Around the DistrictService Academy Information Day

Do you know someone who is interested in applying to a United States military service academy? On September 17 my office is hosting an information gathering event for students considering application for 2017 appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. More information here.

Simi Valley Teacher of the Month

On Tuesday my office presented a certificate of recognition to Caroline Hardeman, a 6th grade teacher at Hollow Hills Fundamental School who was named Teacher of the Month by the Simi Valley Education Foundation. Thank you for everything you do Ms. Hardeman!

 Keep up the great work 

Last week my office joined The Young Americans for Freedom from Lancaster High School for their 9/11 commemoration outside of the school’s marquee. They planted 2,977 flags, each one representing an innocent life that was lost on September 11, 2001. We shared a moment of silence followed by the National Anthem sung by our very own A’cappella Choir.

Great job Young Americans for Freedom!

Raising Flags

Congratulations to Adam Miller and SCVi Charter School on the dedication and flag raising ceremony at their new Flag Courtyard. Adam spent over 800 hours on this Eagle Scout project. He was able to secure the county permits, materials, donors and volunteers to comets the project. Keep up the great work Adam!

Dedication and Flag Ceremony

Homes for Our Heroes

On Saturday I had the honor of attending the SCV Enriched Neighborhood Phase 2 Key Ceremony. Congratulations to the 28 veteran families that received keys to their new homes. I wish you the best in working to make these houses your homes. Thank you to the California Department of Veterans Affairs and Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV, as well as the countless volunteers that made this a reality.

Presenting a flag

Supporting our Firefighters

This weekend I had the privilege of participating in an event to assist the four firefighter families who lost homes during the Sand Fire. Angela Schock, Ramone Chavez, James Robledo, Sergio Toscano, and their families represent the best our community has to offer. Thousands of homes and livelihoods were saved because of their bravery and sacrifice. It is truly a testament to the strength and bond of our community that so many people came out to this event to help them get back on their feet. Thank you so much to Diane and Steve Arklin for hosting and to Hunt Braly and Habitat for Humanity for putting everything together!

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported

Antelope Valley Remembrance

I started my Sunday at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Antelope Valley Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Antelope Valley Mall.

Ceremony at Antelope Valley Fallen Heroes Memorial

Santa Clarita Ceremony

Hands On Santa Clarita has put on the 9/11 day of remembrance for the last 4 years. This event pays tribute to the victims of 9/11 and honors those who served in response to the tragedy.

Hands On Santa Clarita Day of Remembrance

Survivors’ Bill of Rights Last Tuesday I was proud to support H.R. 5578, the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016 as it passed the House floor. This bipartisan legislation would help address the unique challenges faced by sexual assault survivors by providing much needed protections and access to a legal process for survivors of sexual assault. Read more here.Honing HUBZones  On Wednesday I participated in a House Small Business Committee hearing about how we can improve our HUBZone program, which promotes economic development and employment growth in distressed areas by providing access to more federal contracting opportunities. To learn more about this program and how to qualify, please visit the Small Business Administrations’ website here. Small Business Bill Last week I introduced the Small Business Investment Opportunity Act, which would help provide small businesses greater access to capital in order to grow their operations and create jobs. Ensuring that our small businesses can grow and hire more of our neighbors is key to improving our economy, and I’m proud to be part of the effort to achieve this. More here. Tax Fighter Award On Thursday I was honored by the National Tax Limitation Committee with the 114th Congress “Tax Fighter Award” for my A rating on tax and spending issues. Thank you for the presentation, it’s quite an honor! Thank you to the National Tax Limitation Committee for the recognition Honoring the Fallen I joined House Democrats and Republicans on the steps of the US Capitol Friday morning as we came together for a touching 9/11 Congressional Remembrance Ceremony. Let us never forget the lives we lost fifteen years ago. Remembrance ceremony  on the Capitol steps