January Updates: Community, Recovery and Resources

Dear Neighbor,  

As a new legislative year begins, I remain focused on serving our communities with purpose, especially as we mark the one year since the devastating Eaton Fire that continues to impact our friends and families. This newsletter shares important information about state resources, district related updates, new legislation and immigration rights information.  

- Capitol & District Updates -

In Sacramento, we recently Adjourned in the Memory of the 19 people who lost their lives in the Eaton Fire during a special presentation on the Senate Floor.

I have introduced legislation to continue to support Eaton Fire Survivors by holding investor-owned utilities and insurance companies accountable. This includes two bills that ensure insurance companies are transparent with policy holders when it comes to damage estimates, and imposes fines on large for-profit companies when they wrongly delay insurance claim payments. Read more about SB 877 (Fair Claims Practices and Transparency Act), and SB 878 (Insurance Payment Accountability Act) here.

I’m renewing my push to force SoCal Edision and other utilities to remove dangerous, abandoned or decommissioned powerlines like the one suspected of igniting the Eaton Fire. We owe it to our communities to ensure these deadly fire disasters don’t happen again. Read more about the progress of SB 742 (Wildfire & Emergency Management Act) here.

In Altadena, I joined the Eaton Fire Survivors Network at a news conference to call for an equitable recovery. I unveiled my insurance reform legislation and renewed our demand that SoCal Edison provide immediate housing assistance for fire-impacted people—many of whom are on the verge of homelessness as their financial assistance is about to run out.

It was my honor to join San Marino City Club and celebrate its 100 Years of Service. A well-recognized name, the City Club has been a pillar of our community since 1926 as members have worked tirelessly to support different community projects and organizations. Congratulations on this tremendous milestone and thanks to City Club President Ed Tom for leading this wonderful event.

It was also lovely seeing Joey and Janice Conzonire! They know 3 generations of my family and grew up in the same Alhambra neighborhood as my father. The Conzonire family owns the famous “The Hat” World Famous Pastrami in Alhambra. They are Alhambra legends and rock star small business owners!

Additionally, I helped to raise the concerns of Monterey Park residents over a proposed data center in their community. I appreciate the City Council’s responsiveness in passing a moratorium on new data centers and approving an environmental impact report. This action will allow residents to better understand the proposed Saturn Street Data Center’s potential impacts to the power grid, including utility rates, water usage and air quality. Read more here.

I had such a fun time joining the Altadena Bob Lucas Memorial Library’s Community Mural Painting Opportunity! I participated in the painting of the library’s new mural, which reflects the joys of the community coming together. Thank you to the Altadena Library and artist Edgar Arceneaux for leading the painting sessions. 

- Immigration Violence -

Our community mourns the two citizen observers in Minnesota who have been shot and killed by federal immigration enforcement and we must speak out and do everything in our power to hold this federal administration accountable. Trump is suing California over my new law, SB 805, the No Vigilantes Act, requiring all law enforcement to display identification and SB 627, the No Secret Police Act which I joint-authored. We will continue to fight to defend and uphold these laws. 

Meanwhile, we continue building out the framework to further hold ICE accountable. I’m co-authoring SB 747, the No Kings Act, which will allow individuals to sue ICE agents who violate constitutional rights. To report any illegal conduct by ICE, the California Attorney General’s special website allows you to submit information, pictures, and video. People have a constitutional right to observe federal law enforcement as long as they do not impede or interfere with the agents. My website has Know Your Rights information and immigration resources that can be shared with anyone who needs it. https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/know-your-rights

- In the News -

Here is recent coverage and developments affecting our communities and state. 

• From Minneapolis to L.A., how Renee Good’s death reignited calls to abolish ICE
• Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez Marks One-Year Anniversary of Eaton Fire
• Complaints over insurers’ handling of L.A. wildfire claims prompt a flurry of bills
• Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Dr. Raymond Francis: SB 895 Would Ensure JPL Remains World Leader in Space

- Resources -

Tax season is here. The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) offers support for low-income, working Californians. You may qualify for up to $3,756 cash back or a reduction of the tax you owe. Learn more about this important tax credit here.

- Constituent Services -

I am grateful for the support and engagement of my constituents! If you need assistance with state government services, please contact my office or visit my Senate website at: sd25.senate.ca.gov/

Please reach out if I can be of assistance.