Dear Friend,

This summer has been one for the record books. July was the hottest month ever recorded in California, resulting in the warmest ocean temperatures to date off the coast of San Diego, and Death Valley experiencing the hottest month ever recorded on the planet.

We also witnessed devastating wildfires across the state, including the Mendocino Complex Fire which is now considered the largest in California's history. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to help our state deal with the increasingly extreme weather and natural disasters caused by climate change.

August is the final month of this year's legislative session, and I am very proud of the legislation we have worked-on in 2018, including bills I authored that promote public health, assist underserved communities, and further our energy policies and goals. This month we will conclude reviewing and voting on bills, and send those bills that pass on to the Governor for his consideration.

If you have any questions or need any support from my office, please e-mail or call my staff. We are here to help!

Sincerely,

Ben Hueso
State Senator
40th District

Floor Session only. No committees, other than Conference and Rules Committee may meet for any purpose.

Last day to amend on the floor.

National Night Out 2018

National Night Out took place on August 7th, and communities throughout our district - and the nation - celebrated this annual family-friendly evening aimed at fostering positive community-law enforcement relations and promoting neighborhood safety. Our office participated in several events that took place in Senate District 40:
 

Crime Awareness Community Walk in South Bay
 

Imperial Valley event hosted by the El Centro Police Activities League
 

City of Chula Vista event hosted by the Chula Vista Police Department
 

National City firefighters cooking burgers for community members
 

Mariachi performers in City Heights
 

Youth gospel rap performers at Colina Del Sol Park
 

Casa Familiar Receives $492,000 State Grant to Continue Air Monitoring in San Ysidro
 

On August 3rd, we held a press conference and discussion about the recent allocation of $492,000 to Casa Familiar from the California Air Resources Board to continue air monitoring at the border. This state grant will support a community-based program to help study and measure air quality in San Ysidro.

In 2017, it was estimated that approximately 70,000 vehicles crossed (northbound) the San Ysidro Port of Entry each day. As border wait times continue to increase, idling vehicle traffic has created a significant impact on air quality in the surrounding communities.

This grant will allow Casa Familiar to sustain and expand their current community-led air monitoring network, as well as increase public awareness of these issues to help residents limit their exposure to air pollution and reduce related health impact.

Legislative Roundtable at the San Diego County Water Authority
 

Photo credit: San Diego County Water Authority
 

I had the pleasure of speaking at the San Diego County Water Authority's August Legislative Roundtable. I have been working with the Water Authority for many years on a variety of water related issues affecting our district and enjoyed having the opportunity to talk with business and community stakeholders from across San Diego County.

During the meeting, I discussed how San Diego is an excellent model in the state for water conservation and management, despite the enormous challenges we have in providing for our area as compared to other parts of the state. I also emphasized my commitment to the Salton Sea and the importance of building a broader coalition to assist with our current restoration and mitigation efforts.

Water News Network wrote a piece on my speech at the event. To read the piece, please visit: https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/state-sen-huesos-interest-water-runs-deep/

Organization of the Month: San Diego Chapter of Buffalo Soldiers
 

This month, I would like to recognize the San Diego Chapter of Buffalo Soldiers of the National 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association as our Organization of the Month. In July, the group hosted its 152nd Anniversary Reunion of the Buffalo Soldiers in the City of San Diego.

The Chapter's mission is to provide a historically-accurate account of the Buffalo Soldiers' contributions to American history, increase awareness and respect for cultural differences, and improve the quality of life for all people. Its members achieve this goal by providing educational presentations to schools and other community organizations to continue the rich history and legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, as well as to work with and develop leaders who can address the humanitarian needs of our communities.

It is important to honor the Buffalo Soldiers, their families and descendants. As such, I authored a resolution in recognition of their inspiring legacy that speaks to the excellence, potential, and patriotism shared by all Americans. Please join me in thanking the Buffalo Soldiers for their incredible sacrifice, in addition to their honorable and faithful service to our nation.
 

Citizen of the Month: Rodel Reyes
 

Rodel Reyes is one of the most active community organizers I know, and this month, I would like to take moment to thank him for his countless contributions to our district, particularly in the Otay Mesa-Nestor area where he resides.

Just last week, Rodel coordinated the largest National Night Out in San Diego County, as he has done every year since becoming the executive chair and organizer in 2009. In 2010, Rodel founded the Graffiti Abatement Committee, a group of volunteer residents who work with the San Diego Police Department (Southern Division) to quickly identify and remove graffiti. He also created Litter Free Community of Residents, a program committed to cleaning-up strategic areas in the community, as well as work with the Community Art Box Program, the Palm Avenue Beautification Committee, South Bay Freeway Social Justice Program, and Caltrans' Adopt a Highway program.

Please join me in recognizing Rodel Reyes as the 40th District Citizen of the Month in honor of his endless contributions to make our community a better place.

Keep Cool with Summer Heat Resources

Summer is here and temperatures are high. It's important to learn what to do to stay cool and protect yourself from heat-related illness. CalOES has a number of resources for beating the heat this summer. They recommend the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day even if you don't feel thirsty
• Keep physical activity to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day
• Stay indoors in air conditioning (or use fans) and out of the sun
• Never leave pets, infants, children, or the elderly unattended in a parked car
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, and use a hat and sunscreen as needed
• Check on friends and neighbors who may be at higher risk for heat-related illness
• Monitor local news for health and safety updates

For more tips on how to be prepared for hot weather in California and prevent heat-related illness, please visit CalOES's website at http://www.caloes.ca.gov/ICESite/Pages/Summer-Heat-Resources.aspx
 

DACA Renewal Application Assistance from International Rescue Committee
 

The International Rescue Committee's (IRC) Immigration Department is offering free DACA renewal application assistance funded by the California Department of Social Services' DACA Legal Services. The IRC has also been approved to access state funding for consultation, DACA USCIS filing fees and other immigration remedies. Low-income individuals and full-time students may also be eligible to have the $495 agency renewal fee covered.

For more information and/or to schedule an appointment, please contact (619) 641-7510 ext. 250 or e-mail Elizabeth.Leon@rescue.org.