- Summer Internships
- SDSU Urged by Residents to Admit Local Students
- Legislative Update: Bills Move to the Senate
- Small Business Financing and Contract Workshop Held
- Holocaust Survivors Honored
- Block Appointed Assembly Higher Education Chair
- Serving the 78th District
- First Lady Michelle Obama Visits Californians in 78th District
- Upcoming Summer Events
A Message from Marty
Thank you for your thoughtful input and advocacy on important issues that affect our neighborhoods and communities in the 78th Assembly District. I have enjoyed meeting you at the many community events and workshops I have held recently on senior issues, opportunities for admission to SDSU, and small business development and financing, in addition to providing you with additional resources through our mobile district offices events around the community. Our state is facing some very challenging issues, and I have enjoyed discussing solutions with you that will help get our state back on track. We have a unique opportunity to make California a better place to raise a family and do business, and I hope you continue voicing your ideas for how we can build a brighter future!
My staff and I are always available to assist you with any state-related matter. The biggest concern that I have heard from constituents is from folks who have lost their jobs and are frustrated with the lengthy process to receive benefits from the Employment Development Department. My staff can help you navigate the process, to get you the assistance you need, when the wait for a call back from EDD seems endless.
Summer Internships
Internship positions are now available for the Assembly District Office. Interns are trained in various responsibilities ranging from constituent casework to conducting community outreach efforts. If you are interested, please call our office at (619) 462-7878.
SDSU Urged by Residents to Admit Local Students
More than 120 community leaders gathered at the Tubman-Chavez Multicultural Center to advocate for changes in SDSU’s admissions policy, which forced 1,740 qualified, local students to be denied admission, and to voice their support for Assemblymember Block’s legislative solutions: AB 2401, which would reinstate local student admissions preferences for universities, and AB 2402, which calls for transparency in policy changes affecting admission of local students.
“San Diego State University has a long tradition of serving the community. And at time when limited resources are restricting access to higher education, it is imperative that we look at ways to open doors to colleges and universities, instead of closing the doors of opportunities to the next generation of Californians,” said Assemblymember Block.
“It is incredibly unjust for these students who have worked hard and met the admissions requirements to be turned away at the last minute and punished by a policy change that was never subject to public comment. I am committed to fighting on behalf of these students and seeking legislative solutions that will help them earn a degree, build a better life, and contribute to California’s economy.”
Legislative Update: Bills Move to the Senate
Last month, Assembly committees finished work on legislation introduced by Assemblymembers, and I am honored that more than a dozen bills I authored are moving to Senate committees for their next hearing this June. My bills are designed to help solve problems encountered by a breadth of San Diegans in a multitude of areas. Some highlights to watch for include:
- In response to San Diego State University’s decision last fall to forego its local admissions guarantee and deny high school students entry that otherwise would have been admitted, a decision made behind closed doors with no public input, AB 2402 will mandate transparency for CSU admissions policy decisions and direct communication between a CSU campus and its service area communities and stakeholders prior to any changes in related policies.
- Voting is the most basic right in our democracy. We must ensure that our heroes serving in the military overseas are given the ability to have their voices heard on Election Day. Servicemembers overseas have been allowed to submit their ballots by fax with few complications, ensuring their voices are counted. A law protecting this right is set to expire this year, but AB 2369 extends this right permanently.
- Many of us have experienced near misses with pedicabs whose operators disregard the rules of the road right in front of our cars. Tragedy struck last year when a visitor was killed trying to exit an erratic pedicab. AB 2294 keeps pedicab passengers and our roads safer by allowing the City of San Diego to require a driver’s license as part of the pedicab licensing process, ensuring the operators understand the rules of the road.
Please visit my website for information on other bills I have authored and up-to-date legislative information.
Small Business Financing and Contract Workshop Held
One hundred small business owners attended a workshop on May 7 sponsored by Assemblymember Block, where they received up-to-date information on small business financing as well as tips on where to research and bid on stimulus fund contracts and the many other local, state, and federal contracts available for small business owners. This event, held at Southwestern College, was presented by the Small Business Development & International Trade Center and included representatives from the Airport Authority, San Diego Unified School District, and the Small Business Administration, among others. Another event to assist small business owners will be held on July 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Lemon Grove City Hall, 3232 Main St., Lemon Grove, 91945. At this event, staff from the Office of State Controller John Chiang will provide valuable information on tax preparation.
More than forty Holocaust survivors and World War II veteran concentration camp liberators were honored at a special ceremony on the Assembly floor on April 19 in recognition of Holocaust Memorial Week in California. The ceremony is part of the State Assembly’s annual Holocaust Memorial Project, co-chaired by Assemblymember Block who honored Gussie Zaks of Del Cerro.
Each year students across the state interview survivors and write essays about their Holocaust experiences. Celia Benchetrit, a student at Soile Hebrew Day School, participated with an essay documenting Mrs. Zaks’ experiences. Her essay is included in a book distributed to libraries and schools throughout the state. This is the first year that the book of essays includes stories of World War II veterans who liberated concentration camps.
“It is imperative that we remember the atrocities of the Holocaust,” said Assemblymember Block. “Preserving the memories of the six million who perished in the Holocaust and telling the stories of the survivors – indeed creating a living memorial – is not only our duty but it is how we send the message to the next generation of never again.”
If you would like a copy of the essays, please contact our district office at (619) 462-7878.
Block Appointed Assembly Higher Education Chair
Assembly Speaker John Pérez appointed Assemblymember Marty Block to chair of the Higher Education Committee. As head of this important committee, Assemblymember Block will continue his fight for accessible and affordable post-secondary education for all Californians.
“I am honored by the opportunity to serve at such a critical time for California’s public education system,” said Assemblymember Block. “Higher education is the foundation of a strong economy and a key to creating jobs. That is why we must do everything possible to meet the challenge of providing quality and affordable education for all students seeking to better themselves and contribute to their communities. We must look at ways to improve access for all Californians, and as chair, I will stand committed to working with my colleagues to protect funding, preserve programs, embrace positive innovation, and advocate for the important resources that help students succeed and build brighter futures.”
Serving the 78th District
Children Served Through Operation Kidprint 
Assemblymember Block and his staff continue Operation Kid Print at community events throughout the 78th Assembly District. At the Bonita Chili Cook-off on April 25, parents had their children fingerprinted on a document that can be provided to law enforcement in case of emergency. Over the past several months, Operation Kid Print has been provided to parents at the Rolando Street Faire, Allied Gardens Spring Fest, and Philippine Festival of Festivals.
Listening to Constituents at Neighborhood Coffees
Local residents have enjoyed sharing ideas, concerns, and issues with Assemblymember Block at ongoing neighborhood coffees open to the public and held throughout the 78th District. Input by constituents has helped with prospective legislation and improvement of services.
Employment Fair
With California’s unemployment rate at a historical high, it is crucial that we create opportunities to connect employers with job seekers in order to get people back to work as quickly as possible. At an Employee Recruitment Fair sponsored by Assemblymember Block at the South Metro Career on March 12, job seekers were paired with employers in the region to learn about important job opportunities.
Cal Grants Workshop
Paying for college can be difficult – even more so in these tough economic times. To make college more affordable, the Cal Grants program provides critical, need-based financial aid to many California families. On February 20 and 27, Assemblymember Block hosted workshops at Chula Vista High School and Hoover High School to help hundreds of families and students access these financial resources. Qualified students were eligible for up to $9,708 this year to attend the college of their choice in California. We look forward to doing this again next year for 2011 grads.
411 for Seniors
On January 15 and February 5, Assemblymember Block sponsored 411 for Seniors at Alvarado Hospital. Seniors and caregivers received valuable information on daily and long-term needs with presentations by 211 San Diego, Alvarado Hospital medical staff, Elderhelp of San Diego, the Neighborhood House Association, Lightbridge Hospice, and the law firm of Brierton & Jones.
411 for Seniors will be held again on June 25 at 9 a.m. at Alvarado Hospital, 6665 Alvarado Road, San Diego 92120 and on June 26 at 9 a.m. at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, 91911. “Seniors need the information on community resources and assistance that was provided at my 411 for Seniors events,” said Assemblymember Block. “At this critical time of economic uncertainty, seniors need to know about the safety net available in our caring community, and I am proud to partner with Alvarado Hospital and Sharp Chula Vista to connect our seniors with the information they need at my upcoming 411 for Seniors.”
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First Lady Michelle Obama Visits Californians in 78th District
Assemblymember Block joined First Lady Michelle Obama on her tour of the New Roots Community Farm on Chollas Parkway and 54th Street in City Heights. The farm is an excellent example of our neighbors making a difference. Her visit was part of her initiative to combat childhood obesity and encourage healthy living.
Tax Preparation Workshop
In association with State Controller John Chiang and the IRS, the district office of Assemblymember Block helped low- and moderate-income individuals with their tax preparation, enabling them to obtain the largest refund possible on their 2009 returns. This year, taxpayers were able to deduct any cash contributions made in 2010 for the rescue and recovery efforts in Haiti, thanks to the passage of AB 347, authored by Assemblymember Block.
Philippine Independence Day and Festival
On May 29, Assemblymember Block joined Grand Marshals Captain Kenneth J. Norton, USN, commander of the USS Ronald Reagan, and Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day Parade and Festival. Over 1,300 students from the district participated in the parade.
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Upcoming Summer Events
411 for Seniors
Obtain valuable information on community resources and senior health at Alvarado Hospital and Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Presentations by senior medical staff and 211 San Diego
Refreshments will be served!
Friday, June 25, 2010. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Alvarado Hospital
6665 Alvarado Road
San Diego, CA 92120
Saturday, June 26, 2010. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
751 Medical Center Drive
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Tax Preparation for Small Businesses
Receive updates on tax credits for small businesses and tax compliance issues.
Presented in partnership with State Controller John Chiang.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
City of Lemon Grove Community Center
3146 School Lane
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
