Tag: Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura)

Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura)

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2024 • Comments Off

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 2313 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and underserved growers as well as offering essential technical assistance for farmer cooperative development. Despite the Governor’s veto of this vital legislation last year, our food and farming communities have expressed a continued and strong need for this program which will increase access to necessary farm equipment for healthy soil and on-farm conservation practices, storage, and processing. The program will also offer essential technical assistance to farmers on the development of farm cooperatives as well as the maintenance of tools and tool demonstrations. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).

Assemblymember Steve Bennett presents World Wetlands Day Resolution with Coastal Keepers

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2024 • Comments Off

OXNARD — The California State Assembly unanimously passed Assemblymember Steve Bennett’s resolution, HR 64 (2023-24), proclaiming February 2nd as World Wetlands Day. The idea was presented to Bennett by Oxnard-based Coastal Keepers, a grassroots organization dedicated to the clean-up and stewardship of Ormond Beach.

“Our partnership with Coastal Keepers has been fruitful and inspiring. These young leaders have demonstrated initiative and passion for keeping our public beaches and waterways clean for all. I’m grateful to have collaborated with them on this resolution that is important to our coastal district,” said Assemblymember Steve Bennett.

Jan. 26 — Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Contractors State License Board to present ‘Senior Scam Stopper’ in Oxnard

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

Come learn how to protect yourself from fraud. Discuss legislation and topics relating to scams concerning construction, identity theft, email/texting, foreign lotteries, insurance, and mail fraud. Please RSVP online here or by calling (805) 485-4745.

Spanish interpretation will be available/ Habrá interpretación en español disponible.

Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura)

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 552 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and mid-scale growers. The program will increase access to necessary farm equipment for health soil practices, on-farm conservation practices, storage, and processing. The program will also offer essential technical assistance to farmers around the maintenance of tools, tool demonstrations, and developing farm cooperatives. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).

Bennett legislation to protect community drinking water sources

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2023 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) announced legislation (on Feb. 21) to strengthen the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and protect drinking water supplies for communities.

AB 1563 would require agencies that issue water well permits, generally county governments, to acquire sign off from the local groundwater sustainability agency prior to issuing the permit.

“There is a loophole in our system. Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are responsible for managing their basins and reaching sustainable pumping levels by 2040. However, those agencies do not have the authority to determine if new wells in their basin are consistent with the sustainability plans. Counties and other permitting agencies typically issue ministerial “over the counter” permits without reviewing for consistency with the plan,” said Assemblymember Bennett.

Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market named 2022 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2022 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett has selected Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market as the 2022 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District.

Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, located in the Ventura Harbor, is one of the oldest continually owned and operated restaurants in Ventura. Michael Wagner started the business 40 years ago for his young daughter Andria who is now heavily involved in the day to day operations of the business. Andria’s accounts for 27% of all restaurant revenue in the Ventura Harbor. This year Michael and Andria celebrated the 40th anniversary of Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market.

Assemblymember Bennett legislation to help local breweries and wineries signed by governor

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) announced that legislation to assist breweries with duplicative licensing requirements was signed by the Governor on Aug. 26.

“We are honored to have the support of Assemblymember Bennett’s team to update the current Business and Professions Code (Sec 25607) as it pertains to alcoholic beverages. Updating these regulatory laws (AB 1734) allows small Californian producers of beer and wine like Draughtsmen Aleworks the ability to sell the beverages we make at our satellite locations. We are excited to be able to offer all of our craft beers, wines and ciders at our taprooms in Goleta, Santa Barbara and soon Solvang,” said Tami Snow, Partner at Draughtsman Aleworks, “We appreciate the time and attention from Assemblymember Bennett’s staff reviewing and revising these alcohol regulatory laws in order to make them more equitable and easier to understand and to navigate. We and many small businesses like us in California are fortunate to have this type of support from our representative and we are excited that it allows us to grow all our businesses.”

Bennett, Limón bill to restrict gun sales at Ventura County Fairgrounds signed by the Governor

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2022 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) and State Sen. Monique Limón announced today that Legislation to restrict gun sales at the Ventura County Fairground has been signed by the Governor.

According to a report published by UC Davis, gun shows are a source for illegally trafficked firearms. The Center for American Progress noted that gun shows have received criticism as being “the critical moment in the chain of custody for many guns, the point at which they move from the somewhat-regulated legal market to the shadowy, no-questions-asked illegal market.” And, according to American Academy of Pediatrics California, “Gun violence is among the greatest public health crises facing children and youth. Nearly 7,000 children younger than 18 are killed or wounded by gunshots each year.” Firearm-related deaths are now the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 19.

Community drinking water to be protected under Bennett Bill

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) and representatives from Community Water Center (CWC) announced legislation (March 31) to strengthen the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and protect drinking water supplies for communities.

“New water wells and groundwater extractions are being approved without adequate analysis of their impact on the drinking water of disadvantaged communities,” said Bennett. “Approval without that analysis can cause significant negative impacts on over-drafted water basins and disadvantaged communities drinking water.”

Farmworker Resource Center legislation signed by Gov. Newsom

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Sept. 22 to establish a state-wide program for counties to create farmworker resource centers. Jointly authored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Robert Rivas, and State Sen. Monique Limón, the bill establishes a grant program, funded in the 2021-2022 Budget, which allows counties to apply for funds to establish centers similar to the one created by Ventura County in 2017.

“I appreciate the work and support of my colleagues on this important issue, and I’m gratified by the Governor’s support.” Said Assemblymember Bennett, “The agriculture industry and the State of California need farmworkers who feel valued respected and supported; and this program will enable counties to access funding to support these critical members of our agricultural community.”

Draughtsmen Aleworks Named 2021 Small Business of the Year for 37th Assembly District

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has selected Draughtsmen Aleworks as the 2021 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District.

Draughtsmen Aleworks opened its first taproom in Goleta, CA in 2015, focusing on craft beer. Since then, not only has the brewery expanded locations to Santa Barbara and continued to grow its beer selections, but its products have also increased to offer innovative cider and hopped tea brews. Most recently, Draughtsmen Aleworks ventured into wine making, becoming one of the first breweries to cater to both beer and wine fans.

Bennett introduces legislation to provide remote access to courts

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2021 • Comments Off

Newly elected Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) introduced legislation today to modernize open court proceedings by requiring courts to provide remote access for the public and media.

AB 716 strikes a balance between meaningful access and court flexibility, without limiting a judge’s ability to hold closed proceedings. The bill would require courts to provide the public and the media with remote access to hearings, via internet or telephonic services, during open court proceedings.