Los Angeles, California – March 23, 2020 – The State of California has entered into an agreement with Verity Health Systems to manage the recently closed St. Vincent Medical Center, located at 2131 West 3^rd Street in Los Angeles, to provide assistance and care to patients afflicted with the COVID-19 virus. Bringing St. Vincent’s back online ensures 381 beds for patients and an added resource for residents of Los Angeles in dealing with the pandemic.

“The residents of the 59^th Assembly District will have a recognized care and resource facility open and available to those who require treatment and quarantine upon diagnosis,” said Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer who  represents the communities of South Los Angeles including Huntington Park and Walnut Park in the 59^th District.

As Chair of the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee, I have been in contact with the California Department of Corrections and Secretary Ralph Diaz as we work to ensure the safety of all prison guards, probation personnel and inmates.

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In an abundance of caution, the Governor of California and the Mayor of Los Angeles have implemented major public gathering restrictions limiting events to no more than 250 persons and have asked that non-essential travel be limited or postponed.

Los Angeles Unified School District has also announced all schools in LAUSD will remain closed for a two- week period.

Upon hearing of the passing of James W. Sweeney, a Board Member with the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), I was struck by Mr. Sweeney’s vast and impressive legacy – filled with accomplishments in finance, government, social and cultural advocacy and youth mentorship.

His accomplishments included being the founder and managing general partner of Sweeney and Associates, an advocacy and small business consulting firm; being the first graduate in U.C. Riverside’s history to graduate with three majors: Political Science, Sociology, and Black Studies.

As the Chair of the Assembly's Public Safety Committee, I wish to congratulate Ms. Amanda Ray on becoming the first female African American CHP Deputy Commissioner in the agency's 91-year history.

Ms. Ray's appointment by Governor Newsom recognizes her 30 years of solid service with the CHP and is a testament to Ms. Ray's dedication to public safety and service.

Today’s announcement by Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey to dismiss nearly 70,000 marijuana related convictions dating back as far as the 1960’s is a step in the right direction in applying fairness under the law.

Individuals charged with possession and/or distribution, prior to the voter approved enactment of 2016’s Proposition 64, have paid a severe price having been charged with a felony, lessening their ability to obtain employment or find proper housing.