A tribute; kids' mental health; part 4 of SFV checks; & MORE - Bob Hertzberg

Hello neighbors.
As many of you know, I am just a couple months away from the end of my final term in office as your voice for Senate District 18.
It has been a bittersweet time. It is going to be difficult for me to step away from this position, but I can’t help but feel proud of everything we have been able to accomplish for the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and California. We have taken on the most challenging issues and achieved sweeping legislative change. We have produced and passed landmark legislation that has inspired neighboring states to do the same.
But I can say with certainty that the most enjoyable aspect of my career – the part I will surely miss the most – was my interaction with you. Be it hearing constituents’ opinions or working in conjunction with fellow lawmakers, the collaboration and truly profound sense of community associated with this job is like nothing I have ever experienced.
Just a few days ago, several of my colleagues in the Senate delivered kind words in commemoration of my eight-year Senate career. I was brought to tears immediately, and couldn’t stop reflecting on how much change we have been able to foster.
Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins of San Diego, after reciting a poem, kindly stated, “Call it a record, call it a legacy, Bob, what you have given us – your constituents and the people and California – has been outstanding, and we thank you for that.”
My good friend, Sen. Bill Dodd of Napa said, “As a former Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader, he has built a tremendous track record of policy achievements, and at the same time, he never let the fear of failure hold him back from rolling up his sleeves.”
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve you throughout my years as your representative of Senate District 18 and cannot express my appreciation for the friends and colleagues I made along the way.

For additional news you can use, scroll down to read the fourth installment of some of the $24 million I helped provide to the San Fernando Valley, new investments in mental health for children and MORE.
Now tell me what is on your mind. Reach out via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my email, or call my office at 818 901-5588.
Be well, stay safe and remember we are all in this together.

Bob Hertzberg

(PHOTO CREDIT: Gov.Ca.Gov)
CALIFORNIA TO INVEST IN CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
After two years of online learning, the return to in-person schooling has proved to be challenging for millions of students who struggle with anxiety and other mental-health issues. That is why California is planning to implement a $4.7 billion master plan to establish better mental health services for people up to age 25. The plan incentivizes pursuing a career in counseling through a $20,000 scholarship, and will add 10,000 more counselors to California schools. It additionally seeks to address mental-health problems early on, establish clinics and treatment spots, and add resources for parents, among other benefits. These services are meant to supplement those already provided by the Children’s Mental Health Resources Hub, notably their many hotlines and toolkits. To read the full master plan, please click HERE.

(PHOTO CREDIT: LACommunityFridge)
LA COMMUNITY FRIDGES OFFER FREE FOOD
LA Community Fridges, a network of independent refrigerators and pantries, is placing communal fridges around the city, including Van Nuys, to combat food insecurity. Residents can take the food for free, and everyone is open to make donations to a fridge. The organization does, however, have a list of items they do not accept (including home-cooked meals) for safety purposes. Locations, hours and more HERE.

(PHOTO CREDIT: NPR)
LA COUNTY EXPANDS MONKEYPOX VACCINE ELIGIBILITY
Although vaccine supply remains limited, Los Angeles County has again expanded the eligibility criteria for the monkeypox vaccine. According to the county Department of Public Health, the vaccine will now be offered to gay or bisexual men and transgender people who have had skin-to-skin intimate contact with people at large venues or events in the past 14 days, as well as to anyone who has engaged in commercial and/or transactional sex in the previous 14 days. Eligible residents can register online HERE, after which they will be alerted when a dose is available. More information about the spread and symptoms of monkeypox HERE.

(PHOTO CREDIT: LADPSS)
HEALTH CARE, NUTRITION AND MORE AVAILABLE THROUGH LA COUNTY
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services has launched an “Essential Services Month” campaign to inform residents about its many assistance programs. These include healthcare, nutrition assistance, cash for individuals and families with minor children, and in-home care for residents who are blind, disabled, or 65+. During this month, the department will additionally offer time-limited benefits, including the 2022 Advance Child Tax Credit Program for families, through November 2022. More HERE or call 866-613-3777.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Football For Her)
FREE SOCCER CLINICS FOR YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES
Football for Her, a Pacoima organization, is hosting a free clinic every Friday to mentor and coach female and non-binary athletes aged 8-18. Made possible through a partnership with Angel City FC and Cedars-Sinai, the program provides a safe space for girls to practice, meet new players and improve their skills. In addition to these services, professional athletes and mentors come twice a month to coach the girls and give them advice. All are welcome to sign up, irrespective of athleticism or background. Register and learn more HERE.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Studio City Neighborhood Council)
ATTENTION SHUTTERBUGS: STUDIO CITY PHOTO CONTEST ENDS SEPT. 12
The Studio City Neighborhood Council is looking for great photos showcasing the best parts of Studio City for its website. Photos should fit within a 1200×550 pixel frame, and participants must live, work, do business or have a business in Studio City to be eligible. To enter, email your pictures to bmorino@studiocitync.org. There is no fee to enter and the contest ends Sep. 12. The five best photos will be selected and given photo credit. More HERE.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Burbank Water and Power)
FREE RECYCLED WATER FOR OUTDOOR USES IN BURBANK
Burbank Water and Power is opening a free recycled water fill station beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6 for community members impacted by the Metropolitan Water District’s emergency ban on outdoor watering in Burbank, the City of San Fernando and several other Southland cities. During the watering ban, from Sept. 6 through Sept. 20, the Burbank fill station will provide recycled water that is to be used solely for outdoor watering such as trees, gardens and plants. Residents and businesses are asked to bring containers of up to 300 gallons with a leak-proof lid to the fill station, 1110 W. Clark Avenue near George Izay Park, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. More HERE.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Sen. Hertzberg website)
LOCAL BUDGET WINNERS REFLECT, SERVE SFV DIVERSITY
Here is part four on local programs and improvements that will soon have a positive impact on a neighborhood near you. Read part one HERE, part two HERE and part three HERE. All are a result of an annual budget process where I seek funding for worthy San Fernando Valley projects, and a combined $24 million will be shared. Part five next week! (Photos by Steve Fukushima).

NEARLY $400K FOR KEY SERVICES FOR PENNY LANE CENTERS
From left, Wendy Carpenter, Sen. Bob Hertzberg, Dr. Judith Sandino and Nydia Barakat during presentation of a $390,000 check for Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Disorder Services.

SFV RESIDENTS RECEIVE MAJOR BOOST IN MENTAL-HEALTH CARE
Tim Ryder and Marci Kass of the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Centers receive a check for $400,000 from Sen. Bob Hertzberg to go toward local mental-health services.

DECREASING BARRIERS, 2^nd CHANCES GOAL OF $555K TO CHAMPIONS IN SERVICE
From left, Blinky Rodriguez, Sen. Bob Hertzberg, Anna Dawahare and Bobby Arias with a $555,000 check to Pacoima-based Champions in Service, a group dedicated to decreasing barriers and providing second chances, including tattoo removal, to those in need.
REMEMBER, WE ARE A TEAM
I appreciate hearing from you. If you have a specific question or concern, or a story about the Valley to share, please click here to send me an email or call my office at (818) 901-5588. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
(Heart of the Valley is a free weekly e-newsletter by Sen. Bob Hertzberg. Subscribe HERE. Submission of items for VALLEY NEWS, VALLEY ACTIVITIES or other suggestions are welcome and can be sent to ray.sotero@sen.ca.gov).
Capitol Office
1021 O Street, Suite 8610
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4018
Fax: (916) 651-4918

District Office
6150 Van Nuys Blvd. #400
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Phone: (818) 901-5588
Fax: (818) 901-5562