When Sydney Kamlager-Dove vacated the California Senate to move up to the U.S. Congress, she sought out another Black woman to replace her. That woman, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, is featured in the fifth installment of our “A Powerful Sisterhood” series that highlights the contributions of past and present Black women lawmakers in California. Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of Ladera Heights, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Culver City, Leimert Park, South Los Angeles, West Adams, and View Park, where Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas lives.
In The News
On Saturday, April 1st, 2023, the California Science Center Foundation hosted its 24th Annual Discovery Ball where 600 guests dined and danced "Under the Maya Sky." This year's theme was inspired by the Science Center's newest exhibit, Maya: The Exhibition. Thanks to the generosity of presenting sponsor United Airlines and many other generous donors, the Discovery Ball achieved its revenue goal of $1.5 million in support of educational exhibits, programs and operations of the Science Center; including more than $200,000 to underwrite education program scholarships for young students facing financial barriers. "We are grateful for the wonderful generosity of our sponsors and guests, particularly United Airlines, our gala presenting sponsor, who have continued to support the Science Center," remarked California Science Center President and CEO, Jeff Rudolph. "Proceeds from our signature fundraiser enable us to provide exceptional science learning and education opportunities for our communities."
On Friday, May 5, 2023, State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas visited CCUSD to present a proclamation recognizing CCUSD’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year Robyn Johnson. Johnson, a kindergarten teacher at Farragut Elementary School, has been teaching in the District for more than 20 years, and is also a local parent, volunteer and regular supporter of the Culver City Education Foundation.
Culver City School Board Member Triston Ezidore has announced that nominations are open for Culver City’s inaugural “20 Under 20” awards. The program aims to recognize and honor 20 inspiring students who have made a positive difference in their communities through exemplary achievements in activism, leadership, and service.
Only 24 years old, Mae Gates is already chief of staff for a state senator, owner of a political consulting business and a passionate advocate for food justice.
A California bill designed to curb criminal background checks in employment was approved by the state's Senate Judiciary Committee this week without its most ambitious goal after business groups opposed it. The Fair Chance Act of 2023 had sought a blanket ban on criminal background checks except where already required by law.
The Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee voted 15 to 1 on April 25 to approve SB 823, authored by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), that helps low-income residents have equal access to discounted electric vehicle (EV) charging rates. The bill, as passed by the committee, would establish a grant program at the California Energy Commission to support low and moderate-income EV drivers with discounted rates at public charging stations.
Layoffs are in the news and on a lot of people’s minds as the possibility of a recession looms. They’re on the minds of some in the Legislature, as well.