Resolution introduced to Honor California’s Colonel Young Oak Kim, United States Army

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva (D – Orange County) introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 188 (ACR 188), which would designate a specified portion of Interstate 5 in Orange County as the Colonel Young Oak Kim, United States Army, Memorial Highway. The measure would also request the California Department of Transportation place signs along the highway showing this special designation. The cost of the signs that memorialize the Korean American Colonel will be covered by donations from non-state sources.

“Colonel Young Oak Kim is a hero, in not only American History, but in World History. He holds a special place in the Korean American community of California from which he was born,” said Quirk-Silva. “This memorial will celebrate his heroic efforts in the U.S. Army’s 100^th Infantry Battalion, and his life as a champion of human rights; serving underprivileged, and minority populations. My office will continue to work with the Korean American communities in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and greater California to memorialize the life a great hero. This memorial is just one simple move to remind us of the valor and work of Colonel Young Oak Kim, and all veterans.”

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva (D – Orange County) released the following statement after the resignation of California State Senator Tony Mendoza (D – Artesia). Earlier this week, an outside investigation found that the Los Angeles County Senator had engaged in a pattern of unwanted “sexually suggestive” behavior toward six women, including his subordinates, while serving in the State Assembly and Senate.

“As legislators, we must ensure that the Capitol is a professional and safe place for our employees, and the people who visit here,” said Quirk-Silva. “Sexual harassment often has to do with power; it is intimidation, discrimination, and bullying that cannot be tolerated. Transgressions deemed valid by independent investigations certainly should not be excused. In that context, it was proper that Senator Mendoza resigned.”

In lieu of recent events, Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva has taken the opportunity to offer the services of her State office in addressing the needs of constituents. Those constituents that live in the Buena Park area are encouraged to contact Quirk-Silva’s district office in regards to any state government related issues.

For more information or assistance, call (714) 521-6505.

(Sacramento, CA) – Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Orange County), as a member of the California Assembly Committee on Higher Education, engaged in the oversight hearing on the University of California Board of Regents fact-finding review. Today, Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva calls on the UC Regents to focus on students, and use its funding more efficiently, in light of the UC Office of the President’s history of fiscal mismanagement that included lavish spending and a secret $174 million reserve fund.

This year, a proposal being considered by the UC Regents would increase in-state tuition by $342, or 2.7% for 2018-19. It follows a $336 tuition increase imposed by the Regents last year.  Last week, following outcry from students, parents and elected leaders, the Regents postponed a vote on the tuition increase until their meeting in May.

“Significant structural reforms to both the UC Board of Regent and Office of the President are required to improve accountability, reduce bloated budgets, and restore credibility,” said Quirk-Silva. “California students and hard-working families deserve better financial management from our prestigious educational system, and not tuition hikes.”

An April 2017 report by the State Auditor revealed that the UC Office of the President used misleading budget practices, paid extraordinarily generous salaries and interfered with investigators. The Auditor also reported that the Office of the President had spent more than $2 million on wasteful items like theatre tickets, luxury hotels and limo rides. Furthermore, the UC Office of the President admits to wrongfully interfering with an audit called by the state legislature.