Rotary Club hears Sen. Hurtado's plans

Rotarians received an update on state Sen. Melissa Hurtado's 2020 plans at their meeting this week.

District Representative Ricardo Del Hoyo spoke about Sen. Hurtado's 2019 accomplishments and what's in store for 2020.

Hurtado represents the 14th Senate District, which encompasses parts of the southern Central Valley, including parts of Fresno and Bakersfield. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, she was a Sanger city council member.

"Senator Hurtado was a surprise win in her first election in 2018," Del Hoyo said. "She is the youngest of the 40 California senators."

Del Hoyo mentioned some of Hurtado's first-term accomplishments, such as procuring $50 million for asthma research. "One of four kids in the valley has asthma," Del Hoyo said.

She was also able to obtain $50 million for AmeriCorps, a high school mentoring program.

Del Hoyo also mentioned that Hurtado authored a bill that resulted in $50 million for water projects that will provide relief for families without reliable access to water. The bill extended investment in the Friant-Kern Canal for two years.

"Senator Hurtado will continue to build on what she accomplished during her second year," he said. "She will focus on traveling more in the southern end of the county."

In addition, Hurtado's bill SB436, which would help prevent child abuse and neglect, is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk. The bill would strengthen family resource centers that provide community-based and culturally sensitive services to communities to help with child abuse prevention.

Del Hoyo also said Hurtado is also working on a bill regarding future employee displacement due to the agriculture and oil industries being pushed out of California.

He also mentioned that there is $50 million available for housing in the county. Wasco will need to work with the county in order to get some of that money.

Also at the Rotary meeting, President Kevin Tallon confirmed that Brad Maberry has been elected next year's Rotary president.

He said Rotary International the local club was one of only three clubs to receive an award for maintaining their membership. They asked Tallon how Wasco accomplished that and he replied that the club has stabilized – there is good fellowship and positive community recognition.

Tallon also shared that the club received a thank you for a $1,000 donation and several hundred dollars of canned foods given to the Salvation Army. Rotary volunteer bell ringers collected $3,000 during the holiday season.