Jumping the Gun

In last week’s column I chastised our Assemblymember Laura Friedman and State Senator Anthony Portantino for their “aye” votes on SB 1, a transportation funding bill, and SB 54, which prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies, including school police and security departments, from using resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes. I made my displeasure known and subsequently received emails regarding my position.

But I made an error in stating that Assemblymember Friedman voted on SB 54. The bill is currently “Held at Desk” meaning it has not yet been brought to the Assembly floor. Assemblymember Friedman made a courtesy call to me earlier this week to correct me, saying that though she hasn’t yet voted on the bill that is not to say she won’t be voting in favor of it. To me this means that there is an opportunity for our voices to be heard at the Assembly level. So though I jumped the gun in stating that she voted on SB 54, there is still time to let your opinion be known by sending a letter to either her state capitol office at P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0043 or the local office at 300 E. Magnolia Blvd., Suite 504 Burbank, CA 91502; call the state office (916) 319-2043 or the district office (818) 558-3043; or email Assemblymember.Friedman@assembly.ca.gov.

After getting that business out of the way, she took a minute to explain that the language of SB 1 strictly prohibits diverting money to the high-speed rail project. I did take that opportunity to voice my doubts the money earmarked for transportation funding will indeed all go to where it was promised.

I appreciate her interest in letting me know – personally – of my error and also giving me the chance to voice my concerns regarding legislation.

I do hope that you will take a minute and jot a note off to her to let her know your thoughts about SB 54 or any legislation coming up. If you don’t want to write an entire letter or email, visit her website https://a43.asmdc.org/ and click on Contact Laura on the right. That takes you to a form that you just fill out.

________________

After dealing with the seriousness of legislative bills, you may need some fun and games. Have I got the event for you!

Come to the American Legion Hall, 4011 La Crescenta Ave., on Saturday for bingo! Benefitting Prom Plus, the games start at 5:30 p.m. with the first one being called by State Senator Anthony Portantino. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and there will be food for purchase, opportunity prizes and more. Come support a worthy cause and who knows? Perhaps you’ll go home $100 richer.

Tickets are $10 each and available at the CV Chamber office, the CV Weekly office and at the door.

  robin goldsworthy