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One of a Kind Leadership Program for California

Sacramento, CA – The California Latino Caucus Institute (CLCI) has made applications for the new 2012-2013 CLCI Polanco Fellows class available to those interested in working in the State Capitol.  The Polanco Fellowship is a 12-month program which begins September 1, 2012.

“As future leaders, the CLCI Polanco Fellows will gain a unique experience in leadership and public policy,” said Torres. “The fellows will learn about the legislative process and gain a better understanding of challenges facing the California Legislature.”

Each Fellow will receive a monthly stipend of approximately $1,880 and serve as full-time staff in the Legislature or other branches of government in Sacramento.  The CLCI leadership development program provides training in public policy, leadership, strategic management and legislative process as well as on issues of equity, race, class and gender.

“This year, it was my honor to welcome Polanco Fellow Iliana Ramos to serve in my capitol office as a full-time staff member.  Iliana is doing a great job and I hope more students follow in her footsteps.  I encourage everyone to apply for the fellowship. It is a great educational opportunity,” added Torres.

Applications can be downloaded at www.cllcipp.org.  The deadline for submission of completed applications is 5 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2012.  For more information call (909) 623-6116.

Sacramento, CA - The California Department of Housing and Community Development awarded millions of dollars from the CalHome General Loan Program to help fund affordable housing opportunities to the Montebello Housing Development, Neighborhood Partnership Housing, City of Ontario and Pomona.

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Sacramento, CA – Today, Assembly Bill 2552: Drugged Driving was heard by the Assembly Public Safety Committee in Sacramento. The measure will break up the code section of the law used by law enforcement to charge individuals for DUI into three sections. These new sections will allow state and local entities to collect arrest data that is more precise and that can reflect the actual numbers of alcohol, drug or a combination of alcohol and drugs.

“This type of data is critical for health and safety agencies to make better informed decisions regarding funding for officer training, equipment, and/or drug and alcohol programs,” said Torres.

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AB 2182 will apply zero tolerance for illegal possession of firearm at an airport

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Norma J. Torres (D-61) introduced legislation that would strengthen security at California airports by applying zero tolerance to those individuals who intentionally or recklessly bring a firearm to an airport. Today, the bill was heard and approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

“Too many guns are being discovered at airport security checkpoints. This is reckless behavior that should not be tolerated. People’s safety comes first, and it doesn’t matter who you are, not a mistake,” said Torres.

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Thanks to the labor leaders that met with me to discuss the legislative session. Their feedback is greatly appreciated.

Sacramento, CA - Last night, the California Public-Safety Radio Association, the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, honored Assemblymember Norma J. Torres for her support and service to Public Safety Communications.

“Ms. Torres has dedicated 18 years of her career as an experienced 9-1-1 Telecommunicator for the Los Angeles Police Department.  She has provided outstanding support to Public Safety Communications in her role as Assemblywoman representing the 61st California Assembly District,” said Adriana Spirescu, Chapter President of the California Public-Safety Radio Association Inc. “Her goals to make 9-1-1 services more efficient and protect the identity of callers through continued Assembly activities are greatly appreciated.”

“I am honored to be the recipient of this award.  For many people in California 9-1-1 is the first point of contact with the public safety system.  The ability of the public to reach 9-1-1 and have their calls answered depends on the dedicated men and women who serve in the dispatch centers located throughout California,” said Torres. “A special thanks to the association for their service. I will continue fighting to improve 9-1-1 services and protect the identity of callers throughout California.”

Torres was presented with the special Commendation in Excellence for Service to Public Safety Communications Award last night during the 24th Annual CPRA Telecommunicator Awards Banquet in the City of Montebello.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I want to thank everyone for participating in our Capitol in Your Corner meeting last month. I'm glad we had the opportunity to meet and talk about important issues affecting our cities. I had a great time meeting with every single one of you and a BIG thank you to everyone that made this meeting possible. Please keep in mind that you can always call 909-902-9606 to make an appointment to visit my office. Our doors are always open and your comments are always welcome!

In observance of Women's History Month, I had the privilege to honor Elnie Vannatim as the 61st Assembly District Woman of the Year during a ceremony at the California State Capitol on Monday, March 26, 2012. Elnie has shown incredible leadership and passion. Elnie has organized community groups to ensure that the voice of our community is being heard. Her involvement with the LAJCC has allowed her to raise funds to help worthy students. Please join me in congratulating Elnie Vannatim for her impressive work.

I am also excited to let you know of several upcoming events happening in our cities. These events range from raising awareness of domestic violence and breast cancer, to the Ontario Police Department positive alternatives fair, and a resource fair for our returning veterans at the Tri-City Wellness Center. As a Blue Star mom, the Veterans Resource Fair is very important to me. Our women and men in the military have made a great sacrifice to protect our freedom and we must recognize their service. We should honor our troops, and provide them with all the support they need so they can re-integrate into civilian life. Help us spread the word and click here to find out more about the event!

Sincerely,

Assemblymember Norma Torres

• Nominations for Veteran of the Year
• Ontario Police: Positive Alternatives Fair
• Anti-Violence Community Fair
• Veteran's Resource Event
• 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Inland Empire
• Submit Your Applications for Chino's Festival of Arts
• Ontario Launches Walking Club
• Free Health Screening and Services
• CHP Pedestrians and Drivers Safety Campaign
• College Students Visiting My Capitol Office
• Bill to expand Gold Line Light-rail to Montclair heard by Local Government Committee

Free Screenings Don’t Miss this Opportunity

Sacramento, CA – Western University of Health Sciences will be hosting a Health Screening and Resource Fair this coming Saturday, April 14, 2012 in front of the Health Education Center building in the City of Pomona.

“There will be FREE screenings for blood pressure, dental, glucose, osteopathic manipulative therapy and vision. This is a great opportunity for everyone to get these screenings for free,” said Torres.  “The fair will also provide information about asthma, healthy living, colorectal cancer, emergency preparedness and other illnesses that are affecting our communities.”

The health screenings and information will be performed by students of Western University under the close supervision of faculty members, who are certified doctors and health educators.

Parking is free and the event will take place on the Esplanade of Western University of Health Sciences in front of the Health Education Center building. The event starts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 701 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766.

For more information please call (909) 623-6116.

Presents ACR 130 to promote 9-1-1 awareness and proper usage

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assemblymember Norma J. Torres (D-61), presented ACR 130 which declares the second week of April as "California Public Safety Telecommunicators Week."

"For forty years, 9-1-1 has served as the vital link between the American public and emergency services," said Torres. "Public education and awareness initiatives throughout the years have contributed in large measure to the ongoing success of the emergency communications system as a whole. This resolution will help raise awareness of the importance of 9-1-1 dispatchers, service and its role in keeping the public safe."

There are millions of dedicated men and women that are engaged in the operation of the emergency response systems for federal, state and local governmental entities throughout the United States, including an estimated 55,000 dedicated men and women in California.

"It is my honor to present this resolution on behalf of the thousands of men and woman who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to Californians. As a former 9-1-1 dispatcher for the City of Los Angeles for over 18 years, I know the dedication and hard work required to serve as an emergency dispatcher. Dispatchers are the first point of contact for most interactions between members of the public and the public safety systems that keep Californians safe, and the public expects and receives extraordinarily dedicated service from these individuals. Join me in celebrating the work of our emergency dispatchers and educating the community on the proper use of the 9-1-1 system, not only through the month of April but throughout the year," added Torres.

ACR 130 was approved unanimously by the State Assembly with 73 members adding on as co-authors. For more information on the National 9-1-1 Education Month please visit the following website www.nena.org/education/911-education-month.

Help us nominate a deserving business!

Every year, the California State Assembly honors businesses from across the state for the remarkable contributions they make to our community. The winner will participate in the 2012 California Small Business Day ceremony at the State Capitol on June 11, 2012.

Please submit your nominees as soon as possible:

The nominees will be selected based on their community involvement and dedication to their employees.

Make sure to submit your candidates by Monday, April 9th 2012.

Click here for the 2012 Nomination Form.