Bill Introductions
February was a busy month as I introduced my 2024 Bill Package. This year I've introduced AB 2943, The California Retail Theft Reduction Act, which aims to reduce organized retail theft in California. I would like to express my gratitude to joint author Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who appointed me as Chair of the Select Committee on Retail Theft and whose leadership has been instrumental in exploring solutions to this problem. This bill was created with the goal of advancing balanced, effective and meaningful solutions that address this problem and at the same time, preserve criminal justice reforms that have been effective at keeping our communities safe.
My legislative package also reflects my other top priorities in office, including housing and homelessness, a clean energy environment free of dirty fossil fuels and LGBTQ+ and all civil rights. To learn more about all my bills, click on the links below:
- California Retail Theft Reduction Act
- Offshore Wind Port Infrastructure Bond Bill
- Uplifting LGBTQ+ & Vulnerable Communities Bill Package
- Improving California's Social Safety Net
Additional bills will be announced in the next few weeks.
California Retail Theft Reduction Act Media Advisory
I had the opportunity to introduce the California Retail Theft Reduction Act, jointly authored with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, at the State Capitol on Thursday, February 15. Members of the media were invited to learn more about the bill, which we believe will have a meaningful impact on stemming the tide of retail crime. I would also like to thank the criminal justice reform advocates, major retailers, small businesses, grocers, workers' unions, public defenders, district attorneys, police, city attorneys and more who shared their expertise and perspective over the past few months on what's needed to solve this growing problem in our communities.
Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Assembly Public Safety Committee Chair Kevin McCarty address press for the introduction of the California Retail Theft Reduction Act.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas present as Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur addresses press.
Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur takes a question from KCRA's Ashley Zavala.
Introducing the Offshore Wind Port Infrastructure Bond Bill
I was pleased to announce, alongside joint coauthors Assembly pro Tempore Jim Wood and Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, the introduction of AB 2208, which is a bill that places on the ballot a general bond of $1 Billion for seaport infrastructure improvements to facilitate offshore wind energy projects off the coast of California.
We announced the bill on the West Steps of the Capitol bright and early on Thursday, February 8. Our sponsors and supporters also joined us, including Environment California's State Director Laura Deehan and the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA)'s Executive Director Martha Miller. Assuring that offshore wind is advanced off the California Coast is one of the crucial things we need to do to meet California's climate change goals. In addition to helping meet our climate goals, offshore wind will bring thousands of high-wage, high-skilled union jobs to California and we must ensure that these jobs benefit our most vulnerable communities and advance environmental justice goals.
Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur announces the introduction of AB 2208 at the Captiol West Steps.
Environmental activists join the press conference, highlighting the importance of clean energy for future generations.
Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur addresses press and others on the Capitol's West Steps.
UCLA Center on Reproductive Health, Law & Policy
I was honored to speak with UCLA's Center on Reproductive Health, Law and Policy (CRHLP) on Thursday, February 8, especially because I had the opportunity to highlight some of the incredible work done by Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni Atkins. Senator Atkins has long been a staunch champion of reproductive rights and a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community.
The event was hosted by the Center's Executive Director Melissa Goodman and included fellow speaker Celinda Vazquez, the Vice President of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA).
FROM LEFT: Brad Sears, Williams Institute Founding Director; Celina Vazquez, Vice President of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles; Senator Toni Atkins, Senate pro Tempore Emeritus; and Melisssa Goodman, Executive Director for UCLA's Center on Reproductive Health, Law and Policy.
Asm. Zbur speaks to a crowded room.
Asm. Zbur with Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni Atkins.
Inaugural UCLA Luskin at UC Center Sacramento Briefing
I participated in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs symposium on Wednesday, February 12 and shared my perspective on how their research can make a real impact on the lives of Californians. I addressed the housing and homelessness crisis and discussed my bill, the California Housing Security Act, a pilot program which aims to provide rent subsidies for people at risk of becoming homeless.
Asm. Zbur gives his keynote address to students studying public policy.
Students listen as Asm. Zbur explains how their research can most effectively impact the legislature.
Beverly Hills Memorial for Victims of October 7th Attack
I attended a beautiful and sobering art installation in Beverly Hills on Saturday, February 10, which included 1,400 flags representing victims front over 30 nations who died during the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in Israel. I'd like to thank Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold and Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook for taking time out of their day to join me.
Art Installation in Beverly Hills shows 1,400 flags representing victims of the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.
FROM LEFT: Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook, Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur and Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold.
CicLAvia Holds 50th Open Streets Event
It was a gorgeous weekend as I watched people walk and bike the streets in the heart of my district, along Melrose Avenue and in front of our historic Fairfax High School. CicLAvia held its first open streets event of the year on Sunday, February 25, marking their 50th event since its founding in 2008. My history with this organization, which encourages community planning that supports active transportation, goes a long way back. In fact, I was a lawyer at Latham & Watkins and worked on the pro bono team that helped found this incredible organization. Fifteen years later, I'm proud to see the incredible work and advocacy this organization does.
Walkers and bicyclists fill Melrose Avenue for CicLAvia's 50th Open Streets Event.
Thank you to AARP, city leaders and advocates with CicLAvia for making this event possible.
Legislative Scorecards
I have had the honor of receiving an "A" grade on scorecards from organizations which work in Sacramento. Scorecards track legislators' voting records to let the public know where we stand on big issues that matter to our constituents. Scorecards track legislators' voting records to let the public know where we stand on big issues that matter to our constituents.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
Sierra Club California
California Environmental Voters
Health Access California
California School Employees Association
Courage California
Streets for All
Get Involved With an Internship
Reach Out
Our office is always here to serve our constituents. My district staff can help you with state-related matters such as DMV, foreclosure prevention programs, consumer complaints, veterans' benefits, unemployment and disability insurance, state taxes, Medi-Cal and Covered California.
Please reach out to my office for assistance at: (323) 436-5184.
Until Next Time
I hope these legislative and community updates provide some insight into the work we're doing in District 51. I value your feedback and encourage you to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or concerns by calling my district office. It is a privilege to serve you and I look forward to continuing our work to improve the lives of all Californians.
Sincerely,
Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair
California State Assembly
Assemblymember, 51st District
