Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter! As we welcome the season of spring, I'm excited to share important updates with you, including the introduction of our bill package. So far, we've introduced 18 bills aimed at addressing key issues impacting our community.
March is also Women's History Month, and I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women who shape not only our lives but also our work in the Legislature. I am personally grateful for the support and inspiration I receive from the strong women in my life, especially my wife and daughter, whose influence continues to guide and motivate me every day.
Stay tuned for more updates on our legislative efforts and upcoming events in District 39. We're looking forward to staying connected and continuing to work together to strengthen our community.
Capitol Update
I had the opportunity to share my personal immigration story and the journey my family took in pursuit of the American Dream. Like so many immigrant families, we came to California in search of a better future and worked hard to give back to our communities.
I am proud to support SB 21X, a bill introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, which strengthens protections and resources for immigrant communities. This legislation ensures that organizations providing critical services—such as legal aid, workforce development, and social support—can continue their vital work. These organizations make a difference, just as they did for my family when we first arrived.
Immigrants are a cornerstone of California’s economy and culture. We are workers, small business owners, public servants, and law-abiding residents who contribute to the fabric of this state. SB 21X is about investing in our shared future—because when immigrants succeed, California thrives.
I urge my colleagues to vote YES on SB 21X. This is not just about one family’s story—it’s about the future of California.
📺 You can also watch my remarks here.
Ruby Arceo Introduces Assembly Bill 450
This month, our Assembly Fellow, Ruby Arceo, introduced her first bill, AB 450! Ruby is a key member of my legislative team, focusing on transportation, human services, and education. AB 450 is an important step in prioritizing our Latino community, and we are proud to support Ruby as she grows in her public service career.
AB 450 seeks to create a task force within the Department of Aging that will bring key stakeholders together to discuss how California can better support undocumented older adults aged 55 and older. The task force will explore issues like affordability, access to social services, and housing, using its findings to help shape policies that support aging undocumented seniors. These recommendations will also be reflected in the Master Plan on Aging.
Ruby is part of the Assembly Fellowship Program, an intensive 11-month program that provides hands-on experience in the legislative process. Fellows receive training from senior legislative staff before being placed in one of the Assembly’s 80 Member offices, where they research policies, assist with legislation, and engage with constituents.
If you or anyone you know is interested in gaining firsthand experience in state government, I encourage you to learn more and apply! Visit the Assembly Fellowship Program webpage.
We’re excited to support the next generation of leaders like Ruby in District 39!
District Events
Congressman George Whitesides Sworn in to Represent California’s 27th District
Congratulations to Congressman George Whitesides on being sworn in during a special ceremony to represent California’s 27th District! We’re excited to see him step into this new role and serve our community with dedication.
In his remarks, Congressman Whitesides emphasized his commitment to creating local jobs, lowering costs, and protecting vital programs like Social Security and Medicare. We look forward to his leadership and the positive impact he’ll have on our district.
Once again, congratulations, Congressman Whitesides!
Black365 Knowledge Bowl Celebration
On February 21, 2025, I had the pleasure of attending the Black365 Knowledge Bowl, hosted by the Antelope Valley Union High School District. This annual event provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of Black history in a fun and competitive environment.
I was proud to congratulate the students who participated in the final round and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of both the students and teachers. Their commitment to fostering cultural awareness and academic excellence is truly inspiring.
The Black365 Knowledge Bowl is an important tradition in our community, and it continues to highlight the significance of learning about Black history and its impact on our world.
Palmdale School District Foundation Gala
I had the honor of attending the 7th Annual Palmdale School District Foundation Gala and presenting a Certificate of Recognition to the Palmdale School District Foundation for their outstanding dedication to supporting students' education in the Antelope Valley.
I’m grateful for their continued commitment to empowering the next generation and look forward to the lasting impact they’ll continue to have on our community!
2025 Nonprofit of the Year Nomination
Each year, I have the privilege of recognizing outstanding nonprofit organizations that make a meaningful difference in Assembly District 39 as part of California Nonprofits Day. These organizations provide essential services that strengthen our communities, from veterans’ support and food assistance to disability services, job training, and mental health resources.
I am thrilled to highlight and celebrate the nonprofits that continue to uplift and empower our communities. If you know a nonprofit that has had a significant impact, I encourage you to submit a nomination. Eligible organizations must be based in or serve communities across the Antelope Valley, including Palmdale, Lancaster, Littlerock, Lake Los Angeles, and Sun Village, as well as areas in San Bernardino County such as Adelanto, Hesperia, Mountain View Acres, and Victorville.
Eligibility:
Nominees must be based in or serve communities across the Antelope Valley (Palmdale, Lancaster, Littlerock, Lake Los Angeles, and Sun Village), as well as areas in San Bernardino County (Adelanto, Hesperia, Mountain View Acres, and Victorville).
Past Honorees:
- Rock’n Our Disabilities Foundation (2024)
- Sole of the Community (2023)
Submit your nomination online by Wednesday, March 19. For more details and to submit your nomination, visit the form on our website at 2025 Nonprofit of the Year Nomination Form.
For questions, please contact Jacqueline Escobar at Jacqueline.Escobar@asm.ca.gov.
Community Resources
Antelope Valley Seeking CERT Class Members
The Antelope Valley CERT team is offering FREE CERT Basic Training sessions in Quartz Hill. This is a great opportunity to learn emergency response skills and be prepared for any situation.
- March 15, 22, & 29, 2025
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Check-in starts at 7:45 a.m.)
- Hope Chapel, 6015 West Avenue J-8, Quartz Hill
Phelan-Pinon Hills Seeking CERT Class Members
The Phelan-Pinon Hills CERT Team is offering a FREE CERT Basic Training course. This course will help you prepare for, manage, and recover from disasters.
- May 2 (Evening), May 3 & 10 (Full Days)
- Evening sessions from 5 – 8 p.m.; Full-day sessions from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Phelan Community Center, 4128 Warbler Road, Phelan
- Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 1
What are CERT Classes?
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) classes are free training programs that teach essential skills for responding to emergencies and disasters. In these classes, you’ll learn disaster preparedness, fire safety, first aid, search and rescue, and more. CERT classes are designed to help individuals support their communities when professional responders may be delayed.
The best part? These classes are completely free, and upon completion, you'll be ready to assist your community during an emergency!
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!
California Department of Insurance
Wild Fire Resources
Our thoughts are with those who suffered a loss as a result of the recent California wildfires. The loss of life and property in the communities hit by these fires is heartbreaking. In an effort to assist survivors of these devastating fires, the California Department of Insurance is continuing to work closely with other federal, state, and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance.
Please work with your insurance agent or broker, claims adjuster, and insurance company with the goal of achieving a settlement that you believe is fair and consistent with your coverage. If you have a question about your insurance or a dispute with your insurance company, please call the department at (800) 927-4357 or visit their website here. The guides listed on their website can help you understand some of the key insurance coverage terms that typically apply, prepare you for the process of making and settling a claim, and help you avoid some of the pitfalls that can occur along the way.
California's Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program
California’s Low-Cost Auto (CLCA) Insurance program helps good drivers who are income-eligible afford auto insurance that meets the state’s financial responsibility laws. Each policy provides liability coverage for the vehicle’s primary driver and eligible secondary drivers. Each individual car owner may buy separate policies to insure up to two vehicles, per person under this program. To qualify for this program, you must:
- Have a valid California Driver’s License
- Meet income eligibility guidelines
- Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less
- Be at least 16 years of age
*Applicants under 18 must be legally emancipated - Have a good driving record or are a new driver
Veteran Resources
Your service matters, and so does your well-being. Find helpful programs and support on our Veteran Resources page.
Community Spotlight
We are proud to recognize Paving the Way Foundation as Assembly District 39’s Nonprofit of the Month for February! Since 2006, this incredible organization has been transforming lives by providing essential support to individuals rebuilding after incarceration, homelessness, and family separation. Through vocational training, financial literacy, behavioral intervention, and employment assistance, Paving the Way Foundation is creating pathways to success and second chances.
Under the leadership of Ms. Janie Hodge, the foundation stays true to its mission: “To enable people of all walks of life to be as healthy and active as possible by assisting them to maintain the highest quality of purpose, improving the quality of their lives.”
Thank you, Paving the Way Foundation, for your unwavering dedication to our community!
Learn more about their work: Paving the Way Foundation
Contact Us
We’re here to help! Reach out to any of our offices for support, resources, or to share your thoughts.
Explore my website for more information.