Dear Neighbor,
This July, we celebrated America’s 250th birthday across the district and at our State Capitol.
But first, a brief legislative update on two key measures that I’m proud to share with you.
Senate Bill 985 (The Fix 911 Act) passed the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee with bipartisan support, advancing the measure to the next stage of the legislative process. I introduced the Fix 911 Act after reports that the California Office of Emergency Services spent nearly $500 million in taxpayer funds on an updated 911 system that was never completed and without clear answers as to how the money was spent or why the project collapsed. Advancing the Fix 911 Act and strengthening oversight of the NextGen 911 program brings us one step closer to delivering the reliable emergency response Californians deserve.
Click HERE to watch my presentation of SB 985 on March 17.
Click HERE to read media coverage of my bill.
Senate Bill 1015 (Protecting our Children from Online Extortion Act) passed out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee unanimously with bipartisan support. SB 1015 directly addresses the rise of predatory online networks that target minors through platforms such as gaming sites, social media, and messaging apps. These criminal networks use manipulation, coercion, and intimidation to exploit vulnerable children and force them into cycles of abuse, including sextortion, self-harm exploitation, and recruitment of other victims. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes is a proud sponsor. Click HERE to listen to my presentation with Sheriff Barnes on April 7.
Click HERE to learn more about my legislation and HERE to learn about the legislation that I have signed on as a coauthor.
Keeping companies in California and protecting good-paying jobs is one of my top priorities. I joined a bicameral, bipartisan group of legislators in calling on Governor Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Limon, and Speaker Rivas to honor the state's commitment to promised tax incentives for businesses, including those in the film and television industry, that keep production and jobs in the Golden State. We must protect the workers, small businesses, and local communities that depend on this iconic industry. Click HERE to read the bipartisan letter.
Click HERE to read the bipartisan letter.
Public confidence in any state agency serving the people of California is important. I was concerned when I read from multiple media outlets about 11,000 Californians whose driver’s licenses could be revoked or suspended due to problems with their written examinations. I sent a letter to the DMV Director requesting additional information. This is about transparency, fairness, and clear communication. Click HERE to read the letter.
Click HERE to read the letter.
On a bipartisan vote, my Senate colleagues and I passed Senate Resolution 67, officially recognizing our nation’s 250th anniversary. Happy Birthday, America! The California State Legislature also hosted an Independence Day celebration at the State Capitol, featuring a military flyover to commemorate this historic milestone.
Military flyover in Sacramento.
On the Senate Floor following the passage of SR 67, recognizing America’s 250th Birthday.
District Highlights: America 250 Events
I was honored to be featured in the parade for the 122nd Huntington Beach Independence Day Event as the city celebrated America’s 250th Birthday. It was an amazing event where the spirit of patriotism rang loud and clear.
Celebrating Independence Day at the Huntington Beach Parade.
I spent an evening celebrating the spirit of America with the City of Fountain Valley at its America250 Concert in the Park. As our nation commemorates 250 years of freedom, I was proud to present the City of Fountain with a special California State Senate America250 Certificate recognizing this historic milestone. Here’s to honoring our past, celebrating our communities, and looking ahead to the next 250 years.
America250 Concert in the Park in Fountain Valley.
Team Strickland was honored to attend the City of Cypress’ Salute to America celebration and present a certificate recognizing this beloved community tradition. This annual event brings residents together to celebrate our nation’s independence through music, entertainment, and community spirit.
Team Strickland at the City of Cypress’ Salute to America.
Team Strickland was proud to join the City of Westminster for its America250 Liberty Tree planting. As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, this tree serves as a lasting reminder of the freedoms we cherish and the generations of Americans who have built and defended them. Thank you to the City of Westminster for helping commemorate this historic milestone.
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Team Strickland at the America250 Liberty Tree planting in Westminster.
I was honored to participate in the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America Tour stop in Huntington Beach, joining our community in remembering the heroes, victims, and first responders of September 11, 2001. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and recommit to ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Thank you to Stephen Siller Jr. for carrying on the extraordinary legacy of his father, FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, and for preserving the memory of all the brave men and women who answered the call on our nation’s darkest day. We will never forget.
Tunnel to Towers event in Huntington Beach with honoree Stephen Siller Jr.
Celebrating Community:
Congratulations to the newly installed South Orange County Economic Coalition Board of Directors. I had a wonderful time connecting with lifelong friends and celebrating their new roles. Since SOCEC’s inception in 1969, members of this business organization have worked diligently to promote a strong economic climate. A big congratulations to my friend, Collin Powers, on serving as Executive Committee Chair. Wishing you and the board continued success and all the best in the year ahead.
With members of SOCEC and Senator Steven Choi.
Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach for the warm welcome and the wonderful tour of your facilities. The staff and leadership were informative, caring, and dedicated. It’s clear why this organization and its people have made such a positive impact on our community. With programs such as Leadership and Service and a strong focus on academic success, these young people are in good hands to become the next generation of leaders.
With leadership and staff at the Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club.
It was a pleasure to welcome Director General Jason Ma of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (TECO-LA) to my district office. As Taiwan’s top diplomat in Southern California, Director General Ma leads TECO-LA in strengthening the economic, cultural, educational, and people-to-people partnership between Taiwan and the United States. California’s 36th Senate District is proud to be home to a thriving Taiwanese American community whose contributions enrich our economy, strengthen our communities, and embody the American dream.
With Director General Jason Ma of TECO-LA.
As our nation celebrated a milestone, a small local business was celebrating its own milestone as well. I spent a wonderful evening celebrating 35 years of Baci Italian Restaurant alongside my friends, Italian Consul General Raffaella Valentini and Super Bowl legend Vince Ferragamo. For 35 years, Chef Angelo Juliano and his wife, Maria, have shared the warmth, hospitality, and traditions of Italy with our community. Congratulations!
With Vince Ferragamo, Chef Angelo Juliano and his wife, Maria, at Baci Italian Restaurant’s 35th anniversary in Huntington Beach
Team Strickland was honored to attend the Seal Beach Lions Club Awards and Board Installation Ceremony to present a California State Senate Resolution to Kevin Young in recognition of his exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and lasting impact on the Seal Beach community. Congratulations to Kevin and the incoming board.
Team Strickland with Kevin Young at the Seal Beach Lions Club Awards.
Team Strickland joined community leaders, residents, and local partners for the Artesia Historical Trail Rededication Ceremony. The trail stands as a lasting tribute to the people, stories, and milestones that have shaped Artesia's rich history. Celebrations like this one remind us of the importance of preserving our shared heritage while inspiring future generations to stay connected to our community's roots.
At the Artesia Historical Trail Rededication Ceremony.
Team Strickland joined the graduation festivities at Suncoast Preparatory Academy’s annual commencement ceremony. Congratulations to all the outstanding students who reached this important milestone. Your hard work and dedication have paid off and your future is bright!
At Suncoast Preparatory Academy’s annual commencement ceremony.
Grand Opening highlights in Senate District 36:
With the Artesia Chamber of Commerce grand opening.
The grand opening of Miramar Food Hall in San Clemente.
Grand Re-Opening of the Stanton Central Park Tennis Court
Newport Beach Salon & Suites grand opening.
In Case You Missed It: The Strickland Spotlight
The Sacramento Bee has been covering my efforts to fix the 911 system. “We can’t make the same mistake that we made in the past,” Strickland said in an interview. Click HERE to read my interview in The Sacramento Bee.