Press Releases

Thursday, November 7, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) partnered with Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember James Ramos (D–Highland) to request an audit looking into the state’s existing policies that are used to identify and provide support to youth experiencing homelessness. Today, the State Auditor issued a scathing report that found California’s K-12 education system has been ineffective at identifying and providing supportive services for homeless youth.

“My office knew something was wrong when we discovered over one-quarter of California’s schools reported having zero homeless students. The results of the audit confirms what my staff had heard last year when we convened a roundtable discussion with stakeholders and state agencies. Earlier this year, I introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 16, which directly aligns with the concerns raised in the Auditor’s report, and would have established policies to ensure there was a standardized process to oversee and identify homeless youth,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “While the Governor vetoed AB 16, given the results of the audit, it shows that we were on the right track, and I am even more committed to advancing legislation to help these children.”

AB 16 sought to create three Geographic County Offices of Education to develop Regional Assistance Centers (Centers). These Centers would have provided critical assistance to local governments, and provided them with needed resources to identify homeless families with children, and connect them with the services necessary to get back on their feet. In this year’s budget, prior to the release of the audit, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas was able to secure new positions for Statewide Homeless Coordinators to assist local communities.

“Student homelessness is not an issue that will simply go away if we pretend it isn’t happening,” said Assemblymember David Chiu. “If students experiencing homelessness are not being identified, they are not getting access to the services they need to be successful. I am grateful for the State Auditor’s work to identify ways we can all do more to support students experiencing homelessness.”

“While the State Auditor’s report shows we have much work to do, I am hopeful this will frame our efforts in the legislature and in our communities. When we can communicate best practices at the state and local level to identify students experiencing homelessness, and link those students and families with the resources they need, we can break the cycle of homelessness for at-risk students and families in the Inland Empire and across California,” said Assemblymember James Ramos.

“Our current system is systematically flawed and we are allowing our most at-risk youth, especially in communities of color, to slip through the cracks,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “I look forward to continue working with my colleagues and the Governor’s office when I reintroduce AB 16 in the upcoming year to better align my policy to the recommendations stemming from this audit. I want to thank my friends and colleagues, Assemblymember David Chiu, Assemblymember James Ramos, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond for partnering with me this past year to bring visibility to the hidden homeless population.”

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

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Monday, October 21, 2019

Tras el devastador incendió del 10 de octubre en Sylmar donde se perdieron 19 residencias y casi un centenar quedaron dañadas, el jueves abrió sus puertas un centro de ayuda con más de 30 entidades locales y estatales.

El Centro de Asistencia Local (LAC) localizado en el Centro de Recreación en Sylmar, al norte del condado de Los Ángeles ya está proveyendo una serie de recursos y apoyo para los damnificados del incendio Saddle Ridge.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

SYLMAR – Today, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) announces the opening of a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Sylmar Recreation Center for residents impacted by the recent Saddle Ridge Fire.

On Thursday, October 10th, at approximately 9 p.m., an aggressive fire broke out in Sylmar, California. As of October 15, 2019, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported the fire at 8,391 acres with 45% containment. The Fire has damaged 40 single residences, 17 multiple residences, 1 nonresidential commercial property, and 3 minor structures; and destroyed 12 single residences, 5 nonresidential commercial property, and 4 minor structures.

“Since the outbreak of the Saddle Ridge Fire, my team and I have been working to connect residents with resources to ensure that no needs go unmet,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

The City of Los Angeles is leading the efforts to open LAC to provide local residents with recovery efforts on-site for individuals, family members, and business owners to obtain information on services and assistance needed as a result of damages to personal property. Along with city resources, the Department of Motor Vehicle, Franchise Tax Board, Contractors State License Board, and the Department of Insurance will be present at the LAC, ready to help anyone in need.

LAC Location: Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342

Open to the Public: Thursday, October 17, 2019 to Saturday, October 26, 2019

Hours of Operation:

Thursday, October 17: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday, October 18: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 23: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 19: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 24: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 20: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, October 25: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Monday, October 21: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 26: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 

For more information, please contact my District Office at (818) 504-3911.

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

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CONTACT:
Judy Yee, Judy.Yee@asm.ca.gov, 916.319.2039

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

SYLMAR — Hoy, la Asambleísta Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) anunció la apertura de un Centro de Asistencia Local (LAC, por sus siglas en ingles) en el Centro de Recreación en Sylmar para los residentes afectados por el Incendio Saddle Ridge.

El jueves, 10 de octubre, un agresivo incendio estalló en Sylmar, California. A partir del 15 de octubre, el Departamento de Bomberos de Los Ángeles reportó que el incendio había sido contenido en un 45 por ciento, y cubría 8,391 hectareas. El fuego dañó 40 residencias individúales, 17 residencias múltiples, 1 propiedad comercial, 3 estructuras menores y destruyó 12 residencias individúales, 5 propiedades comerciales, y 4 estructuras menores.

“Desde el comienzo del Incendio Saddle Ridge, mi equipo y yo hemos estado trabajando para conectar a los residentes afectados con recursos para asegurarnos que todas las necesidades sean suplidas,” dijo la Asambleísta Rivas.

La Cuidad de Los Ángeles está liderando los esfuerzos para abrir el Centro de Asistencia que proveerá un lugar donde individuos, seres queridos y dueños de negocios afectados por el incendio puedan recibir información sobre servicios y asistencia necesaria. Junto a los recursos de la cuidad, El Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados (DMV, por sus siglas en ingles), el Departamento de Seguros, el Consejo de Impuestos Estatales, y la Mesa Directiva de Contratistas de Licencias Estatales estarán presentes y listos para ayudar.

Lugar: Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342               

Abierto al Público: 17 de octubre al 26 de octubre

Horario:

Jueves, Octubre 17: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Martes, Octubre 22: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Viernes, Octubre 18: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Miércoles, Octubre 23: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sábado, Octubre 19: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Jueves, Octubre 24: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Domingo, Octubre 20: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Viernes, Octubre 25: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lunes, Octubre 21: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sábado, Octubre 26: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 

Para más información, por favor contacte mi oficina del distrito al número 818-504-3911.

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

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Contactar:
Judy Yee, Judy.Yee@asm.ca.gov, 916.319.2039

Friday, October 4, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill (AB) 1313, a measure authored by California State Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta), and sponsored by the California Attorney General Xavier Becerra was signed into law by the Governor today. AB 1313 establishes the Educational Debt Collection Practices Act which prohibits postsecondary schools from refusing to provide a transcript for a current or former student on the grounds that the student owes a debt. 

Investigations by the Department of Justice and the journalistic tenacity of the media have documented and uncovered instances of schools and colleges threatening to withhold a student’s transcript if a student owes debt or is alleged to owe a debt, sometimes only totaling five dollars.

“Thank you Governor Newsom for signing AB 1313, which gives all of our students a chance to succeed regardless of their financial situation. A recent UC Student Association study highlighted that students of color and low-income students are three times more likely to take on student loan debt than their white and wealthier peers,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “There are plenty of other options on the table for the collection of debt, but withholding a student’s transcript should not be one of those options. The passage of AB 1313 eliminates higher education institutions’ ability to use the predatory practice of withholding transcripts to collect student debt. California continues to put students first.”

“As our nation struggles under the weight of a $1.5 trillion student debt crisis, it is essential that we follow every road to help students succeed,” said Attorney General Becerra. “Today, with AB 1313 signed into law, California is a taking a step toward solving a chicken and egg dilemma. Students with debt can no longer be denied their transcripts – one of the most important tools students need to help address their debt. We’re proud to help protect students from unfair debt collection practices – no one should be denied opportunity simply because of their financial situation.” 

Student loan debt has exceeded $1.52 trillion, which is greater than all outstanding credit card debt in the nation. This type of debt can be difficult to overcome and withholding a student’s transcript only increases their inability to pay it off. Student transcripts are often needed to pursue internships, higher education, or career advancements. By withholding transcripts, students are put in a predicament where they are unable to advance their careers and get to a place where they can actually pay off their debt. 

“I would personally like to thank Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, AFSCME, California Community Colleges, California Faculty Association, California Teachers Association, Student Borrower Protection Center, UAW Local 5870, and UC Student-Workers Union of Davis for your strong support on AB 1313, so that we can ensure that all student have an equal opportunity to succeed,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

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CONTACT:
Judy Yee, Judy.Yee@asm.ca.gov, 916.319.2039

Friday, August 30, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) author of Assembly Bill (AB) 1442, held her bill in the fiscal Senate Appropriations Committee to continue to work with stakeholders.

AB 1442 establishes the Share Our Values Film Tax Credit which allocates $50 million per year for five years, for the relocation of film production to California from states seeking to restrict women’s reproductive rights. This measure was introduced in response to a national outcry on the recent decisions by states like Georgia and Alabama seeking to outlaw abortions.

“As the nation grapples with callous policies to dismantle a woman’s access to reproductive health, AB 1442 confirms California stands with women,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “This bill brought a necessary and important discussion on women’s rights back to the forefront. At the request of industry stakeholders, I have decided to hold AB 1442 to work on this proposal over the interim break in order to give stakeholders ample ability to have discussions and the chance to stand with women.”

 “I want to thank the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Women’s Caucus, the co-authors, the labor unions and women’s organizations for their support on AB 1442,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “I especially like to express my gratitude to Alex Aguilar Jr. with Studio Utility Employees Local 724 for standing with women and supporting the equal protections that are afforded to the laborers of our flagship economy.”

This legislation is supported by Chair and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, California Teamsters, California State Council of Laborers, IBEW Local 40, ICM Partners, National Women’s Political Caucus of California, Studio Transportation Teamsters Local 399, Studio Utility Employees Local 724, OP&CMIA Local 755.

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

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CONTACT:
Judy Yee, Judy.Yee@asm.ca.gov, 916.319.2039

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 1442, authored by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) was approved by Senate Governance and Finance Committee. The bill is now headed to the Fiscal Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 1442 establishes the Share Our Values Film Tax Credit which allocates $50 million per year for five years, for the relocation of film production to California from states seeking to restrict women’s reproductive rights. AB 1442 was introduced in response to a national outcry on the recent decisions by states like Georgia and Alabama seeking to outlaw abortions.

“In California, we believe women are valued and have a basic moral right to control their own body,” declared Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “The same states that have systematically lured film productions from California are continuing their historical assaults on women’s rights. As these attacks on women take place, AB 1442 provides the film industry an opportunity to stand with women and share our values while bringing critical jobs back to the state.”

The film industry is one of California’s flagship enterprises, which generates nearly $50 billion annually for our state’s economy. According to previous studies, a $250 million investment in approved productions would generate nearly $1.9 billion of direct in-state spending, $7 million in qualified wages, $600 million in qualified vendor expenditures, and the hiring of more than 6,000 cast and 9,000 crew members.

“AB 1442 would create thousands of high quality, well-paying job opportunities and benefit California’s overall economy in the next few years,” says Alex Aguilar Jr., Business Manager for Laborers LOCAL 724. “We greatly appreciate Assemblywoman Luz Rivas for supporting women and jobs.”

“AB 1442 gives the film industry an opportunity to show they stand with women and share California’s values,” says Karen Humphrey, Public Policy Chair for the National Women’s Political Caucus of California. “Without the fundamental right of reproductive choice, women’s rights are a hollow promise—it is the underpinning of women’s equality in every part of their lives. California has long shown that it stands with women and will protect their right to make critical decisions without government interference. In the face of these attacks on women’s rights, we need to challenge any industry we can to stand with women.”

“AB 1442 brings back middle-class jobs to California. It reinforces that California values women and it helps keep children living with their parents 12 months out of the year, ensuring there are no more long separations while parents have to go to other states for work,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.

"As a proud co-author of AB 1442, I firmly believe that a woman's right to choose is a fundamental right. To see states like Georgia and Alabama seek to outlaw abortion is both wrong and contrary to the rights afforded to women in Roe v. Wade. California has been and will always be a leader for women’s rights.  It is our duty to lead the nation and stand up to states that strive to turn back the clock on women's rights and abortion access,” said Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino), currently serving as Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.

“We all benefit from California’s visionary film industry, and we need to ensure California creates opportunities to partner with industries that advance California values.” Assemblymember Monique Limon (D-Santa Barbara), currently serving as Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.

This legislation is supported by Chair and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, California Teamsters, California State Council of Laborers, IBEW Local 40, ICM Partners, National Women’s Political Caucus of California, Studio Transportation Teamsters Local 399, Studio Utility Employees Local 724, OP&CMIA Local 755.

Assemblywoman Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and San Fernando.

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CONTACT:
Judy Yee, Judy.Yee@asm.ca.gov, 916.319.2039