The Muratsuchi Monthly

In a month filled with Earth Day celebrations, I participated in a great event hosted by the California Green Business Network- a statewide organization that helps small businesses implement practices that will reduce waste, save water, and reduce energy consumption.  The group hosted an event in Manhattan Beach at Barsha Wines and Spirits, which has been certified as a green business by the City of Manhattan Beach- a South Bay city that has been a big supporter of the organization.  We were also joined by the South Bay Business Environment Coalition (SBBEC), an organization that acts as a liaison between the private and public sectors to assist businesses in developing sustainable environmental programs. 

Green businesses work while they save money and help the environment.  Collectively, as of early 2017, California Green Businesses saved annually over 800,000 metric tons of CO2 and over 124 million gallons of water. They also saved $30 million on utilities.

Last year, I successfully won $1 million for the California Green Business Network through the State Budget. I have asked for an additional $1 million for this year’s budget.

Barsha Wines and Spirits is not the only business in Manhattan Beach to be certified “green.”  For a full list of certified businesses, please visit: Certified Green Businesses.

Let’s all go green for Earth Day!

Protect the Pacific

In response to the Trump administration’s offshore drilling proposal, rallies were held in Sacramento and Santa Monica to protest the move. I was honored to be part of a bi-partisan group of members who are urging the administration to change course on this disastrous proposal. I am authoring legislation, AB 1775, which gives the State Lands Commission the authority to deny expanded offshore drilling. By ensuring that these leases are not granted, California will be able to protect the environment, our coast, and our economy from the risks posed by offshore drilling and production.

Happy New Year! My office had a great December celebrating all the holidays with the various communities throughout the South Bay. I attended a toy gift exchange, several Menorah lightings for Hanukkah, and the Redondo Beach Tree Lighting. All in all, it was a very festive month. And now we are looking forward to a brand new year, celebrating all that is great in the South Bay. Along with a new legislative session, we look forward to continuing our community coffees, our monthly community awards, another Pet Adoption event and additional Senior Scam Stoppers seminars, just to name a few. We will also be celebrating the great sport of surfing by holding a Family Surf Day with me and my Assembly staff. Here’s to a great 2018 in the great South Bay!

Vigil for Victims and Survivors of the Las Vegas Shooting

Manhattan Beach Vigil (Photo credit: Assembly District 66 Staff)

On October 4 I stood alongside survivors, victims’ families and hundreds of Manhattan Beach residents to remember those we lost in the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas.  Manhattan Beach lost two incredible public servants that day: Manhattan Beach Police Department records specialist, Rachel Parker and Manhattan Beach Unified special education teacher, Sandy Casey. Manhattan Beach Police Officer Chad Swanson was injured during the shooting while helping get others to safety.

Lisa Patterson, a loving mother and cherished member of the Lomita community, was tragically killed in the Las Vegas shooting. In true Lomita spirit, I joined “The Friendly City” on October 5 to honor Lisa’s life with a candlelight vigil at city hall. The emotional ceremony came to a close with a heart-wrenching rendition of “America the Beautiful,” sung by all of those in attendance.

In the wake of this tragedy, we have demonstrated that we are resilient and we are committed to one another. I am so encouraged by the outpouring of kindness and support I have seen in response to this dark event.