Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter! As spring blossoms across our district, I’m excited to share some highlights and opportunities with you.
As the Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus, I hosted the very first Latino Caucus Tour Assembly District 39. It was an incredible experience and a meaningful opportunity to showcase our region while engaging in important conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it a success.
April is also a time to focus on growth, opportunity, and access. Below, you’ll find updates on our continued legislative efforts to uplift and support our district.
As always, thank you for staying connected. I look forward to continuing this journey with you as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant District 39.
Capitol Update
Legislative Update: 18 Bills Introduced & Moving Forward!
This year, I introduced 18 pieces of legislation focused on building a more affordable, equitable, and inclusive California. Over the next few months, I’ll be using this newsletter to highlight key bills and share real-time updates as they move through the legislative process.
Here are two priority bills that are advancing through committee:
Assembly Bill 264 - Improving Veterans’ Educational Benefits
- Status: In the Assembly Appropriations Committee
- Next Hearing: April 23, 2025
- Co-Author: Assemblymember Schiavo
AB 264 ensures that dependents of disabled veterans can simultaneously access both state and federal education benefits, correcting a current barrier that limits support for veterans’ families. This legislation aims to eliminate unnecessary red tape and make sure our veterans and their loved ones receive the full range of benefits they’ve earned.
- Unanimously passed the Assembly Military & Veterans Affairs Committee
- Supported by veteran advocacy organizations
- Broad bipartisan support
Assembly Bill 1154 - Increasing Parity in JADU Regulation
- Status: In the Assembly Appropriations Committee
- Next Hearing: April 23, 2025
AB 1154 streamlines housing development by ensuring that Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are treated more consistently with standard ADUs under local zoning laws. By updating the Government Code, this bill removes outdated restrictions and helps expand affordable, flexible housing options, especially for multigenerational families and homeowners looking to add rental income.
- Unanimous support in both the Housing & Community Development and Local Government Committees
- Recommended for the Consent Calendar due to its commonsense approach
- Addresses California’s housing crisis with practical, low-cost solutions
These are just the beginning—more updates on our full legislative package coming soon!
Honoring Dolores Huerta on the Assembly Floor
On April 10, we had the privilege of honoring Dolores Huerta on the Assembly Floor in celebration of her 95th birthday.
A trailblazer for civil rights and co-founder of the United Farm Workers, Dolores has dedicated her life to advocating for labor rights, education, and social justice. Her powerful words — “¡Sí se puede!” — continue to inspire movements across the nation.
We thank Dolores for her decades of leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities.
Feliz cumpleaños, Dolores. ¡Sí se puede!
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Policy Summit
This month, I had the honor of attending the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Policy Summit in Sacramento, where I had the opportunity to speak alongside other influential leaders. This event provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing California's diverse small businesses. As your representative, I’m working tirelessly to ensure that the concerns of local businesses in District 39 are addressed in Sacramento.
District Events
Latino Caucus Tour Recap
As the Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus, I brought together key legislators for the Latino Caucus Tour on April 10 and 11. This tour was an opportunity to learn firsthand about the strengths and challenges within Assembly District 39.
The tour included visits to significant landmarks, where local leaders, advocates, and community members shared their efforts to drive change in areas such as infrastructure, aerospace innovation, immigrant rights, and youth development. It was a valuable chance for the legislators to deepen their understanding of the needs and opportunities in our region.
A special thank you to the Latino Caucus members who attended:
- Asm. Juan Carrillo (AD 39)
- Board Member Antonio Vazquez (BOE)
- Sen. Bob Archuleta (SD 30)
- Asm. Robert Garcia (AD 50)
- Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur (AD 51)
- Asm. Jose Solache (AD 64)
We also want to recognize the community members who joined us:
- Sonja Diaz, Founder, Latina Futures 2050 Lab
- Chris Ochoa, Councilmember, City of Hesperia
- Laura Monge, Councilmember, Little Rock
- Rocio Castellanos, Deputy Mayor, City of Lancaster
Following the tour, a press conference was held to share the insights gained from the event. We encourage you to watch the press conference to learn more about the important conversations that took place and the initiatives that will continue to shape our district.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this tour a success. Together, we are committed to building a stronger, more connected California.
Support for Local Small Businesses in the Victor Valley Region
Caravanserai Alliance, in partnership with the Office of Assemblymember Juan Carrillo and Regina Weatherspoon, is excited to announce BIZup High Desert — a powerful new initiative supporting small businesses in the Victor Valley region.
This 10-week startup training program is designed specifically for local entrepreneurs and will guide you through essential steps like business compliance, licensing, branding, finances, leadership, and crafting a compelling pitch.
Participants will receive:
- Practical tools
- Personalized mentorship
- Hands-on experience
- Access to valuable resources and technical assistance
Whether you're just starting or looking to grow, this is your chance to take your business to the next level.
Don’t miss out — sign up today
Stay connected and learn more here.
Community Resources
Victor Valley Transit: Free Rides for Students
As temperatures rise in the High Desert, access to safe and reliable transportation becomes even more crucial for our students. We’re excited to highlight a local resource making transportation more accessible to families across the region—Victor Valley Transit (VVT).
Starting August 7, all K–12 students can ride VVT Fixed and County Routes fare-free by simply showing their student ID to the bus operator. This service is available seven days a week, ensuring students have reliable transportation options year-round.
Schools Served by VVT
VVT offers routes for students attending the following schools:
- Adelanto High School
- Apple Valley High School
- Cobalt Institute of Math and Science
- Goodwill High School
- Hesperia High School
- Hook Jr. High School
- Lakeview Leadership Academy
- Larrea Middle School
- Silverado High School
- University Prep
- Victor Valley High School
Additional Free Ride Programs
- Victor Valley College (VVC):
VVC students can use their valid ASB or Photo ID cards as fare on all VVTA Fixed and County Routes during the active term. - CSU San Bernardino (CSUSB):
Students, faculty, and staff can ride VVTA Fixed Routes, County Routes, and Route 15 fare-free using a valid Coyote OneCard. The “Howling Express” offers a direct return trip from CSUSB to Victor Valley in the evenings. - Options for Youth:
Students enrolled in any of the five Victor Valley Options for Youth locations can ride fare-free with their current student ID. - Excelsior Charter School:
Students from Victorville, Phelan, and Barstow campuses can use their student ID to access free rides on Fixed and County Routes.
For more information, visit the VVT Students Page.
AVTA Senior Transit: Free Rides for 62+ (HEADER)
As temperatures heat up across the Antelope Valley, it's the perfect time to take advantage of local transit resources. The Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) offers a Senior Annual Pass for residents 62 and older, allowing them to ride local routes free of charge. Seniors can also access discounted commuter fares and AVTA’s Dial-A-Ride curb-to-curb service. The application process is easy—just visit the AVTA office in Lancaster and speak with a representative to get started with a TAP card. For trip planning or help, call (661) 945-9445 or visit avta.com.
L.I.F.E. Program: Transit Support for Low-Income Riders
AVTA participates in L.I.F.E. (Low-Income Fare is Easy), a program that provides free or discounted bus passes to qualified riders across LA County. Benefits are loaded onto your TAP card and available to individuals receiving services like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Social Security, or whose income meets eligibility guidelines. Children over five automatically qualify if their guardian does. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, and many first-time applicants receive free ride promotions. Learn more at the Metro website.
Immigration Resources & Legal Assistance
Understand your immigration rights. Visit the Know Your Rights page on my website for easy-to-use resources that can help you navigate tough situations with confidence.
Know Your Rights
Download Know Your Rights cards to stay informed about your legal protections. Keep them handy and share them with your community!
Veteran Resources
California is home to nearly 2 million veterans. Our veterans deserve the care they were promised and the benefits they have earned in service to our country.
Learn about the many resources available to veterans.
Community Spotlight
As we continue to prioritize accessible transportation for all, we are proud to spotlight our local transit agencies that are making a difference in the lives of residents across our district.
Victor Valley Transit (VVT): Serving the High Desert, VVT provides fare-free rides for all K–12 students across their Fixed and County Routes. This initiative helps remove transportation barriers for students, ensuring they can attend school and after-school programs without worry.
Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA): AVTA offers incredible programs for seniors and low-income individuals, such as their Senior Annual Pass, allowing seniors 62 and older to ride local transit for free, and their L.I.F.E. (Low-Income Fare is Easy) program, providing discounted passes for low-income riders.
These agencies are essential to our community, and we appreciate their continued efforts to improve access to transportation for all.
Learn more about these programs at VVT's website and AVTA's website.