Hello neighbors.
For the third time in three days, Gov. Newsom has signed one of my measures to help fight climate change.
His actions are proof that California policymakers are taking seriously what the world has been grappling with for years – but which has been slammed home especially hard the past few weeks. From Alaska to Puerto Rico, record hurricanes, melting glaciers, searing heatwaves and widespread forest fires are no longer uncommon weather events.
Last week, it was the signing of my Senate Bill 1340 to extend a tax break for new active solar energy systems that made new state policy.
Solar power is absolutely essential to meeting soaring energy demands statewide. In recognition of this growing need, California has put in place numerous incentives to promote solar power. Unfortunately, these incentives are set to expire, which would put us at a cost disadvantage compared to other states.
SB 1340 will help avoid sharp solar costs to ratepayers and help ensure more new green energy systems in California.
gov. Newsom, in his signing message, echoed my view:
“California has established aggressive clean energy goals in its broader plan to combat the impacts of climate change,” Newsom wrote explaining why he signed SB 1340 into law. “Increasing the number and pace of solar projects brought online is a critical component of this plan.”
My other two bills he has recently signed to fight climate change are:
SB 529 Streamlining Transmission Construction. This bill expedites reviews and approvals for transmission upgrades and construction to meet near-term clean energy needs and support long-term needs.
SB 1174 Clean Power Infrastructure. This bill directs state energy agencies to enhance transmission planning and approvals to provide the clean power California is depending on to achieve its current goal of shifting to 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
Combined with other recently signed climate change bills, California has enacted some of the nation’s most aggressive measures in history to cut pollution, protect Californians from big polluters and accelerate the state’s transition to clean energy.
The goal of these groundbreaking measures is to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045, and 90 percent clean energy by 2035, establish new setback measures protecting communities from oil drilling, capture carbon pollution from the air, advance nature-based solutions, and more.
All this is an essential piece of the California Climate Commitment, a record $54 billion investment in climate action that advances economic opportunity and environmental justice in communities across the state.
In short, we are making a difference.
For additional news you can use, scroll down to read the seventh installation of some of the sizeable checks I helped provide to the San Fernando Valley, rent relief, inflation payments and MORE.
Now tell me what is on your mind. Reach out via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my email, or call my office at (818) 901-5588.
Be well, stay safe and remember we are all in this together.
Bob Hertzberg
VALLEY NEWS
OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS OF INTERSTATE 210 RAMPS TO AFFECT SFV MOTORISTS
Westbound Interstate 210 on- and off-ramps at Roxford Street in Sylmar will be closed for up to 45 days for paving work beginning at 7 pm Monday, Oct. 3, according to the California Department of Transportation. Residents and local businesses located near the freeway may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with construction activities.
The closure of the ramps will provide additional room for crews to pave the far-right lane. This is the last scheduled long-term ramp closure for the project.
Motorists are advised to use an alternate route during the closure duration. All closures are weather permitting and subject to change. Drivers are encouraged to check traffic conditions before leaving to their destination by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap HERE.
Also, the Polk Street on and off-ramps reopened last week; the Yarnell Street off-ramp reopens on Friday, Sept 30.
The work on I-210 is part of a $135.5 million project replacing all lanes of I-210 with new pavement from Wheatland Avenue to Interstate 5. This project is funded by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Overhead sign structures, traffic loop detectors, center median barrier, and the guardrail system are also being upgraded by this project.
Caltrans reminds drivers to be “Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”
(PHOTO CREDIT: LAist)
LA COUNTY TO LAUNCH RENT RELIEF OUTREACH PROGRAM
As the county’s COVID-19 eviction moratorium comes to an end, the LA County Board of Supervisors has begun to develop an outreach campaign to ensure that renters and landlords can continue to get the help they need. The existing tenant protections are set to expire by the end of the year while officials study other protections, including ensuring that people can only be evicted for just cause and preventing landlords from imposing notable rent increases. The recently introduced Board motion specifically calls on county staff to create a strategy “to communicate the formal phase out of the county’s emergency tenant protections for both landlords and tenants.” More HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Barron’s)
INFLATION RELIEF PAYMENTS FOR CALIFORNIANS DUE SOON
Many Californians will receive a tax refund payment of up to $1,050 to offset inflation and the associated increase in the cost of products. Payments will be disbursed to eligible residents from October 2022 through January 2023 and will vary from $200 to $1,050, depending on income and tax filing status. Eligible residents will receive their payments either by direct deposit or a debit card payment, depending on how they filed their taxes. More HERE. To approximate your payment, use the Tax Franchise Board’s virtual calculator HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: San Fernando Valley Sun)
PROGRESS MADE ON CITY OF SAN FERNANDO INFILTRATION PROJECT
The San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project is scheduled for completion by May 2023, slightly earlier than expected. According to Matt Baumgardner, the director of public works for the City of San Fernando, the project entails the construction of underground stormwater chambers at San Fernando Regional Park, which will collect stormwater from various areas in the city to infiltrate into the ground system city is additionally installing a storm drain at Glenoaks Boulevard and Griswold Avenue that will divert rainwater to the park, rather than the Pacoima Wash, to prevent flooding. After the chambers are finished, the city will connect the storm drain pipes along the route to the park and install new turf and fences for the baseball field. This project is projected to be completed by the early January 2023. More HERE.
(PHOTO CREDIT: LA Daily News)
LA COUNTY SUPERVISORS TO VOTE ON BAN ON SALES OF BIG HANDGUNS
The LA County Board of Supervisors has proposed a ban on large-caliber handguns and ammunition, as well as several other regulations that would restrict the sale of firearms in unincorporated county communities. In an unanimous vote, the five supervisors asked the county’s attorneys to draft ordinances that would ban the sale of .50-caliber handguns and their one-half-inch bullets, prevent gun vendors from operating near schools and parks, and prohibit residents from carrying a firearm on any LA County property. Other regulations would require all gun and ammunition vendors to install video security cameras, prevent minors from entering their stores, maintain fingerprint logs, and regularly report inventory to licensing agencies.
The county counsel will now work on a report in which they propose how the ordinances should be written. It will then come before the supervisors for a possible vote in about 90 days. More HERE.
BRINGING MONEY TO THE SFV
LOCAL BUDGET WINNERS REFLECT, SERVE SFV DIVERSITY
Here is part seven on local programs and improvements that will soon have a positive impact on a neighborhood near you. Read part one HERE, part two HERE, part three HERE, part four HERE, part five HERE and part six HERE. All are a result of an annual budget process where I seek funding for worthy San Fernando Valley projects, and a combined $24 million will be shared. (Photos by Steve Fukushima).
PET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RECEIVES $600K TO HELP HOMELESS PETS
Orlando Ward of Volunteers of America Los Angeles receives a $600,000 check from Sen. Bob Hertzberg to help care for the pets of those experiencing homelessness.
EFFORTS TO REMOVE UNWANTED SFV GRAFFITI BOOSTED BY $250,000
Rogelio Flores of Northeast Graffiti Busters receives a $250,000 check from Sen. Bob Hertzberg to fund needed field equipment and supplies to remove unwanted graffiti in the San Fernando Valley.
REMEMBER, WE ARE A TEAM
I appreciate hearing from you. If you have a specific question or concern, or a story about the Valley to share, please click here to send me an email or call my office at (818) 901-5588. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
(heart of the valley is a free weekly e-newsletter by Sen. Bob Hertzberg. Subscribe HERE. Submission of items for VALLEY NEWS, VALLEY ACTIVITIES or other suggestions are welcome and can be sent to [email protected]).
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