Welcome to our November newsletter issue! I’m pleased that you’ve taken a moment to check out our latest news.
In this issue, you’ll read about Governor Gavin Newsom enacting a State of Emergency due to the recent fire damage to the I-10 Freeway, which is now fully repaired and reopened. You’ll also read about our first Roundtable Meeting for our new Infrastructure Select Committee that will help guide how quality jobs will be prioritized for California’s green infrastructure projects. Additionally, you’ll get a glimpse of my presence at a couple of community events held in our 28th District.
I’d like to take this opportunity to commend our District and Capitol teams for participating in an amazing staff retreat earlier this month at our district headquarters in Exposition Park. I’d also like to congratulate our new Chief of Staff Jemahl Ӓmen, who we welcomed to come on board last month.
Please visit our website to learn more updates or to submit scheduling requests. And feel free to reach our District or Capitol staff about your inquiries or assistance with accessing state services. Also, check out our latest news – including recent articles in the National Law Review, Los Angeles Sentinel and USC Annenberg Media – by visiting our In The News webpage.
Warm Regards,
Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Senator, 28th District
I-10 Freeway Reopens Following Fire Damage
Earlier this month, I joined Governor Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass and other legislators and transit leaders to address the State of Emergency issued in response to the recent fire damage beneath the I-10 Freeway near Downtown L.A. in our district. State resources were immediately supplied to expedite necessary repairs to the damaged freeway segment between Alameda Street and the East Los Angeles interchange.
Within hours of the fire damage, regional detour routes were made available to enable motorists to effectively navigate the area while this vital freeway artery was being inspected and repaired. It was critical that Angelenos had uninterrupted access to these alternative routes to ensure that their essential travel needs were met.
Due to the urgent and coordinated efforts of regional leadership and hardworking construction crews, Caltrans was able to reopen the I-10 Freeway the following weekend, lessening the disruption to Los Angeles commuters by several weeks.
Senate Leaders Meet on Equitable Hiring for Green Projects
I had the pleasure of working with fellow Senate leaders and community stakeholders at a recent Roundtable Meeting for our new Infrastructure Select Committee. The committee meeting was held at the building premises of our district offices located at Exposition Park.
I brought together labor, environmental, racial justice and workforce leaders to strategize recommendations to ensure that California’s public infrastructure investments become an equitable opportunity for women, Black and indigenous people, and other underrepresented and disadvantaged residents across our state. We also brought in community experts – representing the SoCal Black Worker Hub, UCLA Labor Center, BlueGreen Alliance, Jobs to Move America, and Inland Empire Black Worker Center – who agreed to work with us to ensure that we bring these jobs back home to communities that need them the most.
The Infrastructure Select Committee was established following the signing of SB 150, a bill I joint-authored. SB 150 requires equitable hiring programs in a package of infrastructure bills that will provide career-track opportunities for California's working families.
Educators Highlight Importance of Expanded Learning Programs
I joined local leaders, educators and students at John Muir Middle School for ExpandLA’s press event last month to discuss the importance of expanded learning programs. In California and across our nation, far too many children are alone and unsupervised after school. Expanded learning programs outside of normal school hours keep our kids safe and enrich their learning while also supporting working families.
Hon. Diane Watson Recognized at Special Celebration
It was my privilege to recently recognize the Honorable Diane Watson in celebration of her 90th Birthday and six decades of public service.
The special event, which drew more than 100 local leaders and community supporters, was held at The Getty House that serves as the residence for the Mayor of Los Angeles.
Ms. Watson is the first Black woman to ever serve in the California State Senate. She paved the way for so many women of color like myself who’ve aspired to lead through elected office.
