Helping Health, Women’s Leadership, Teddy Stuffing & MORE

Hello neighbors.

As COVID-19 cases continue to decline in the Valley and we begin to return to some semblance of normality, it is important to recognize the efforts of our healthcare workers.

Our hospitals and their staff members have put in countless hours over the COVID years to keep us healthy. The least we can do to thank them is to meet their needs through legislation.

This is why I am a strong supporter (and co-lead author) of Assembly Bill 2404 by Asm. Luz Rivas d’Arleta. Signed into law last month by Governor Newsom, this bill grants Sun Valley Pacifica Hospital an extension to renovate its buildings and allow it to continue providing medical services to our surrounding community. This hospital, in particular, has become a safety hospital for Los Angeles County, accepting COVID-19 patients from across the region.

This sudden workload made it particularly difficult to meet renovation deadlines and the hospital began to incur fines. AB 2404 is waiving some of these fines to help ensure the hospital can afford to treat patients, most of whom are on Medi-Cal or Medi-Cal/Managed Care.

The pandemic has served as a stark reminder of the all-too-familiar strain on our healthcare system and essential workers. It’s by supporting laws like AB 2404 that we make life easier for workers – and other Valley residents.

For additional news you can use, scroll down to read about teddy stuffing, a plastic bag ban, and MORE.

Now tell me what’s on your mind. Contact us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my email, or call my office at (818) 901-5588.

Be well, stay safe and remember we are all in this together.


Bob Hertzberg


VALLEY NEWS

(PHOTO CREDIT: LAUSD)

FREE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ON FEMALE LEADERSHIP OPEN TO ALL

Students in grades 6-12 can register now to attend the Young Women’s Leadership Conference virtually from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 5. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Student Empowerment Unit, the free event is open to all students and includes motivational speakers, prizes and entertainment. Imagine the Possibilities! For more information, send an e-mail to [email protected].

(PHOTO CREDIT: KTA)

PLASTIC BAGS BAN TO BOOST PAPER, COMPOSTABLE ALTERNATIVES

Governor Newsom recently signed SB 1046, effectively banning plastic produce bags from supermarkets. The ban comes into effect on January 1, 2025, after which stores must replace conventional plastic bags with paper bags or compostable bags. Proponents expect the bill to inspire other states to pass similar legislation.

(PHOTO CREDIT: California Department of Public Human Services)

COUNTY LAUNCHES GUARANTEED INCOME PROGRAM

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Human Services has officially launched a three-year guaranteed income pilot program for residents ages 18-24. Known as the General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) program, the initiative will provide 300 randomly selected young people with monthly payments of $1,000 for three years. The majority of applicants have had limited educational/professional experiences and faced significant life challenges, such as homelessness. Additional information, including a video, can be found HERE.


VALLEY ACTIVITIES

(PHOTO CREDIT: City of LA)

YOUNG ARTISTS WANTED TO PRESERVE, CREATE HISTORIC MURALS
The Department of Cultural Affairs launches “Mural Works” to partner with local muralists and young paid apprentices to preserve and create new murals that highlight social justice themes in Los Angeles neighborhoods. The program will connect historically significant narratives to today’s movements. The request for proposals is now open and will be accepted until November 13, 2022. Click here to learn all about the program and follow this link to view the application.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Operation Gratitude)

COMPLETE A BEAR TO HELP CHILDREN OF DEPLOYED SERVICE MEMBERS

Volunteers aged 13 and up are needed to help Operation Gratitude’s Battalion Buddy program, which puts a hand-stuffed teddy bear in the arms of children whose parents are deployed. Each teddy bear is tagged with “I’m your battalion friend and I’m here to keep you company while your mom or dad is away.” I am so excited to join your family!” Volunteer and help stuff these bears and get them ready for the upcoming holiday season. More here.

REMEMBER, WE ARE A TEAM

I appreciate hearing from you. If you have a specific question or concern, or a story to share about the valley, please click here to email me or call my office at (818) 901-5588. You can also join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

(heart of the valley is a free weekly email newsletter from Senator Bob Hertzberg. Subscribe HERE. Submission of articles for VALLEY NEWS, VALLEY ACTIVITIES or other suggestions are welcome and can be sent to [email protected]).

Mara R. Wilmoth