Around the District

Art Competition Winner

Congratulations to Qianjing Ma from West Ranch High School on winning the 2016 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 25th Congressional District. Qianjing’s painting, titled “Autumn’s Fruits,” wowed the panel of judges during a reception last week hosted by FastFrame Valencia and KHTS Hometown Station. Sixty one high school students entered this year’s contest for a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. and have their art displayed in the U.S. Capitol, and each piece was very impressive. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Qianjing Ma and her artwork, “Autumn’s Fruits”

YES in Simi Valley

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Job and Career Expo, which took place on May 1 in Simi Valley, was a success. My staff joined organizations from the area in talking with young people seeking employment and internships. Thanks to the City of Simi Valley and the sponsors for making this event happen.

Youth Employment Service in Simi Valley

Santa Susana High School Visit
I really enjoyed my visit to Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley last week. The students and I had a great discussion about the legislative process and current events.

Thanks for hosting me, Mr. McAllister

Seeking Solutions for the Santa Susana Field Lab
On May 2, my office took another tour of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory to get an update on the site cleanup and see what more we can do to ensure it happens as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Business Tour in Valencia
A week ago, I took a great tour of Wesco Aircraft in Valencia. They help manage the supply chains for bigger aerospace companies and help create kits of the needed parts. Thanks for having me!

Touring Wesco Aircraft

Looking Out for Naval Base Ventura County
I attended a meeting on Wednesday morning with the Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century (RDP-21), a community-based organization in Ventura County that advocates for and supports the county’s military facilities and defense contractors. We discussed our work in the House Armed Services Committee to improve the nation’s military acquisition program to get our latest weapons to our warfighters more quickly and efficiently. We also talked about the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which will provide for Naval Base Ventura County and the military personnel who serve there. After the meeting, I took a tour of Naval Base Ventura County to learn about the unique and crucial operations that take place on the base.

Learning about Naval Base Ventura County

Important Ports
Last week, I participated in a meeting with the Central California Area Maritime Security Committee, where we reviewed security and intelligence reports relevant to the Port of Los Angeles. This information was critical for me to understand the unique concerns and challenges that this vital site faces. Afterward, personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard gave me an extensive tour of the Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports, where we observed the operations from the air.

National Day of Prayer
May 6 is the National Day of Prayer. I was honored to speak at this year’s Prayer Breakfast in Palmdale with Mayor Ledford.

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in Palmdale

Update from CLWA
On Friday my office met with representatives from Castaic Lake Water Agency to discuss solutions for California’s drought and our efforts to clean the ground water in the region. We also gave an update on legislation I introduced this year in Congress that would give a boost to longstanding efforts to clean the Eastern Santa Clara River Basin and provide fresh water to the Santa Clarita Valley.  Learn more about that here.

My staff with Castaic Lake Water Agency

Honoring Law Enforcement
I had a great time at Law Day at the AV Fairgrounds in Lancaster on Friday afternoon, where we honored outstanding members of the local law enforcement and legal communities. Congratulations to all the honorees, and keep up the great work.

Thank you for everything that you do

Aerospace Valley
A few days ago I visited Aero Bending Company in Palmdale. I received a tour of their facility, met employees, and viewed the components they manufacture for the F-35 program in support of both Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. This is another one of our great aerospace companies in the Antelope Valley.

Having a discussion with Aero Bending employees

Man & Woman of the Year
I ended my Friday night at the SCV Man and Woman of the Year Awards, where we honored Jim Lentini and Lois Bauccio. Congratulations to both of you. This is always one of the top events of the year.

Looking for Interns in Simi Valley
My Simi Valley District Office is now accepting applications for interns! If you know an outstanding young person in the area who is interested in building their professional skills and learning about public service, send them our way!  More info here.