Political Watch: March 27, 2025

• Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) spoke at the 10th annual Association of California School Administrators Mid-State Conference held in San Luis Obispo about growing challenges to public education at the federal level, according to her office. “As a former public school teacher of 21 years, I know firsthand the dedication and resilience it takes to support our schools, especially in times of uncertainty. I was in our classrooms through layoffs, economic crashes, COVID, and much more,” she told attendees. “While President Trump and Republicans seek to undermine public education, California is doing the opposite. We are leaning into investing in our students, our educators, and the future of the state. Education is vital, and I will continue to work for the betterment of all.” 

• On March 24, U.S. Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and April McClain Delaney (D-Maryland) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) led 63 of their colleagues in a “bipartisan, bicameral letter” to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, according to Carbajal’s office. They pressed for more information about FEMA’s decision to cancel trainings for firefighters and first responders at the National Fire Academy and Emergency Management Institute in Maryland. The two organizations gather experts and first responders to train with stress-related technology, share best practices on hazard and fire safety, and innovate emergency response methods, Carbajal’s office said. The federally funded National Fire Academy offers the training programs for free, and FEMA announced on March 7 that it was canceling all of its in-person trainings. “As the representative for California’s Central Coast, where wildfires are a constant and growing threat, I am deeply concerned about the decision to cancel critical training for our firefighters and first responders,” Carbajal said in a statement. “These brave men and women risk their lives every day to protect our communities, and they should have access to the best training and resources available to ensure their safety and effectiveness in the face of increasing wildfire risks.” In their letter, lawmakers asked for answers about the rationale behind the cancellation, the length of the review process, and whether first responders will be reimbursed for travel that was booked to now-canceled courses. 

• In March, state Sen. Monique Limón honored 11 women at the annual Women of Year celebration held during Women’s History Month. According to her office, she recognized leaders who support students, women, children, small businesses, farmers, local governments, health care providers, and communities in need. “As the vice chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus, it is an honor to recognize 11 women in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties,” she said in a statement. “Each woman has left their mark on their industry and plays an important role in the success of their organization. As a former Woman of the Year, I know just how much this award means to our honorees and I want to congratulate them on this well-earned achievement.” The women honored this year include: Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara Chief Programs Officer Gina M. Gonzales-Carbajal, Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization Executive Director Ashley Costa, LEAP Executive Director Lori Lander Goodman, Roberta M. Jaffe from Condor’s Hope Vineyard, Dr. Katrina B. Mitchell at Sansum, First 5 Santa Barbara County Executive Director Wendy Sims-Moten, Visit Ventura President and CEO Marlyss Munguia Auster, Ventura County Leadership Academy Executive Director Pattie Braga, National Volunteer Caregiving Network Executive Director Tammy I. Glenn, Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Ventura County chair LaRita Joice Montgomery, and Gold Coast Transit District General Manager Vanessa Rauschenberger.

This article appears in Mar 27 – Apr 6, 2025.