WELCOME

Dear Friend,

April is the month we celebrate diversity to recognize our individual differences. It is the exploration of race, ethnicity, gender, age, socio-economic status and religious beliefs in an inviting environment that will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of each other. Last month, I honored four remarkable women from my district who, in their own right, achieved great success in their careers. They come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but share the same characteristics of hard work, dedication and commitment.

This week, I will introduce Senate Concurrent Resolution 22, which will designate April 2017 as Autism Awareness Month. While steps have been taken to address the lack of awareness regarding autism, there is still a lot that is unknown about this disorder and the signs that might lead to early detection. This resolution will highlight the continued need for appropriate services and support. I encourage all Californians to show support for autism awareness.

I have always put a premium on providing excellent constituent services to the people of my district. Together, we will continue working hard for a prosperous California.

I appreciate your ideas and remain honored to serve you. As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Ben Hueso
State Senator
40^th District

CALENDAR

Equal Pay Day

Easter

Tax Day

Earth Day

IN THE KNOW ...

Senator Ben Hueso Hosts Statewide Officials for Salton Sea Leadership Tour

State Senator Ben Hueso hosted a tour of Imperial Valley's Salton Sea. The objective was for participants to see the Salton Sea first-hand and deepen their understanding of the opportunities to protect public health, enhance the ecology, secure water management and strengthen the regional economy.

During the tour, Senator Hueso expressed, "It is an honor to have California Natural Resources Agency Secretary John Laird, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, Senator Bob Hertzberg, and my colleagues visit my district to tour the Salton Sea. It is my goal for all of those involved to gain an understanding on what we need to do to restore the Salton Sea and learn more about our renewable sources of energy."

Senator Ben Hueso introduced Senate Bill 615, known as the John J. Benoit Salton Sea Restoration Act, to require the Natural Resources Agency to develop a 10-year plan by January 1, 2018. He also introduced Senate Bill 701, which will advance a state general obligation bond for the 2018 primary or general election ballot to fulfill the state's resources settlement obligations in a variety of conflicted areas throughout the state, including Salton Sea restoration and implementation.

Senator Hueso added, "Addressing the challenges affecting the Salton Sea requires creative solutions and a collaborative effort. This visit by my legislative colleagues proves that this issue is not just a local issue, but statewide. The restoration of the Salton Sea has been a top priority for my office, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure funding to protect this natural habitat."

Strong leadership and vision will be required to command the resources and planning necessary to solve the Salton Sea's problems. Beginning next year, significantly less water will flow into the Sea, compounding a public health and environmental catastrophe if bold action is not taken.

Senator Hueso attends SDG&E Mobile Home Park Utility Upgrade Program Celebration

State Senator Ben Hueso joined SDG&E at their commemorative event which celebrated 1000 residents with new utility installations at Helena Mobile Park located in San Diego. This was the ninth park that has been upgraded under SDG&E's new Mobile Home Park (MHP) Utility Upgrade Program for the benefit of the local residents.

Senator Hueso expressed, "Upgrading our mobile home parks will ensure our residents have a safer and more reliable energy source. It is my hope that this worthy program is expanded to all mobile home parks in the community, so that every consumer can benefit from the modernization of this vital utility infrastructure."

SDG&E's MHP program is a three-year voluntary statewide pilot approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), aimed at replacing aging MHP-owned natural gas and electric distribution systems with stronger, more advanced utility-owned systems. The goal of this program is to enhance the energy reliability, safety and customer service in mobile home parks. SDG&E has been approved to convert approximately 3,300 or 10 percent of the eligible mobile home park spaces to direct utility services, by December 31, 2017.

State Senator Ben Hueso Celebrates Read Across America at THRIVE Charter School

Senator Ben Hueso celebrated Read Across America Day and the birthday of one of the world's most beloved authors of children's books, Dr. Seuss (1904-1991) by visiting THRIVE Charter School and reading to its students.

During his visit, Senator Hueso stated, "Read Across America is a day to celebrate reading and literacy. I strongly believe that if you enjoy reading, you have the power to create positive change and become an effective leader in the future. I am thrilled to support children's education and raise awareness on the importance of reading."

This year marked the 20th anniversary of Read Across America Day, an initiative launched by the National Education Association as a way to focus national attention on the importance and joys of reading.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ...

Senator Hueso Honored as Legislator of the Year by the California State Commanders Veterans Council

The California State Commanders Veterans Council honored State Senator Ben Hueso with the 2016 Legislator of the Year Award. The award is presented to a legislator who has helped advance and promote the rights and benefits of all veterans in the State of California.

During the award presentation, Senator Hueso expressed, "I am humbled to be receiving such a prestigious award. My goal is to raise awareness and fight for our veterans living throughout our state. They deserve no less, and I will continue to push towards focused policy initiatives that will benefit them."

Senator Hueso Celebrated the 2017 Women of Year Honorees

Senator Ben Hueso honored outstanding women in celebration of the 2017 Women of the Year Awards, an annual tribute to exceptional women from his district.

The honorees are as follows: (1) Kathleen Harmon, Community Organizer, Southeast San Diego; (2) Louise Torio, Historical Preservationist for the Villa Montezuma; (3) Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy; and (4) Yulil Alonso-Garza, founder of Mothers and Men Against Gangs Coalition in Imperial County.

During the celebration, Senator Hueso stated, "I am honored to be presenting these outstanding women with the 2017 Women of the Year Award. They have proven that dedication and hard work can lead to exceptional results. They have raised the bar in many ways, and I am thrilled to celebrate their passion. I commend and respect them for all that they do for our community."

The Annual Women of the Year event is considered a prestigious recognition for women throughout the State of California. The event brings together dynamic women who are inspirational and remarkable leaders.

Senator Hueso added, "I cannot be more proud of honoring all of your achievements that make you the exceptional women you are today. It is with a deep sense of respect that I pay tribute to each of you."

Every March, Senator Ben Hueso recognizes remarkable women from his district during Women's History Month. This year's celebration recognizes women who have profoundly affected their community while demonstrating their commitment through their service.

Senator Hueso Honored as Legislator of the Year by the Association of California Healthcare Districts

The Association of California Healthcare Districts honored State Senator Ben Hueso with the Legislator of the Year Award. This prestigious award is presented to a legislator who has helped advance and promote the needs of Healthcare Districts.

During the award presentation, Senator Hueso expressed, "I am humbled to be receiving such a prestigious award. I will continue to work on initiatives that will help families access health care and protect individuals' quality of life."

Team Hueso Recognizes Chief Deputy Gutierrez for his 25 Years of Service

After serving 25 years of committed service to the Imperial Valley County Sheriff's Office, Chief Deputy Steven Gutierrez officially retired on March 30, 2017.

During the presentation, Team Hueso expressed, "It was an honor working with Chief Deputy Gutierrez. His legacy, as a strong leader in the community, will continue, and we wish you the very best in your retirement."

WHAT'S NEW ...

Senator Hueso Invites Students to Apply for the California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarships

On April 1st, the California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation's Scholarship Program, now in its third year, will commence taking online applications from eligible students. The program was established to assist deserving students with educational expenses. Sixty $1000 scholarships will be awarded this year.

In order to be eligible for scholarship consideration, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a full time student in good academic standing at an accredited college or university; OR
• Be a graduating high school senior with written proof of acceptance at an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
• Submit a completed online application with all required supplementary documents by the application deadline.

Complete scholarship requirements and details are available at the Foundation's website: www.CLLCF.org

The deadline for submitting the online application and all supporting documentation is June 1, 2017.