• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that $240 million is available from the Encampment Resolution Fund grant program to close down encampments and get people into housing and shelter, according to a Dec. 1 statement from the governor’s office. This move is part of the $700 million, two-year program to assist projects serving people living in encampments. “California is leading the way on homelessness solutions,” Newsom said in the statement. “We have made unprecedented progress since 2019, building over 12,000 new homeless housing units through Homekey, and sheltering more than 60,000 people through Project Roomkey. Today, $240 million is up for grabs to make our streets cleaner and safer, and to clean up encampments and get people into housing and shelter.” Over the past two years, the state has awarded $97.5 million in encampment resolution grants to close encampments and get people into housing and shelter, serving more than 2,800 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in 26 cities and counties statewide. Now, cities, counties, and Continuums of Care can submit applications to fund projects that take a person-centered approach to providing housing and services to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in encampments. Applicants are required to include a detailed service delivery plan that demonstrates a clear pathway to housing for individuals residing in encampments, while addressing their immediate health and safety needs.
• The Association for Commuter Transportation recognized Peter Williamson—who is a part of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Traffic Solutions division—as the 2022, 40 under 40 award recipient at an annual event in Atlanta, Georgia, according to a Nov. 22 statement from SBCAG. “This is a tremendous honor for Peter and for our organization,” Marjie Kirn, the executive director of SBCAG, said in a statement. “Peter’s innovative work in developing commuter programs throughout his career brings motivating energy to SBCAG’s Traffic Solutions division. A champion for commuter programs and initiatives, Peter is committed to making it easier for employers and employees in Santa Barbara County to reimagine their commute, whether that is remote work, walking, biking, or taking a bus and various incentives offered.” Williamson was recognized among a group of transportation demand management professionals and leaders, including private sector employers, city and state governments, service providers, consultants, and nonprofits who are committed to solving the transportation and mobility challenges facing their communities and organizations. Williamson joined SBCAG in April 2022 as a program coordinator within SBCAG’s Traffic Solutions division, which works to connect people and destinations by offering programs and incentives that help commuters travel by public transit, biking, carpooling, or telecommuting.
• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) celebrated the passage of the Marriage Equality Act, a bill that requires the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if it was valid in the state where it was performed, according to a Nov. 29 statement from the senator’s office. This legislation guarantees that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. “Today, the Senate took a bold step to affirm the lives of millions of LGBTQ people and interracial couples across our country. By passing the Respect for Marriage Act, we sent a clear message to all LGBTQ Americans that we see them and recognize that they are worthy of equal treatment under law regardless of who they are, who they love, and who they choose to marry,” Padilla said in the statement. “This was a significant day in the story of American progress. But the continued threats to our most fundamental rights in the wake of the Dobbs decision that necessitated today’s vote make one thing clear: We still have work to do to achieve full equality. I will continue working to build on our efforts today until we ensure that every American is treated equally under the law, free from discrimination.” Earlier this year, Padilla introduced the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act, legislation that would protect the 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses in the nation from lending discrimination to ensure equal access to economic opportunities. Padilla also joined Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month to highlight the work of the LGBTQ community in fighting to achieve full equality, including for marriage.
This article appears in Dec 8-15, 2022.
