March Storm Update
As many residents are aware, the 2011 March storm caused destructive flash flooding in the downtown area of Capitola, as well as major debris flows that damaged roads and infrastructure throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. In the Central Coast area, more than $16 million dollars in damage occurred.
I hosted Mike Dayton, the Acting Secretary of the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), on a tour of the local storm damage. He visited the City of Capitola and the Nelson Road Debris Flow area to review the extent of remaining repair work that is needed. Acting Secretary Dayton and Cal EMA have been diligently working as advocates for federal financial assistance to offset the recovery costs incurred by the affected communities and local governments that are struggling to address the damage with extremely limited fiscal resources. To see footage of the damage caused by the March Storm throughout California, please click here.
Unfortunately, on August 5, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied a Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for the March 2011 storm.
I want to thank the Governor, Acting Secretary Dayton, and the community leaders for all the time and effort they dedicated to appealing FEMA's initial decision. While I am extremely disappointed with this decision, I am continuing to work with the Governor and Acting Secretary Dayton to see what other options might be available to those impacted by the March storm.
News from the District
Congratulations to North Monterey County LULAC Scholarship Winners
Assemblymember Monning, Monterey County Supervisor Lou Calcagno, Diana Jimenez President of NMC LULAC, and North Monterey County Unified School District Board Trustee Manuel Osorio join scholarship recipients.
On July 17, 2011, I was the keynote speaker at the North Monterey County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Scholarship Reception. LULAC Councils began fundraising efforts in 1932 to award scholarships to Hispanic students who are pursuing a higher education. This year there were 22 deserving recipients from the community. It was an honor to recognize these outstanding scholarship winners.
Freedom Rotary
I had the honor of addressing the Rotary Club of Freedom at its July meeting. My remarks focused on my legislative priorities and the challenges I have faced during my three years as an Assemblymember and an update on the state budget, which was followed by an engaging question and answer session.
Rotarians invest a tremendous amount of time and energy to support local and international programs. Thank you to all the Freedom Rotarians for inviting me to speak at your July meeting and for your tremendous service to our community.
A Visit to the SPCA/ Humane Society
From left to right: Jennifer Moulton, Web Designer for the SPCA/Humane Society; Assemblymember Monning, Lisa Carter, Executive Director for the SPCA/Humane Society holding Emerald; and Mandi Hart, Development Coordinator for the SPCA/Humane Society holding Penny.
At the invitation of Lisa Carter, the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)/Humane Society, I toured the organization's temporary home and the site of the yet-to-be-constructed new Santa Cruz SPCA/Humane Society shelter.
The Santa Cruz SPCA strives to ensure the best possible quality of life for animals and to promote respect and reverence for all. Its mission is to prevent cruelty to animals, to stop pet overpopulation, to promote community responsibility, and for the humane care, treatment and well-being of all animals through adoption, education, information, and action.
It was a pleasure to see all that the SPCA team does to protect our four-legged friends.
Tour of Psynergy Programs
Psynergy Programs, Inc. owns and operates licensed adult residential facilities throughout the California Bay Area and Central Coast. I had the opportunity to visit its Morgan Hill facility, Nueva Vista, which is unique because it is an open-community facility rather than a locked setting, fostering a relaxed environment for patients experiencing mental distress. Thank you to the Nueva Vista staff and residents for allowing me to visit with you. I learned about Psynergy's creative approach to providing a unique community environment for its clients.
News from Sacramento
AB 52 - Assembly Bill (AB) 52, authored by Assemblymembers Feuer and Huffman, would require the Department of Managed Health Care or the Department of Insurance to approve an increase in any premium, co-payment, coinsurance obligation, deductible, and/or other charges made by a health care service plan or health insurance policy. Over the past few years, health insurance rate increases have outpaced inflation both in California and in the United States. In light of this, there needs to be a transparent rate review process in order to determine whether or not these rate increases are excessive. Status: Senate Appropriations Committee
Thank you for reading this edition of my e-newsletter.
Warm Regards,
Bill Monning
