On Tuesday, I joined the Housing Authority of Kern for the groundbreaking of the new Bakersfield Senior Center. Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing Central Valley residents, and seniors are no exception. For older adults living on fixed incomes, access to affordable housing and support services can make all the difference in their ability to live safely and independently. 

That's why, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to secure more than $7.57 million in federal funding for this project, which will create 36 new affordable housing units for seniors in our community. This investment demonstrates what's possible when local, state, and federal partners work together to strengthen Kern County, and I'm proud to have played a role in making it happen.

As a member of the Congressional Community Health Center Caucus, I was proud to reintroduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the first week of August as National Community Health Center Week. In California’s 22nd Congressional District, seven federally funded Community Health Center (CHC) organizations provide care to more than 765,000 patients each year, serving as a critical lifeline for families in rural and underserved communities. This week, we celebrate CHCs and the dedicated healthcare professionals who work hard to ensure quality, affordable healthcare across our communities.

I want to thank Saint Agnes Medical Center for the tour of their facilities this week. We had a productive conversation about the importance of reliable federal funding, ensuring Central Valley families have access to affordable, quality healthcare, and the challenges hospitals across our region face. I’m grateful for the work our providers do every day, and I’ll keep working to strengthen our healthcare system and ensure healthcare professionals have the resources they need to serve patients throughout the Valley.

I enjoyed touring the Porterville Air Attack Base with CalFire to learn more about the critical role they play in protecting the Central Valley and the southern Sierra. As wildfires continue to become more frequent and severe, the dedicated firefighters and air crews stationed there work tirelessly to protect lives, homes, businesses, and our natural resources. I appreciated the opportunity to hear firsthand about the challenges they face and look forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen wildfire preparedness and response.

Earlier this week, I met with representatives from the Kern County Department of Human Services to tour their facilities and hear directly from social workers and department leadership. We discussed how my office can be of assistance implementing recent updates to safety net programs they provide such as CalWORKS, Cal Fresh, MediCal, and more. KCDHS supports the health, safety, and wellbeing of people across our community, and I'll keep working with them to strengthen operations and federal support for the Central Valley.

I enjoyed visiting Sierra Forest Products’ sawmill in Terra Bella and see firsthand the important work they're doing. For over 50 years, they've responsibly managed timber from the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests to produce quality lumber while helping restore forest health and reduce wildfire risk. I'm grateful for their commitment to protecting one of California's most important natural resources.

This week, Team Valadao met with City of Lindsay leaders, including Parks and Recreation Director Armando da Silva and the city’s Public Safety Director Nicolas Nave, as well as Lindsay Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Grant Schimelpfening. My staff attended the Wasco Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony and presented Certificates of Recognition to law enforcement employee recipients. The team also presented a Certificate of Recognition at the Lululemon Ribbon Cutting in Bakersfield. Later, they joined the Water Association of Kern County and the kern County Farm Bureau for a discussion focused on combating Golden Mussels. 

My staff attended a Special Media Conference for Adventist Health, then went to the grand opening of Saltys BBQ in Bakersfield. They toured the Grimm Family Education Foundation Edible Schoolyard where students gain hands-on experience in gardening and kitchen skills. The team presented a Certificate of Recognition to KV Print & Bakersfield Signs in honor of their 40th Anniversary. My staff provided an update on my recent legislative priorities at the Delano Kiwanis Club meeting. They wrapped up the week touring the Adventist Health Delano facility and meeting with healthcare professionals.

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