Legislative Update: Veteran Legislation Passes Senate

I am pleased to report my legislation benefiting veterans passed off the Senate Floor with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Bill 1259 exempts any veteran with a specialized veteran’s license plate from paying a fee for accessing California toll bridges or roads.

The brave men and women who have served in our armed forces are deserving of unwavering respect and gratitude. SB 1259 is a small but meaningful way to recognize California veterans who have served our country with particular sacrifice and distinction.

Veterans who qualify for honorary plates have been wounded, disabled, held prisoner or have demonstrated extraordinary valor in combat. The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers special recognition license plates to 100% disabled veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors, recipients of the Army Medal of Honor, Navy Medal of Honor, Air Force Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, former American prisoners of war, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients and Purple Heart recipients. These veterans are part of a steadily diminishing number of Californians who have served in combat.

SB 1259 passed off the Senate Floor with 35 “aye” votes and now moves to the Assembly.

I will keep you updated on this bill as it continues to moves forward.

Community Spotlight: LA YMCA “Get Summer” Teen Initiative

Attention Los Angeles County teenagers and parents, start summer off with this great deal from the YMCA of Los Angeles. For the months of June and July, teens ages 12-17 can join the LA Y for free!

This free membership will provide access to all the Y’s amenities, including basketball courts and swimming pools, as well as a number of programs and special events exclusively designed for teens.

To take advantage of this opportunity, teens can sign-up in person at any LA Y branch location. They must be accompanied by an authorized guardian and bring photo ID.

The 21^st Senate District is home to the Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA and the Antelope Valley Family YMCA. To learn more, visit http://www.ymcala.org/metro/pages/la-y-get-summer-teen-initiative.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events that may be of interest to you:

Valley Fever Awareness

Valley Fever is a progressive, multi-symptom respiratory disorder that is cause by the inhalation of airborne fungi that live in certain soil. Research is ongoing in California to better understand, diagnose and treat Valley Fever.

Mark your calendars for my FREE event to increase awareness of Valley Fever and hear from leading experts in this field.

Senior Scam Stoppers

Did you know one in five seniors has been a victim of fraud? That’s why I’ve partnered with the Contractors State License Board to provide a free event in the Antelope Valley. Seniors, their families and caregivers are welcome to attend and learn how to protect themselves.

Business of the Month: Crazy Otto’s Diner

Each month I recognize exceptional business owners around my District by highlighting a “Business of the Month.” If you would like to nominate a business for future newsletters, please call my Antelope Valley office at (661) 729-6232.

Owned and operated by local residents Jin and Uno Hur since 2001, Crazy Otto’s Diner has been an institution in the Antelope Valley since the 1970’s and even boasts the record of having made the “World’s Largest Omelet.”

In addition to running several diner locations, Jin and Uno are huge supporters of the Antelope Valley’s veteran community. Every Tuesday morning, the Avenue I location hosts “Coffee 4 Vets” where veterans are invited to come eat, enjoy free coffee and network with their peers. “Coffee 4 Vets” began in 2012 and has grown from the original four veterans to seating over 50 each week.

In addition to the weekly coffee, Crazy Otto’s can often be found catering local veteran events and fundraisers and was instrumental in getting a stretch of Hwy 14 in the Antelope Valley named the “LCPL Joseph C. Lopez-Pratti Memorial Interchange” after a local Marine who was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

It is an honor to recognize Crazy Otto’s Diner as my May 2016 Business of the Month!

Senator Sharon Runner with Jin and Uno Hur, owners of Crazy Otto’s Diner.

Around the District

A full house at the California Women Lead Appointment Training in Santa Clarita, hosted by Senator Sharon Runner and Assemblyman Scott Wilk.

Senator Sharon Runner recognizes Olives Mediterranean Café at its grand re-opening celebration.

Community Members attend Senator Sharon Runner’s Women Veteran’s Forum

Women Veterans at Senator Sharon Runner’s Women Veteran’s Forum