January 2024 Newsletter

The Legislature has been back in session for less than a month, but our office has been working around the clock to craft a new bill package that best serves California and the constituents of District 51. This year, I am chairing the Select Committee on Retail Theft, formed by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to explore policy solutions to the traumatic smash-and-grabs and retail theft impacting our retailers, workers and neighborhoods. Our office has been working closely with the Speaker's Office and the Governor's Office on legislation that will hold professional criminals accountable and target organized crime theft rings. See what the Select Committee on Retail Theft is working on.

I am proud that Speaker Rivas also appointed me to serve as the Chair of the Democratic Caucus of the Assembly. In that role I work with my fellow Democratic colleagues to establish priorities for our Caucus that will improve the lives of all Californians. I will also continue to focus on my own priorities, which include creating affordable housing and tackling homelessness, clean energy and climate change, LGBTQ+ civil rights and fighting antisemitism. Expect an update on my bill package in the February Newsletter.
 

The Select Committee on Retail Theft Holds Its First Hearing

I am pleased to announce that the Select Committee on Retail Theft held its first hearing on December 19, 2023, in Sacramento. The goal of the committee is to take a deep dive into the causes of the growing crisis of retail theft and present a package of reforms that will tackle this problem effectively using data-driven support.

At the hearing, the committee discussed relevant laws and data and heard perspectives from retailers and workers, as well as law enforcement and criminal justice reform advocates. I was incredibly grateful to Speaker Robert Rivas for joining the hearing. We are hoping to hold at least one more hearing in Los Angeles and my office is working with the new Public Safety Committee Chair, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, to hopefully hold a joint hearing between our respective committees. The Select Committee on Retail Theft is working on a robust bill package to present to Speaker Rivas and the Assembly.

California Contract Cities Retail Crime Press Conference

I had the opportunity to speak at a press conference hosted by the California Contract Cities Association on the West Steps of the Capitol on January 9, 2023, about organized retail theft. I am grateful for the partnership and engagement of so many city leaders who are working on the front lines to address retail theft in their own communities. City leaders and legislators in attendance included CCCA Chair and Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold, as well as West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson and West Hollywood Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers, both city officials in our district.

2023 Children's Hero Award

It was an honor to receive the 2023 Children's Hero Award from the California Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry (CALACAP), a state-wide umbrella organization whose mission is to advocate for the mental health of California's children, adolescents and families in California public policy. Protecting kids physically and mentally -  including foster youth and LGBTQ+ kids, who have a higher risk of depression, suicidal ideation and who are more likely to become homeless - is a top priority for me.

Cal State Goes on Strike

I was proud to show my support for the California Faculty Association and striking members of Cal State LA on December 6, 2024. The CFA is a union that represents faculty, coaches, librarians and psychological counselors. I was joined by Asm. Isaac Bryan, Asm. Mike Fong and other local leaders.

Beverly Hills Menorah Lighting

I attended a beautiful Menorah Lighting at the Beverly Gardens Park Lily Pond on December 7, 2023. At a time when antisemitic hate crimes and attacks targeting the Jewish community have skyrocketed, it is imperative that we as elected leaders reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for every member of our community. I was moved by the menorah lighting in Beverly Hills and commended Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold and members of the City Council for their dedication to ensuring Beverly Hills is a safe place for the Jewish community.

Supper with Santa at the Ebell of Los Angeles

The 100-year-old Ebell of Los Angeles resumed its holiday tradition of "Supper with Santa" for the first time since the Pandemic began. I Joined Ebell President Laurie Schechter and co-chairs Julie Stromberg and Daphne Brogdon Peel for a delicious dinner of short ribs and gnocchi on December 8, 2023. I also got to meet some pretty amazing kids who crafted ornaments, played with balloons, and told Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

"A" Grades

I have had the honor of receiving "A" grades on scorecards from multiple organizations. Scorecards track legislators' voting records to let the public know where we stand on big issues that matter to our constituents.

Courage California

Health Access California

Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

Sierra Club California

2024 Assembly Internship Opportunity

Meet the Newest Members of the Team

I am pleased to report that my former Chief of Staff, Bob Hartnagel, was brought onto the team for the new Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and I was delighted to promote our Legislative Director, Tami Martin, to Chief of Staff. Tami Martin, who is a lawyer, served as my Legislative Director since I was sworn in on December 5, 2022. Prior to joining our team, she had a distinguished career advocating for policy relating to civil rights and social justice at Equality California, where she worked for six and a half years, most recently as Legislative Director and previously served as Vice President of the Capitol LGBTQ Association.

This year, as well as celebrating the move to new offices (both in the Capitol and in the district), we are welcoming two new staff members in our Capitol Office. Salina Valencia, our new Legislative Director, and Sebastian Aguilar Tinajero, our new Legislative Assistant. Salina comes to us from CAL OES, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, where she served as its director of legislation and communications. Sebastian Aguilar Tinajero previously served as a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow in the California State Assembly Transportation Committee. Our team welcomes them both!
 

Reach Out

Our office is always here to serve our constituents. Whether it's a bill idea or trouble with a state agency, our team is here to help. My capitol staff can help you express an opinion, get information on bills and resolve problems with a state agency. 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.

As your Assemblymember, one of my goals is to ensure that our state government works for you! If you need assistance with or have questions regarding a state agency, my staff and I can help you find answers to your questions and work to cut through the "red tape" you might be experiencing.

Please reach out to my office for assistance at:
(323) 436-5184 if we can be of service.

You can also reach out directly to a member of my district staff:
Robert Oliver, District Director
robert.oliver@asm.ca.gov

Sherwin Shamoeil, Field Representative
sherwin.shamoeil@asm.ca.gov

Joshua Marin-Mora, Field Representative
joshua.mmora@asm.ca.gov

For interviews or other media requests, please reach out to our communications director to schedule an appointment:
Vienna Montague, Communications Director
vienna.montague@asm.ca.gov

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 together.

Sincerely,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair of the California State Assembly
Representing Assembly District 51