Millen School Visit

Last Monday I was invited to speak to the students at the David G. Millen Intermediate School Law and Government Academy in Palmdale. I had a great time talking with the AVID, ASB and Leadership classes about a range of topics such as the death penalty, conflicts in the Middle East, jobs and the economy, taxes and regulations and the importance of attending college. Thank you to the students for your great questions.

Talking about policy with a David G. Millen student

Welcome to the Neighborhood

My office attended the Ribbon Cutting for Hobby Lobby, which opened in Santa Clarita last week. Congratulations and best wishes on this new venture!

Santa Clarita Hobby Lobby ribbon cutting

Healthcare Tour

On Tuesday I met with the Administration Team from Kaiser Permanente in Lancaster and toured the facility. It was great to see all the ways KP is involved in the Antelope Valley and the many ways they give back to our community.

Talking with the Administration Team from Kaiser Permanente in Lancaster

“Young Americans” at Palmdale City Library

Thank you to Thomas Vose, Director of the Palmdale City Library and “Young Americans” for a great discussion last week. We participated in a “Mock Congress” and discussed and debated both sides of bill regarding healthy eating in schools. I encourage parents and students to check out the “Young Americans” to develop the skills needed to make informed, intelligent citizens. They meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 4-5pm.

Discussing the legislative process at the Palmdale City Library

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Groundbreaking

On October 19 my office presented a certificate to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital President and CEO Roger Seaver in recognition of the ground breaking of the Hospital’s new patient tower. The new 6-story building will add over 140 new beds, 2 new surgery suites, expand the dietary services, and a larger cafeteria. The tower is slated open in 2019. Thank you to Henry Mayo and their team for continuing their commitment to the healthcare needs of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital ground breaking

State of the Nation

Thank you to Jennifer Navarro and the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to give an update on the state of our nation on Wednesday. I appreciate all you do for the businesses here in the Antelope Valley.

Thank you to the Palmdale Chamber  of Commerce for hosting!

Whittaker-Bermite Tour

On Wednesday afternoon local, state, and federal officials came together to tour the Whittaker-Bermite site in Santa Clarita and discuss the next steps we must take in order to clean the Eastern Santa Clara River Basin. I am thankful to the participants and I am excited to work with my colleagues to bring water security to our community. Read more here.

Touring the Whittaker-Bermite site in Santa Clarita

Acton and Agua Dulce Chamber of Commerce Installation

It enjoyed catching up with so many fantastic members of the community at the Acton and Agua Dulce Chamber of Commerce Installation on October 19. Congratulations to the new officers and thank you to the outgoing officers for your service!

Installing new Acton and Agua Dulce Chamber of Commerce Officers

Senior Expo

I had a great time Thursday morning at the High Desert Medical Group Senior Expo. Congratulations to Hogs And Horses, the winners of the 2016 Veterans Community Service Award. Thank you for all you do for the veterans of the Antelope Valley.

Congratulations to Hogs And Horses!

Simi Valley High School

On Friday I had some interesting conversations with Mr. Gori’s government class at Simi Valley High School. We discussed the legislative and political processes as well as some hot topics like the upcoming ballot propositions.

Speaking in Mr. Gori’s government class at Simi Valley High School

Bezign Design

Last week I visited Bezign Design Custom Graphics in Simi Valley and had the pleasure of meeting the owners, Joe and Kindah Brennan. Bezign Design is a full service company dedicated to the promotion of small and medium sized businesses. We discussed some of the challenges small business face in California. Thank you to Joe and Kindah for the tour and for all you do for the community of Simi Valley.

Recognizing Joe Brennan