Preventing Gun Violence
Keeping our communities safe includes removing guns from dangerous individuals and the seriously mentally ill who are already prohibited by law from having them. Recent tragedies across the nation underscore the need to vigorously enforce existing gun laws.
Unfortunately, there has been a lack of progress by the California Attorney General’s office to fully enforce one law in particular. Click here to learn more.
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
A Senate committee recently approved my Senate Bill 1109 to address the opioid epidemic. This is a bill that I authored in partnership with San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. Click here to learn more.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
I encourage residents to discard their unneeded prescription medications by participating in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28th. Click here to learn more and to find a collection site near you.
Podcast
I recently recorded a podcast with Tim Anaya of the Pacific Research Institute. We discussed poverty, health care reform, taxes and more. Click here to listen.
Small Business Update
As a retired small business owner, I am committed to making sure that California’s small businesses can grow and prosper in our state.
The National Federation of Business and California Chamber of Commerce recently released their list of bills they believe will cost the state jobs. If you own a small business, work for one or shop at one, please take a look at the bills and let me know how they may impact you. I will keep these thoughts in mind should the Senate vote on any of these bills.
South Orange County Wastewater Authority
The nonpartisan State Auditor’s office recently released its audit of the South Orange County Wastewater Authority. I partnered with Assemblyman Bill Brough to request the audit last year after local officials raised concerns about the integrity of SOCWA’s financial management of public funds. Click here to learn more.
Civic Involvement Opportunities
The Orange County Transportation Authority is recruiting members of the public for its Taxpayer Oversight Committee and its Citizens Advisory Committee. Applications are accepted through May 1, 2018. Click on the links above to learn more.
The San Diego County Water Authority is also accepting nominations for its Fall 2018 Citizens Water Academy class. Nominations are due by September 10, 2018.
Upcoming Events
The events below are just a sample of what’s happening in our beautiful district. While my office strives to include accurate information at the time of publication, event details are subject to change by their organizers.
Dana Point: Community Shred Day
Date: Saturday, April 21
Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Monarch Bay Plaza parking lot (32840 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA 92629)
About: Monarch Bay Plaza is sponsoring this event to help shred your sensitive documents for free.
Laguna Hills: Volunteer Connection Day - Community Volunteer Projects
Date: Saturday, April 21
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Community Center & Sports Complex (25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653)
About: In honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day we invite volunteers of all ages to help with several environmental projects including trail cleanups, tree planting and park beautification.
Laguna Niguel: Earth Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 21
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Crown Valley Community Park (29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677)
About: “Go Green” and volunteer to plant, weed and clean up the Niguel Botanical Preserve.
Mission Viejo: Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 21
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Cordova Park (26931 El Retiro, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692)
About: The city is offering volunteer opportunities to beautify the park with new landscaping, and there will be free hotdogs and ice cream while supplies last.
San Clemente: Earth Day
Date: Saturday, April 21
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Parque Del Mar (622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672)
About: This free community event features live music, kids’ arts and crafts, educational displays, demonstrations and artists.
Oceanside: Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair 2018
Date: Friday, April 27
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Veterans Association of North County (1617 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92058)
About: Meet community leaders and organizations that represent education, employment, VA/medical, recreation and many more. Free food and drinks will be provided.
Carlsbad: Arbor Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 28
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: To be determined
About: Care for the environment and help Carlsbad retain its status as a Tree City USA.
Encinitas: Spring Street Fair
Date: Saturday, April 28 & Sunday April, 29
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Highway 101 Encinitas, from D street to J street
About: Enjoy over 450 unique food, arts and crafts vendors plus four entertainment stages, children’s rides, bike valets, and a beer garden.
Irvine: Housing Resource Fair
Date: Saturday, April 28
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Lakeview Senior Center (20 Lake Drive, Irvine, CA 92604)
About: Join Homeownership OC and the Legal Aid Society of OC for a free housing resource fair and meet with HUD housing counselors to get no cost nonprofit help with your mortgage, credit, Pace or Hero Loan, or reverse mortgage.
San Clemente: Fiesta de Mayo
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Outlets at San Clemente (101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 92672)
About: Join Outlets at San Clemente for its third annual afternoon fiesta featuring mariachis, Ballet Folklórico and free family-friendly fun, including face painters and balloon artists.
Vista: Used Oil & Filter Recycling Event
Date: Saturday, May 26
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: O’Reilly Auto Parts (1250 S Santa Fe Ave, Vista, CA 92084)
About: Bring in a used oil filter and get a new one for free.
36th District Highlights
In addition to many meetings, briefings and other Senate activities, I also:
- Welcomed Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes to Sacramento. He testified in support of my SB 1103 to address fentanyl drug trafficking. I appreciate his work to help keep Orange County safe!
- Presented a resolution authored by me and Assemblyman Bill Brough to San Juan Capistrano Mayor Sergio Farias in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Swallows Day Parade.
- Accepted the “Hero of the Year” award from the Dana Point Taxpayers Association in recognition of my efforts to protect taxpayers. I’m with Board of Equalization Chairwoman Diane Harkey and Assemblyman Bill Brough.
- Attended the Encinitas State of the City event.
- Attended the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s annual business awards dinner.
- Spoke at the San Clemente State of the City event. I’m with Mayor Tim Brown and Council Member Kathy Ward.
- Welcomed students from Laguna Niguel’s McDowell School to the State Capitol during their Sacramento visit.
- Delivered remarks at the I-5 South County HOV project completion ceremony in San Clemente.
- Welcomed scholars to Sacramento who are participating in this year’s Marian Bergeson Excellence in Public Service Series. The series helps women prepare for public service opportunities in government.
- Attended the grand re-opening of the Marguerite Aquatics Complex in Mission Viejo. I’m pictured with Rhonda Reardon, who once served as Mission Viejo’s mayor and is now serving the 36th Senate District as my Orange County field representative.
- And more!
To learn more about Sen. Bates’ work in the Senate, please “follow” her on Twitter and Facebook. To contact her, click here.
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