Press Releases

Monday, November 25, 2019

$75 Million to Clean Up EXIDE Lead Contamination in East Los Angeles and Surrounding Communities Moves Forward

LOS ANGELES, CA – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), is proud to announce that the Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom, with support from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, approved an additional $74.5 million in the State Budget for expedited cleanup of lead contamination from the now closed Exide Battery Recycling Plant in Vernon, CA. Additionally, Governor Newsom signed AB 142, authored by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), into law. AB 142 provides additional ongoing funding to clean up contaminated communities across California by increasing the manufacturer battery fee. 

“Disenfranchised communities have suffered from environmental harms and injustice impacting the health of our families and children for far too long,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles). “Toxic waste and contamination caused by lack of oversight needs to managed and cleaned up. With AB 142, which I am proud to co-author, there will no longer be the excuse that the funds don’t exist. This is about justice for our most vulnerable residents regardless of economic status or where they live.” 

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo with Guerline Jozef, Founder of the Haitian Bridge Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) was honored at the Central American Resources Center’s (CARECEN) 36th Annual Awards Dinner with the Champion of Change Award for her work on immigration issues. This annual recognition highlights community champions who have made great strides in bringing communities and leaders together, as well as raising awareness on the power of local and international solidarity.

“As an immigrant from El Salvador, I am absolutely honored to be recognized by such a prestigious organization such as CARECEN,” said Assemblywoman Carrillo. “This year I had the privilege to work with CARECEN on important legislation to protect our most vulnerable, and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure all immigrant communities in California have access to the American Dream and receive the rights they wholeheartedly deserve.”

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Tuesday, October 8, 2019

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), commends Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 1482, authored by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco), and other rent protection legislation into law. AB 1482 provides California renters with crucial tenant protections against excessive rent increases and unjust evictions. 

“I am proud to co-author AB 1482, which helps ensure that California renters are provided important protections for affordable housing. Cities like Los Angeles have seen drastic increases in rent that makes it difficult for families to stay in their homes or apartments, creating a rippling effect to neighborhoods, schools and local businesses,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles). “While working with our elected leaders at the local level, the state must act with urgency for the safety and well-being of all Californians. The right to housing is a fundamental human right.” 

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Wednesday, September 11, 2019

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), commends Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 392, authored by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), into law. This bill ensures that law enforcement officers only use deadly force when necessary to defend against the threat of death or serious injury to the officer or to another person. 

“Recent police shooting incidents resulting in a death has caused a divide between law enforcement officers and our local communities of color,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), who is a principle co-author. “AB 392 helps bridge the gap by providing clarity as to when an officer may use deadly force. This additional transparency will help foster a safer and more comforting environment for Californians while still preserving the ability for law enforcement officers to protect and serve.”

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Friday, September 6, 2019

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) is recognized as the recipient of the Legacy Award, presented by the California State Parks Foundation. The recognition, given out each year, focuses on leaders and lawmakers who develop, expand and protect California’s state parks.

According to L.A.’s Park Score, 41 percent of lower-income households in Los Angeles do not have immediate access to a park. While many California families often live minutes away from California’s State Parks and beaches, many cannot reach them. 

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Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Assembly Bill 1535

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) is proud to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1535 into law, which ensures pet insurance claims can be filed faster and with less hassle. 

“California consumers care deeply about the health and well-being of their pets,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-51). “AB 1535 ensures that consumers who purchase pet insurance can ask questions, file a claim or complaint without confusion or misdirection from pet insurance companies over brand names and details lost in the small print. Pet insurance consumers have a right to transparency and proper recourse.” 

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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Exide

Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo and elected officials visiting homes in East Los Ángeles contaminated with lead by the EXIDE Battery Plant. August 9, 2018

SACRAMENTO, CA –  Today, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released a report highly critical of the investigation produced by Exide Technologies relating to their role in the contamination and cleanup of the East Los Angeles area as a result of their lead-battery recycling facility. According to DTSC, which will take control of the investigation, Exide Technologies concluded that it was not responsible for the contamination of residential areas surrounding its former facility. This report is troubling, considering a University of Southern California study found lead in the teeth of children who live within the contamination zone.

“Despite Exide Technologies’ legal obligation to fully investigate its role in the contamination of the East Los Angeles and surrounding communities, they have failed to do so and the State must now intervene to provide equity to those who were harmed by this environmental disaster,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles). “It is our duty and obligation as a State to protect the well-being of all Californians, therefore we must and we will continue to work to provide justice to those affected by the Exide Technologies disaster, many of them children, as well as provide safeguard measures to ensure this never happens again in the future.” 

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