Senator Ed Hernandez discusses several events and issues in his district over the past month. He participated in an Independence Day parade and honored a veteran. He also highlights a new computer science program partnership with the Garvey School District and ongoing issues regarding air quality and potential lead contamination near a battery recycling plant.

1. 8/15/2016 Senator Ed Hernandez, O.D.
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AROUND THE DISTRICT
Independence Day
On July 4th, I was honored to participate in the San Gabriel parade to celebrate the 240th
anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. It was great to see
families and loved ones spending the day together.
Garvey School District Press Conference

2. 8/15/2016 Senator Ed Hernandez, O.D.
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Code to the Future is partnering with the Garvey School District in the first­of­its­kind
Computer Science Immersion Program in Los Angeles County to give students the
opportunity to learn computer coding and develop the next generation of STEM leaders.
Students who participate in this program will not only develop coding skills, but they will also
strengthen their math and language skills.
Through these types of programs, we are building a 21st century digital learning
environment for our youth.
Thank you to the Garvey School District for taking steps toward becoming the leading district
for computer science and building a cutting edge learning environment for all students.
Kudos to Superintendent Anita Chu and the Garvey School District Board for bringing this
program to the school district.
Honoring Veteran Joe Torres
I met with the family of Joe Torres and his wife Lupe to present them with a Senate
Memorial Resolution for his honorable service during the Korean War. Mr. Torres lived his
whole life in La Puente and was a Dodgers fan like me! Last November, he was awarded the
Korean War Ambassador of Peace Medal. He was a great person, good friend and we
honor him for his service. He will be missed.
Transportation in the San Gabriel Valley

3. 8/15/2016 Senator Ed Hernandez, O.D.
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On June 17th, the Nogales Street Grade Separation and Roadway Widening Project was
finally completed. This crossing is used daily by more than 40,000 vehicles and 49 trains,
with that number expected to increase to 91 trains by 2025. The completion of the project
means there will be a substantially reduced potential for train­vehicle collisions and fewer
emergency responder delays. Also, the Widening Project is proposed to reduce overall
emissions and locomotive horn and crossing gate noise.
California Latino Caucus Foundation announces scholarship winners
Congratulations to Bibiana Contreras Lopez of South El Monte and Steven Silva of El Monte
for winning the prestigious California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship! The
winners were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on academic
performance, personal statements, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and work
history. Bibiana Contreras Lopez will be attending California State University, Los Angeles
and Steven Silva will be attending the University of California, San Diego.
HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT UPDATES
Quemetco, Inc.
Officials are assessing the risk of lead in the area around
Quemetco, Inc, a battery recycling plant located in City of
Industry. The communities of Avocado Heights, Industry, La
Puente, and Hacienda Heights are part of the impacted area.
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is currently
testing lead levels in the soil within a ¼ mile perimeter of the
facility, which will continue in July. DTSC has sent out letters to
the residents asking they participate in testing on their properties.
Quemetco, the Air Quality Management District, DTSC and stakeholders of areas affected
have held public meetings regarding the issue.
If you would like to know more information about the testing you can visit DTSC’s website:
https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Projects/Quemetco.cfm
To learn how to get free blood testing for your children, please contact Elsa Lopez, DTSC
Public Participation Specialist, at 818­717‐6571 or by email at Elsa.lopez@dtsc.ca.gov. You
can also call Quemetco’s community information line at 626­364‐1281.
For any additional questions, please call our district office at 626­430­2499.

4. 8/15/2016 Senator Ed Hernandez, O.D.
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Air Quality in the San Gabriel Valley
In the San Gabriel Valley, nearly all the days in June exceeded the federal health standard
for healthy air according to pollution data from the California Air Resources Board. The
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is warning residents to avoid
outdoor activities due to poor air quality. This is especially worrisome to children and adults
who are active outdoors, people with respiratory illnesses, and the elderly who are most
impacted by poor air quality.
SCAQMD and the California Air Resources Board are attempting to combat the poor air
quality, such as pushing for companies to change company trucks for newer hybrid, electric,
or near zero emission trucks. Heavy duty trucks account for 33 percent of all NOx pollution,
which is a component of ozone, in California.
To learn more about ozone levels in the San Gabriel Valley, please visit the Air Now website.
California State Senator Ed Hernandez ­ District 22
22nd Senate District encompasses the cities and communities of the San Gabriel Valley, which include: Alhambra, Monterey
Park, San Gabriel, South San Gabriel, Rosemead, El Monte, South El Monte, Baldwin Park, Irwindale, Industry, Avocado
Heights, La Puente, Valinda, West Covina, Vincent, Azusa, Citrus, Covina, Temple City, Arcadia and surrounding neighborhoods.
Web site: http://www.senate.ca.gov/hernandez
E­mail: Senator Ed Hernandez
Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 2080
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 651­4022
District Office
100 S. Vincent Avenue, Suite 401
West Covina, CA 91790
Tel: (626) 430­2499
(c) 2016 California State Senate