California Senator Aisha Wahab held a State of the District event on Feb. 21 at the Union City Ruggieri Senior Center. Office of Senator Aisha Wahab press secretary Joseph David said through email nearly 150 people attended the event.
Wahab said through a phone interview that the event went well and that she enjoys being able to talk to the public and share what she’s been working on.
The biggest update is a $1.4 billion housing investment. This was paired with SB 681, a housing bill signed into law early last year. Highlights of the bill include limits to HOA fees that block accessory dwelling unit project plans, limits to Housing Owner Association fees and seismic safety funds for affordable housing projects.
There was a Q&A session after the district update and Wahab said a lot of people asked about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). She said there is legal support available and local rapid response networks. There is also state legislation made to protect people from ICE.
For example, Wahab co-authored the No Masks Act, also known as SB 627, which passed in September. The state law would make it a crime for any law enforcement officer to wear a mask while on the job, including federal agencies like ICE. “Anybody that is law enforcement needs to be able to identify themselves,” Wahab said.
Wahab also co-authored the No Kings Act, amended in January, that says no president is above the law.
Wahab said they do update other cities about laws that recently passed and share updates from Sacramento. An example is the World Cup in June.
“There’s potential to generate a lot of revenue on the business that is gonna happen when tourists come into the district and eat at our restaurants, shop at our stores and much more,” said Wahab.
