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.
In The News
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.
With public frustration over the homelessness crisis rising, California lawmakers have floated a raft of bills to tackle the issue and a lack of housing — affordable or otherwise — in the Golden State.
The only Black woman in the California State Senate, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas represents state Senate District 28, a small, densely populated section of Los Angeles County that includes Culver City and parts of mid-city Los Angeles and unincorporated Los Angeles County.