Press Releases

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.” 

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) is proud to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 46 into law. This bill continues and expands the work of previous legislation that has removed harmful and antiquated language, such as ‘insane’ and ‘lunatic’, when referring to those with mental illnesses. 

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) is proud to announce that today the State Legislature passed the 2019 State Budget, which includes $50 Million in funding for the After School Education and Safety Program (ASES). The 2019 State Budget is now pending a signature from the Governor.

“In California, ASES-funded after school and summer programs serve more than 400,000 students at 4,200 schools each day and serve some communities with the highest levels of poverty across California. In Assembly District 51 alone, around 9,000 children are served at 89 after school programs every day,” said Assemblymember Carrillo. “Not only do these programs encourage learning, but they also provide an after school care option for working parents, many who work tireless hours to support their children yet cannot afford traditional childcare. With significant increases in costs threatening the closure of some ASES programs, the additional $50 Million will help ensure that these programs continue operating to provide essential services for our youth. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Governor to sign this year’s budget.”