Some of my constituents have expressed their frustrations that their ability to purchase firearms has been impeded if they have not obtained a REAL ID and were issued a federal non-compliant driver’s license after January 22, 2018. They only found out when they went to make a firearms purchase and were turned away because their IDs no longer establish their legal presence in the U.S. I sent a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to request an update on the Director’s plans to ensure that law-abiding citizens are fully informed on how their decision not to obtain REAL ID can obstruct their ability to purchase firearms.
According to the DMV website, Californians currently have the choice to apply for a REAL ID driver license or ID card, or renew or apply for a federal non-compliant card. This new choice is being offered in preparation of the new federal requirements that will take effect in October 2020, when only REAL ID card or other federally approved documents will be accepted to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities. However, in their communications with the public describing the limitations of the “FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY” licenses, no mention is made on the impact on one’s ability to purchase firearms. When I hear back from the DMV, I will be sure to inform those that have reached out to me regarding this issue.
I will continue to track this issue and update you on the DMV’s response. If you’ve experienced any difficulties regarding the REAL ID or “Federal Limits Apply” licenses, please let me know at senator.anderson@sen.ca.gov so that I can give the DMV the information.
Fund for Wildfire Protection and Prevention Efforts
Recently, I was invited into the TV studio to discuss my bill SB 1169 on KUSI. I introduced this bill to help local communities devastated by wildfires prepare for future fires by providing them with crucial wildfire protection and prevention funds because we can do more to prevent fires. In our community and throughout the state, there are fire districts that require newer and updated equipment to better fight fires, and programs who could use additional funding to provide wood chipping and home hardening services to low income rural residents. You can watch the full interview here: http://www.kusi.com/senator-joel-anderson-introduces-bill-to-fund-fire-prevention-and-protection/.
Donna and Jack Perry share their experience during the 2007 Witch Creek Fire.
(To watch the video, click the photo or go to https://youtu.be/EHRlc3hYHc8.)
The bill will direct a portion of fines paid by utilities deemed responsible for the fire to protection and prevention efforts in the area where the fire occurred. There are details of the proposal that I would like to work with Governor Brown to fine-tune, and I am grateful for the huge support I have received from fire safe councils and fire districts in the San Diego area.
Sheryl Landrum is the Executive Director of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, and she explains how the bill would help the people and communities she serves.
(To watch the video, click the photo or go to https://youtu.be/k5nk7oeSZBc.)
Lakeside Community Coffee Town Hall
It’s my job to make government work for you, and I had the privilege of answering questions regarding state government at my Community Coffee town hall meeting in welcoming Lakeside. My special thanks to Lakeside Water District Director and owner of Hilliker's Ranch Fresh Eggs, Frank Hilliker, for hosting the event, and to Paula Jansen, Commander for the VFW and Senate District 38’s Woman of the Year, for allowing us to use the Lakeside VFW Hall.
During the event, I was asked a wide range of issues from unemployment loans and their effects on small business to the diversity of education in our local colleges and the benefits of allowing students to learn from curriculum formulated from diverse backgrounds and opinions. On a more local note, I answered questions on the regulation of traffic in the Lakeside district and brainstormed options with my constituents on how to better reduce the gridlock and crowding that homeowners in the area experience.
Although my days left in the Senate are numbered, I am committed to finishing strong and representing you to the best of my ability. It has been a pleasure serving the citizens of Senate District 38 and I am forever thankful for the 12 years I’ve been given being your representative. Programs like the Community Coffee Town Halls remind me how huge a privilege it is to serve my constituents and speak with them face to face. Thank you all for letting me serve you. It has been an honor.
Tuskegee Airmen Luncheon
I had the privilege of reconnecting with the Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. by attending their first annual fundraiser luncheon in May. Against the historic backdrop of the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park, members of our military, including Tuskegee Airmen Nelson Robinson, shared powerful stories of sacrifice, camaraderie, and service.
The Tuskegee Airmen were an elite combat unit during World War II as well as the first African American aviators to fly in our military. In the face of racial barriers and Jim Crow laws, this group fought tirelessly for our country, representing the ideals we hold most dear, even when facing discrimination. Nelson spoke of the dynamic and challenging nature of his own experience as a young engineer in the air force, and about how critical the Tuskegee Airmen were, maintaining, “the best bomber support escort in all the US armed forces.”
Pictured here, Nelson showed me glimpses into the rich history of their experience: pictures of the aircraft that were used, the men themselves and the times they shared together. I first met Nelson and several other members of this group in 2013 when I was fortunate enough to help pass Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 90. It designated part of the Interstate-15 Highway as the “Tuskegee Airmen Highway” to permanently recognize and celebrate their legacy as American heroes. More details about this resolution can be found in another Anderson360 News Update.
It was an honor to accept this award of recognition on behalf of the whole coalition that helped pass SCR 90, and for the work I feel blessed to do each day supporting our military. An even greater privilege was being recognized as an honorary member of the San Diego Chapter (Gen. Benjamin O Davis Chapter) of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. To stand alongside these brave Americans is a deeply meaningful and humbling experience I do not take lightly.
Ron Lacey serves as the president of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Chapter, San Diego. He is also Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Western Region Public Relations Officer. Ron shared,
“We like to bring prominent citizens on board as honorary members that will continue the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy in unparalleled ways. Without a question, Senator Anderson has gone above and beyond in the naming of a portion of a highway after the Tuskegee Airmen and in supporting legislation that designates a ‘Tuskegee Airmen Day’ in California. Naming Senator Anderson an honorary member is not only a tribute to his accomplishments, but more importantly, to the Tuskegee Airmen.”
Thank you, Ron for your kind words.
If you would like to learn more or become involved in this great organization’s efforts to keep our nation’s history alive, information about the local San Diego Chapter can be found at http://www.tuskegeeairmensandiego.org/.