SCVNews.com | Knight Watch, 3-1-2016

Around the District

App Challenge Winner

Congratulations to Efrain Munoz from The Palmdale Aerospace Academy on winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge! The Congressional App Challenge is a fun way to encourage students to pursue STEM-based skills, which are crucial to maintaining America’s competitive advantage. Efrain has proven he has great talent in these fields, and sets a fantastic example for the rest of our nation’s youth to follow.

Keep up the great work Efrain!

Veterans Outreach

Thank you Andy and Shelly Crawford of Red White and Blue C.D.C.as well as Steve Baker and his team for another outstanding Veterans Outreach this weekend. This annual event always brings together lots of great resources and services for our local veterans.

Thanks to everyone who made the AV Veterans Outreach a success

Grand Opening in Santa Clarita

Congratulations to Garen and Alma on opening a Papa Murphy’s in Santa Clarita. Welcome to the community!

A warm SCV Welcome to Garen and Alma!

Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley

Congratulations to outgoing Phil Isabell, Chairman of the Board at Boys and Girls Club of Simi Valley. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our youth in Simi Valley.

Congratulations Phil

RoboSTEM Expo

Saturday’s RoboSTEM Expo in Lancaster was a fun and informative event. I love seeing the variety of great programs in the Antelope Valley!

Checking out some local tech at the AV RoboSTEM Expo

For the Troops

I was honored to serve as Honorary Co-Chair at the For the Troops Gala in Simi Valley on Saturday night. For the Troops is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to providing members of the American military with “We Care” packages containing basic necessities, goodies, games and—most of all—a show of support. More information on their website: http://www.forthetroops.org/

Honorary Co-Chair for the Annual For the Troops Gala

Calling All Artists

I’m excited to announce that I am now accepting artwork submissions for the Congressional Art Competition of 2016. High School students can submit an original work of art for a chance to be selected as the 25th Congressional District’s winner. The first place winner will be provided with complimentary airfare to Washington, D.C. to see his or her art displayed in the Capitol Building—which will be displayed for an entire year. Artwork must be submitted by Friday, April 24th to one of my District Offices in Antelope Valley, Simi Valley, or to the KHTS Radio Station in Santa Clarita. A winner will be announced by May 4th, and will be selected by a panel of judges consisting of members of the art community throughout the district.

For more information on guidelines and rules, please visit my website or call Nicole in my Santa Clarita Valley Office at (661) 255-5630.

Around the Capitol

Last Man on the Moon

Last week I spoke at a reception for NASA Space Launch System & Orion Suppliers featuring Gene Cernan, the last man on the moon. America needs heroes like Cernan who can inspire future generations to push the boundaries of our space exploration program and continue our nation’s leadership in aeronautics and innovation.

Speaking at a reception for the last man on the moon

Carrying Water to Santa Clarita

Even with the rain from El Nino, the drought in our state is a national emergency and Congressional action is needed to increase our drinking water supply. That is why on February 24th I introduced legislation that would authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to fund new water supply programs associated with communities impacted by perchlorate contamination plumes, like the Santa Clarita Valley, in order to restore lost local groundwater supply and decrease dependence on imported water supplies. More information here.

California Institute for Aerospace

I am proud to stand behind Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Assemblyman Scott Wilk, Senator Sharon Runner, and Senator Jean Fuller in their effort to create a California Institute for Aerospace in the Antelope Valley. We need innovative programs like this in order to bring quality jobs to our community and revitalize California’s economy.

Speaking Up For Porter Ranch

Last Thursday I testified in a House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railways, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials hearing on behalf of residents in Porter Ranch and Santa Clarita. I explained the negative effects of the Aliso Canyon gas leak on the residents of Porter Ranch and urged my colleagues to pass legislation that would create adequate safety standards for gas storage facilities so that we can prevent another incident from happening in our communities ever again. Watch here.

The Future of the Army

Last week I spoke with General Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, about the future of the Army and what Congress can do to support its mission.

Speaking with the Chief of Staff of the Army

Calling All Interns!

Do you know anyone who is looking for work experience or wants to gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process? My Washington, D.C. Office is currently accepting interns for 2016. Qualified candidates are encouraged to visit my website.

Around the Corner

JAM Sessions
March 3, 7:00-9:30pm
Old Town Newhall Library, Outdoor Patio, 24500 Main Street, Santa Clarita10 by 10 (Performer Variety Night)
March 3, 7-10pm
Repertory East Playhouse, 24266 Main Street, Santa ClaritaCoffee With A Cop
March 4, 9:00-10:30am
Legacy Commons Senior Center, 930 East Avenue Q-9, Palmdale

Palmdale PONY Opening Day & Pancake Breakfast
March 5, 8-11am
Palmdale Pony Fields, 38350 20th Street East, Palmdale

6th Annual Black 365 Knowledge Bowl
March 5, 2-4pm
Antelope Valley College Performing Arts Theater, 3041 W Avenue K, Lancaster

Free California Friendly Water-Wise Landscape Workshop
March 5, 9am-12pm
99.1 The Ranch Studios, 1555 Simi Town Center, Simi Valley

Meet The Jaycees, Politics On Tap-Steve Knight Night
March 9, 6-8pm
JJ’s Bar & Grill, 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia

Meet the Author – Titanic expert & local author Bill Blowers
March 10, 2-3pm
SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market Street, Newhall

Simi Valley Friends of the Library Blowout Book Sale
March 12, 10am-2pm
Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley