U.S. Rep. Steve Knight

CEMEX Victory

While in the California Legislature and since I became a Member of Congress nearly 8 months ago, I have fought tirelessly to prevent Cemex from mining in Soledad Canyon. On Friday, the Bureau of Land Management announced that Cemex’s mining contracts in Santa Clarita are cancelled, effectively halting its mining in the area. This is a huge victory for our community, which we have fought for many years.

AV Fair
Summertime can be pretty hot around here, but that doesn’t stop us from having a great time at the Antelope Valley Fair. From the rodeo to the fried food stands to the nighttime concerts, I always have a blast. On the 22^nd, we kicked off the celebrations with a ribbon cutting for the New La Plaza Outdoor Pavilion, which was followed by the AV Fair Parade on Saturday morning. Then we enjoyed ten days of fun and festivities.

Kicking off the Antelope Valley Fair

Restaurant Day
On August 20, I sat down with local members of the restaurant industry to discuss the effects of federal legislation and regulations on their businesses. The group was diverse, ranging from owners of local spots like Crazy Otto’s, Lemon Leaf, and Salt Creek Grille to franchisees of major chains like McDonalds and Firehouse Subs. But one common thread ran through all of their input: uncertainty in federal regulations and government overreach is destructive. We discussed a wide variety of issues that affect their operations, from the Affordable Care Act to overtime regulations. I am excited to take what I learned back to D.C. to work on policies that will allow our communities’ restaurants to thrive.

Speaking with local restauranteers

Small Business Workshop & Expo
Last week I held a Small Business Workshop & Expo in Santa Clarita. Over 150 local small business owners and entrepreneurs gathered to learn how to navigate rules and regulations as well as access the resources they need to grow their businesses. The event featured expert panels on government contracting, accessing capital, and international trade. It also included guest speakers and an expo in which small business owners could meet one-on-one with representatives from government agencies and companies to expand their networks of expertise, partners, and resources. Thank you to everyone who spoke, helped, or attended because without you, the event could not have been such a success.

Small Business Workshop & Expo

Law Enforcement Task Force
On Thursday I held a listening session with all the local law enforcement agencies in the area to discuss their best practices and successful policies in community policing. All departments in the 25th District were represented, including the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, and the Los Angeles Police Department. The meeting gave me some excellent insights and input which I will share with the Congressional Law Enforcement Task Force that I am a part of when I return to Washington, D.C.

Hearing from our local law enforcement community

Simi Valley Community Foundation’s Humanitarian Awards Dinner
On Saturday I attended the Simi Valley Community Foundation’s Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner and Auction. I had a great time catching up with old friends and making new ones while celebrating an excellent cause.