While our 2023 legislative session ended last month, October has been just as eventful – from getting our bills signed to staying active in our district through community meetings, union rallies and special events.
In this October issue, you’ll read about Governor Gavin Newsom signing my bill package during his visit to Los Angeles earlier this month. You’ll also learn about our district tour for Senate Pro Tem Designee Mike McGuire as well as my recent news coverage and recognitions by women organizations. Finally, our District Update will share about my participation in the Los Angeles Korean Festival, one of L.A.’s largest attended cultural festivals.
Feel free to visit our website to learn more about our latest news or to submit scheduling requests. You’re also welcome to reach out to our District or Capitol staff should you have any questions or need assistance with accessing state services.
Warm Regards,
Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Senator, 28th District
Governor Signs Bill Package Protecting Californians
Governor Gavin Newsom visited Los Angeles earlier this month to sign a number of new bills, including my bill package that will provide greater protections for California’s working families while also removing barriers for eligible individuals who seek to rebuild their lives. I was excited to join a group of my legislative colleagues for this special occasion.
Governor Newsom signed these three bills that I authored:
SB 497 – Equal Pay and Anti-Retaliation Act
SB 521 – Campus Protection for Pregnant and Parenting Students
SB 749 – Streamlined Record Reclassification Procedure
I’m incredibly gratified that Governor Newsom signed our bill package that will better protect and empower California’s working families. This bill signing will also allow those seeking to rehabilitate their lives an opportunity to more fully participate in California’s workforce and communities.
Solid Rocket Motors Arrive for Museum’s Space Shuttle Display
During the early hours of October 11, two 116-foot Solid Rocket Motors were hauled through the streets of South Los Angeles before arriving at the California Science Center on the Exposition Park campus located in our district. The Solid Rocket Motors, donated by Northrup Grumman, had been previously stored at the Mojave Air and Space Port.
This arrival is the next phase in the complex process of moving and lifting each of the space shuttle components into place for the Endeavor’s upcoming 20-story vertical display as the centerpiece for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center – slated to open in 2025.
I attended the arrival celebration that culminated at King and Figueroa Boulevards while community members cheered as they lined the streets. Also attending the arrival celebration were California Science Center President Jeffrey Rudolph; Lynda Oschin, Chairperson of the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation; Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer; and Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price Jr.
Senate Pro Tem Tour, Recognitions &
In The News
Senate Pro Tem Designee Visit
I welcomed Senate President Pro Tem Designee Mike McGuire during his recent brief visit to Los Angeles to give him a small glimpse of the diversity of our amazing 28th District. The purpose of the tour was to show him several community sites and discuss important local issues.
Women’s Group Recognitions
This month, I felt honored to be acknowledged by two impactful women’s groups. The Solis Policy Institute, a policy advocacy training program advancing racial, economic and gender justice in California, recognized my leadership in authoring SB 521 — Campus Protection for Pregnant and Parenting Students. I also received the State Legislator Award from California Women’s List, which held their inaugural awards event to celebrate women who run for office and those who support them.
I was pleased to serve as a guest speaker during the opening ceremonies of the Los Angeles Korean Festival. Now in its 50th year, this spectacular festival draws hundreds of thousands of people during its four-day event.
A long list of public figures spoke at the festival’s opening ceremonies, including White House officials and Korean dignitaries. During my address, I commended the festival’s organizers for uniting multicultural communities across our city.
The Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation hosts this annual event to expose Angelenos to Korean cultures and traditions. The foundation has become a supportive cultural resource for our city, where many diverse cultures co-exist.
