The state can now analyze two possible Irvine locations for a Southern California veterans cemetery and choose one, after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill this week authorizing the study.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday signed a bill to build a veterans cemetery on one of two sites in Irvine, according to Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), who authored the bill.
The site could ultimately be determined by Irvine voters after former Mayor Larry Agran filed paperwork for a ballot initiative Aug 12. The bill allows for the state-run cemetery to be built at a site near the heart of the old El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, which still has hangars and portions of taxiways on it, or at a planned golf course inside the Great Park. Both sites were part El Toro.
“I still feel — very strongly — the golf site makes the best sense financially, as far as getting this moving and actually using it as a veterans cemetery,” Quirk-Silva said.
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers have sent the governor a package of reforms sparked by the recent college admissions scandal, including a bill approved Wednesday that would require special admits at public universities to be approved by three administrators.
Tuition for Cal State University students has more than doubled since 2008, and so has a $1.5 billion fund that the CSU system has accumulated in the past decade. The fund is primarily made up of student tuition.
A state audit of the Cal State system, conducted in June of this year, found that the CSU failed to fully disclose the funds held in outside accounts to legislators and the Cal State Student Association. Between 2012 and 2018, the CSU received increased funding from the state. The audit was requested by California State Assembly member Sharon Quirk-Silva.
Quirk-Silva’s move at the committee hearing led to backlash from Shea, who said the city tried numerous times to meet with the Assemblywoman about changing sites.
Quirk-Silva disputed those claims.
“It is important that we all remember that our aging population deserves to enjoy their lives with dignity and respect,” said Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva. “I am honored to present this resolution to the Buena Park Senior Center, as their consistent service and commitment to the safety and well-being of Aging Californians is truly admirable.”
“The funds for a cemetery are there, the land is there, we have legislative, veteran and local support. The time to build this cemetery is now,” Quirk-Silva said in a press-release, noting that state-approved funds plus expected federal reimbursement and a pledge from developer FivePoint are expected to cover the first phase of the project.
Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva (D – Orange County) announced that the Fullerton and Santa Ana Armories will re-open for the Winter Shelter Program (WSP) in agreement with the Army National Guard. The emergency homeless shelters will open earlier, beginning October 15, 2019 and remain open through April 15, 2020. The Armories will provide much needed shelter to homeless individuals during the winter season.
Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva (D – Orange County) continues to combat the homelessness epidemic in Orange County. The Orange County legislator’s priority remains the issue of housing and homelessness, Quirk-Silva sits as the Chair of the Orange County Chronic Homelessness Sub-Committee. Along with her committee, she continues to work with local and county government and nonprofit leaders on innovative ways to resolve the housing and homelessness crisis plaguing Orange County.
“There is not a single solution to resolving the housing crisis in California. But to make our solutions a reality it requires resources and coordination between all parties,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “We must consider every approach in a comprehensive and compassionate manner, so we can improve the quality of life for Californians, and it starts with working alongside our local leaders.”
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Fullerton has received $2.5 million in state funding to renovate the interior of the Hunt Library building; now city officials just have to decide how to put the closed facility to new use.
Officials expect to make a decision by the end of the year.
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"It was wonderful having the Korean American Community at our open house grand opening," said Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva. "Their commitment to local politics and public engagement is truly admirable."