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Commemorating Native American Heritage Month Newsletter

Asm. Bonta Newsletter Graphic Commemorating Native American Heritage Month

Dear Friends,

This November we proudly recognize Native American Heritage Month—a vital time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and lasting contributions of California's Native American tribes and peoples. In Assembly District 18, we stand on Huichin, the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people, who continue to be the enduring stewards of this region for generations. We also stand with our growing Maya Mam communities across the Bay Area who continue to preserve their heritage, share their vibrant cultural traditions, and remind all of us to advocate for equitable access to resources and opportunities.

It is essential to understand that Indigenous and Native American communities are vibrant, living communities that continue to thrive today. And as we approach the holiday season, let us promote responsibility and gratitude. Together, we can uplift and support our Native American and Indigenous neighbors, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions celebrated. In today’s newsletter, you’ll find carefully crafted resources such as state grants for nonprofits and homeowners, academic scholarships for high school and college students, and holiday engagements! Please don’t hesitate to contact my District Office for any State-level constituent services or support you may need.

Yours in Service,

Assemblymember Bonta signature

Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District

In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:

Assemblymember Mia Bonta & staff are committed to keeping AD-18 residents fully engaged and informed. Please send this newsletter to a friend and subscribe!

Stay connected with our office at (510) 286-1670, Email Me, or follow us on social media.


Section 1: State of California Grants and Resources
Section 1A: California Receives $269 Million for Clean Water and Protection Against Lead

Biden-Harris Administration announces $269 Million to California for Clean Water to Schools and Homes, Protects Communities from Lead in Drinking Water. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require cities to identify and replace all lead pipes in the next 10 years.

Section 1B: Flexible Assistance for Survivors Grant for Nonprofits Now Open!
Cal OES Governor's Office of Emergency Services Logo

Attention nonprofits! The Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FA) Grant Program aims to provide victims and survivors of acts of violence with financial assistance or direct cash to help support them and offer spaces of healing. A total amount of $47,500,000 has been allocated to this specific grant. Grant applications are due January 24, 2025 with expected award announcements May 2025.

Section 1C: EDD Simplifies California’s Online Unemployment Application
EDD Logo

The Employment Development Department has released simpler online unemployment applications to the public to improve the Department’s services and make it more accessible. Instructions have now been rewritten for clarity, the website layout has been changed to make it more user-friendly, and the number of open-ended questions has been reduced to have more drop-down options for applicants. 

Section 1D: New Federally Funded Residential Energy Rebate Programs Launching in California
California Energy Commission Logo

As of November 12, 2024 the Single Family Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates are now available! A total of $45 million in rebates for single-family households is available for heat pump HVAC equipment. Income-qualified California residents can receive a HEEHRA rebate through TECH Clean California of up to $8,000, depending upon household income.

Section 2: Assembly District 18 Engagements and Opportunities
Section 2A: Community Input Survey - Your Voice is Needed!

The Alameda County Behavioral Health is seeking feedback and input from residents like you to strengthen our mental health and wellness programs for the 2025-26 year! The California Mental Health Services Act funds the State’s behavioral health system to better serve patients and residents. This voluntary survey contains 24 questions and takes about 10 minutes, with all responses recorded anonymously.

View Flyer

  Take the survey

Section 2B: AC Transit Safety Survey - Provide your Rider Experience!

AC Transit is conducting a safety survey to better understand rider experience. This survey is part of a statewide initiative by large transit agencies in California as mandated by Senate Bill 434, passed in 2023. The law requires public transit agencies to collect and share information regarding harassment on public transit. Please provide your feedback by December 1, 2024. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Survey participants will have a chance to win one of 40 $100 VISA Cash Cards upon completing the survey.

View Flyer

  Take the survey

Section 2C: $500 Scholarships for Manufacturing Trades Students!
AM Bay Area Logo

The Association of Manufacturers Bay Area (AMBayArea) is a regional trade association of companies and organizations committed to helping manufacturers in the region succeed and grow. AMBayArea is working with the Bay Area Community Colleges (BACC) to offer up to eight $500 scholarships to community college students taking classes towards a career in the manufacturing skilled trades. Applications are due by December 10, 2024. Winners will be announced in January.

Learn more and apply

Section 2D: The 2025 eQuality Scholarship Application Honoring LGBTQ+ Students Now Open!

Applications for the 2025 eQuality Scholarships honoring students for their service to LGBTQ+ community are now available! A total of twelve $6,000 scholarships will be awarded for 2025!

Eligible applicants are students who are graduating high school by June 2025, community college transfer students, and medical students who have shown support and leadership in the LGBTQ+ community.

Applications are due January 31, 2025.

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  Learn more

Section 2E: Apply to the Women Founders Grant for Female Founders and Entrepreneurs!

The Women Founders Grant will offer $5,000 grant to female founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners with no strings attached to support their organizations.

Applications are due November 30, 2024, with qualifying candidates contacted December 2024.

Learn more and apply

Section 2F: City of Emeryville’s Holiday Parade!

Join in on the festivities with the community, including the city of Emeryville’s free holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony, which will start at City Hall. Then, follow along as festivities continue and end at Bay Street with live music and holiday activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Where: 1333 Park Avenue Emeryville, CA 94608 starting at 4 p.m.
When: Friday, December 6, 2024

View Flyer

  Read the City of Emeryville's Fall 2024 Activity Guide

Section 2G: Jack London Square Holiday Tree Lighting!
Jack London Square Holiday Logo

The free annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in Jack London Square is taking place once again! There will be activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as laser shows, pictures with Santa, Frosty, Holiday Teddy Bear, the Peppermint Princess, as well as and special live musical performances by Oakland’s Jazz Workshops' Performance Ensemble and The Lyric Performing Arts Academy.

Where: 472 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607, from 5:45 - 8 p.m.
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024

Learn more