Latest News

City of Ontario Receives $2,998,000 for Park

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Norma Torres announced that the California State Park’s Office of Grants and Local Services awarded $2,998,000 to the City of Ontario. The project will create the new, 1.3 acre Civic Center Community Conservation Park.

“I would like to congratulate the City of Ontario for receiving these funds. The money will be used to construct an interpretive playground, discover play area, water-wise garden feature, educational amphitheater, walking paths, community art, lighting, and landscaping,” said Torres. “All these features are very much needed in our community and most importantly the project will transform the current lawn in front of City Hall.”

Countrywood School

I enjoyed meeting with students and teachers from the Countrywood School in Chino. The entire State Assembly gave them a warm welcome during their visit to the State Capitol.

Keep Your Home California Expands & Changes two Key Programs

The programs will help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments

Sacramento, CA- Assemblymember Norma Torres, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development, announced that Keep Your Home California (KYHC) is expanding and changing two key programs to help struggling homeowners qualified for the assistance. The changes to the Principal Reduction and Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance go into effect next month.

The Principal Reduction Program will now be funded 100% by the KYHC. The principal reduction program can decrease the amount owed on a home loan by up to $100,000.

Multicultural Arts Festival

I had a great time at the Multicultural Arts Festival in the City of Chino. I appreciate the hard work by these fabulous women!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Thank you to Luis Rojas, President of the Ontario Hispanic Chamber, for organizing the Cinco de Mayo celebration. I am grateful for the dedicated service the chamber provides to the community.

Congratulations to Wendy Cruz for winning a $500 scholarship from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Wendy keep up the good work!

Bill to Deter Copper Theft Approved

Sacramento, CA – Assembly Bill 2003, by Assemblymember Torres, was approved by the Assembly today in Sacramento. The bill will assist law enforcement in catching copper thieves by requiring recyclers to issue payments for metal recycling only by check.

“Metal theft is a crime that continues to grow not only in California, but across the nation. According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau thefts of copper and other metals have increased 81 %, driven by rising prices for the stolen metals,” said Torres.

California ranks 4th in the nation generating the most metal theft insurance claims. Copper thieves also steal telephone lines, endangering anyone who needs to dial 9-1-1. Companies have suffered losses in the millions to thieves targeting telephone cable lines. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the damage from a theft of just $100 in copper wire can cost a utility more than $5,000 to repair.

“In Chino, metal thieves removed 26 air conditioning units from mall rooftops, banks, a school and churches causing several thousands of dollars in damages. Local law enforcement in my district have asked for more tools to combat metal theft, AB 2003 enables police to track payments to metal recyclers,” added Torres.

AB 2003 will prevent metal thieves from trading stolen metals for quick cash by requiring check payments, a crime that is costing businesses and taxpayers millions of dollars. AB 2003 was approved by the Assembly, 68-1, and now heads to the Senate for further action.

Bill Seeks to Protect Warehouse Workers

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assembly Bill 1855 was approved by the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee in Sacramento. The measure will provide warehouse workers the same protections as is afforded to temporary workers in the construction, farm labor, garment, janitorial and security guard industries under current law.

“While there has always been a need for temporary and seasonal work, the long-term use of workers by staffing agencies can lead to wage, hour, health and safety violations,” said Torres. “This is not an indictment of the temporary staffing industry as a whole. Like in any field, there are good and bad actors.”

Applications for 2012-2013 Capitol Fellowship Available

One of a Kind Leadership Program for California

Sacramento, CA – The California Latino Caucus Institute (CLCI) has made applications for the new 2012-2013 CLCI Polanco Fellows class available to those interested in working in the State Capitol. The Polanco Fellowship is a 12-month program which begins September 1, 2012.

“As future leaders, the CLCI Polanco Fellows will gain a unique experience in leadership and public policy,” said Torres. “The fellows will learn about the legislative process and gain a better understanding of challenges facing the California Legislature.”

Each Fellow will receive a monthly stipend of approximately $1,880 and serve as full-time staff in the Legislature or other branches of government in Sacramento. The CLCI leadership development program provides training in public policy, leadership, strategic management and legislative process as well as on issues of equity, race, class and gender.

“This year, it was my honor to welcome Polanco Fellow Iliana Ramos to serve in my capitol office as a full-time staff member. Iliana is doing a great job and I hope more students follow in her footsteps. I encourage everyone to apply for the fellowship. It is a great educational opportunity,” added Torres.

Applications can be downloaded at www.cllcipp.org. The deadline for submission of completed applications is 5 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2012. For more information call (909) 623-6116.

State Awards $5 Million to Help First-Time Home Buyers

Sacramento, CA - The California Department of Housing and Community Development awarded millions of dollars from the CalHome General Loan Program to help fund affordable housing opportunities to the Montebello Housing Development, Neighborhood Partnership Housing, City of Ontario and Pomona.

Torres' Drugged Driving Bill Passes Assembly Public Safety Committee

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assembly Bill 2552: Drugged Driving was heard by the Assembly Public Safety Committee in Sacramento. The measure will break up the code section of the law used by law enforcement to charge individuals for DUI into three sections. These new sections will allow state and local entities to collect arrest data that is more precise and that can reflect the actual numbers of alcohol, drug or a combination of alcohol and drugs.

“This type of data is critical for health and safety agencies to make better informed decisions regarding funding for officer training, equipment, and/or drug and alcohol programs,” said Torres.

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