
Decision Maker
California State Senate

Decision Maker
California State Senate


My condolences to the friends and family of Amie Harwick. As a domestic violence survivor, I understand the challenges victims experience -- our laws are designed to protect the abusers more than the victims. As one of Amie's friends said, victims are often let down by our system. Many people don't understand the legal barriers to getting a restraining order. As Congressman Adam Schiff said in his statement, protective orders need to be easier to obtain and renew. In my case, a judge recently extended a restraining order against my abuser for five years. Four days later, he violated it by coming to my office building. But unfortunately, he got away with just a warning. In this case, unless he kills me, there's nothing more law enforcement can do. That's why I stand with victims. I want to say to all survivors, your voices are being heard in Sacramento. This is why I advocated last year to give survivors more time to seek justice, and this year, I'm working on expanding domestic violence protections. We need to craft our laws based on how domestic violence is practiced in reality. Let's not forget Amie and the countless others who are victims of domestic violence. I will continue to push for victims' rights. Let's do this together.
My condolences to the friends and family of Amie Harwick. As a domestic violence survivor, I understand the challenges victims experience -- our laws are designed to protect the abusers more than the victims. As one of Amie's friends said, victims are often let down by our system. Many people don't understand the legal barriers to getting a restraining order. As Congressman Adam Schiff said in his statement, protective orders need to be easier to obtain and renew. In my case, a judge recently extended a restraining order against my abuser for five years. Four days later, he violated it by coming to my office building. But unfortunately, he got away with just a warning. In this case, unless he kills me, there's nothing more law enforcement can do. That's why I stand with victims. I want to say to all survivors, your voices are being heard in Sacramento. This is why I advocated last year to give survivors more time to seek justice, and this year, I'm working on expanding domestic violence protections. We need to craft our laws based on how domestic violence is practiced in reality. Let's not forget Amie and the countless others who are victims of domestic violence. I will continue to push for victims' rights. Let's do this together.

Thank you for your messages regarding proposed toll road extensions that could go through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and/or Rancho Mission Viejo. I appreciate hearing from you. After reviewing the proposals put forth by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and listening to and consulting with many residents and stakeholders regarding this issue, I believe that the proposed alignments could irreparably harm the quality of life of affected communities. Therefore, I oppose those proposed extensions. While the proposed toll road extensions are still that – proposals – it is important for you and your neighbors to share your concerns and get your questions answered. To learn more and get involved, visit www.GetMovingOC.com. Transportation planning officials need to hear from residents directly in order to completely understand how and why many residents strongly oppose the proposed extensions that would cut through communities and have a detrimental impact on established neighborhoods and schools. As you know, transportation agencies including the TCA, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are working together to address traffic concerns by asking the public for their ideas. As residents of the 36th Senate District, we are disproportionately affected by traffic congestion and need to be involved in this decision-making process, as the TCA begins analyzing several traffic relief ideas to determine their costs and impacts on affected communities. Given the traffic congestion in South Orange County, I empathize with regional transportation leaders and other decision-makers about their responsibility to balance numerous demands from various communities. However, South Orange County residents must have a voice. While I support a process that is fair, transparent and inclusive, I oppose toll road extensions that would tear communities apart. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District www.senate.ca.gov/bates
Thank you for your messages regarding proposed toll road extensions that could go through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and/or Rancho Mission Viejo. I appreciate hearing from you. After reviewing the proposals put forth by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and listening to and consulting with many residents and stakeholders regarding this issue, I believe that the proposed alignments could irreparably harm the quality of life of affected communities. Therefore, I oppose those proposed extensions. While the proposed toll road extensions are still that – proposals – it is important for you and your neighbors to share your concerns and get your questions answered. To learn more and get involved, visit www.GetMovingOC.com. Transportation planning officials need to hear from residents directly in order to completely understand how and why many residents strongly oppose the proposed extensions that would cut through communities and have a detrimental impact on established neighborhoods and schools. As you know, transportation agencies including the TCA, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are working together to address traffic concerns by asking the public for their ideas. As residents of the 36th Senate District, we are disproportionately affected by traffic congestion and need to be involved in this decision-making process, as the TCA begins analyzing several traffic relief ideas to determine their costs and impacts on affected communities. Given the traffic congestion in South Orange County, I empathize with regional transportation leaders and other decision-makers about their responsibility to balance numerous demands from various communities. However, South Orange County residents must have a voice. While I support a process that is fair, transparent and inclusive, I oppose toll road extensions that would tear communities apart. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District www.senate.ca.gov/bates

Thank you for your messages regarding proposed toll road extensions that could go through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and/or Rancho Mission Viejo. I appreciate hearing from you. After reviewing the proposals put forth by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and listening to and consulting with many residents and stakeholders regarding this issue, I believe that the proposed alignments could irreparably harm the quality of life of affected communities. Therefore, I oppose those proposed extensions. While the proposed toll road extensions are still that – proposals – it is important for you and your neighbors to share your concerns and get your questions answered. To learn more and get involved, visit www.GetMovingOC.com. Transportation planning officials need to hear from residents directly in order to completely understand how and why many residents strongly oppose the proposed extensions that would cut through communities and have a detrimental impact on established neighborhoods and schools. As you know, transportation agencies including the TCA, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are working together to address traffic concerns by asking the public for their ideas. As residents of the 36th Senate District, we are disproportionately affected by traffic congestion and need to be involved in this decision-making process, as the TCA begins analyzing several traffic relief ideas to determine their costs and impacts on affected communities. Given the traffic congestion in South Orange County, I empathize with regional transportation leaders and other decision-makers about their responsibility to balance numerous demands from various communities. However, South Orange County residents must have a voice. While I support a process that is fair, transparent and inclusive, I oppose toll road extensions that would tear communities apart. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District www.senate.ca.gov/bates
Thank you for your messages regarding proposed toll road extensions that could go through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and/or Rancho Mission Viejo. I appreciate hearing from you. After reviewing the proposals put forth by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and listening to and consulting with many residents and stakeholders regarding this issue, I believe that the proposed alignments could irreparably harm the quality of life of affected communities. Therefore, I oppose those proposed extensions. While the proposed toll road extensions are still that – proposals – it is important for you and your neighbors to share your concerns and get your questions answered. To learn more and get involved, visit www.GetMovingOC.com. Transportation planning officials need to hear from residents directly in order to completely understand how and why many residents strongly oppose the proposed extensions that would cut through communities and have a detrimental impact on established neighborhoods and schools. As you know, transportation agencies including the TCA, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are working together to address traffic concerns by asking the public for their ideas. As residents of the 36th Senate District, we are disproportionately affected by traffic congestion and need to be involved in this decision-making process, as the TCA begins analyzing several traffic relief ideas to determine their costs and impacts on affected communities. Given the traffic congestion in South Orange County, I empathize with regional transportation leaders and other decision-makers about their responsibility to balance numerous demands from various communities. However, South Orange County residents must have a voice. While I support a process that is fair, transparent and inclusive, I oppose toll road extensions that would tear communities apart. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District www.senate.ca.gov/bates

Thank you for your messages regarding proposed toll road extensions that could go through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and/or Rancho Mission Viejo. I appreciate hearing from you. After reviewing the proposals put forth by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and listening to and consulting with many residents and stakeholders regarding this issue, I believe that the proposed alignments could irreparably harm the quality of life of affected communities. Therefore, I oppose those proposed extensions. While the proposed toll road extensions are still that – proposals – it is important for you and your neighbors to share your concerns and get your questions answered. To learn more and get involved, visit www.GetMovingOC.com. Transportation planning officials need to hear from residents directly in order to completely understand how and why many residents strongly oppose the proposed extensions that would cut through communities and have a detrimental impact on established neighborhoods and schools. As you know, transportation agencies including the TCA, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are working together to address traffic concerns by asking the public for their ideas. As residents of the 36th Senate District, we are disproportionately affected by traffic congestion and need to be involved in this decision-making process, as the TCA begins analyzing several traffic relief ideas to determine their costs and impacts on affected communities. Given the traffic congestion in South Orange County, I empathize with regional transportation leaders and other decision-makers about their responsibility to balance numerous demands from various communities. However, South Orange County residents must have a voice. While I support a process that is fair, transparent and inclusive, I oppose toll road extensions that would tear communities apart. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District www.senate.ca.gov/bates
Thank you for your messages regarding proposed toll road extensions that could go through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch and/or Rancho Mission Viejo. I appreciate hearing from you. After reviewing the proposals put forth by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and listening to and consulting with many residents and stakeholders regarding this issue, I believe that the proposed alignments could irreparably harm the quality of life of affected communities. Therefore, I oppose those proposed extensions. While the proposed toll road extensions are still that – proposals – it is important for you and your neighbors to share your concerns and get your questions answered. To learn more and get involved, visit www.GetMovingOC.com. Transportation planning officials need to hear from residents directly in order to completely understand how and why many residents strongly oppose the proposed extensions that would cut through communities and have a detrimental impact on established neighborhoods and schools. As you know, transportation agencies including the TCA, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are working together to address traffic concerns by asking the public for their ideas. As residents of the 36th Senate District, we are disproportionately affected by traffic congestion and need to be involved in this decision-making process, as the TCA begins analyzing several traffic relief ideas to determine their costs and impacts on affected communities. Given the traffic congestion in South Orange County, I empathize with regional transportation leaders and other decision-makers about their responsibility to balance numerous demands from various communities. However, South Orange County residents must have a voice. While I support a process that is fair, transparent and inclusive, I oppose toll road extensions that would tear communities apart. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District www.senate.ca.gov/bates

Thank you for your dedication to seeking justice for Erica Alonso! I stand with you! Erica was a Laguna Hills constituent who lived in the Senate district that I represent. Her death last year was tragic and disturbing, and her body did not deserve to be dumped. Unfortunately, body dumping is a crime punishable only by a misdemeanor. That is why I have co-authored Senate Bill 1088 with Senator Janet Nguyen to strengthen the penalty for body dumping if a judge believes the circumstances warrant it. Like any other bill, SB 1088 must go through a long legislative process if it is to become law. No matter how much a bill might make sense, success is not guaranteed. SB 1088 is currently pending in the Senate Public Safety Committee. I encourage you to go to http://spsf.senate.ca.gov to contact members of the committee to express your support. Working together, we can pass SB 1088 and ensure some measure of justice for Erica. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District Website: www.senate.ca.gov/bates Twitter: www.twitter.com/senatorpatbates Facebook: www.facebook.com/senatorpatbates
Thank you for your dedication to seeking justice for Erica Alonso! I stand with you! Erica was a Laguna Hills constituent who lived in the Senate district that I represent. Her death last year was tragic and disturbing, and her body did not deserve to be dumped. Unfortunately, body dumping is a crime punishable only by a misdemeanor. That is why I have co-authored Senate Bill 1088 with Senator Janet Nguyen to strengthen the penalty for body dumping if a judge believes the circumstances warrant it. Like any other bill, SB 1088 must go through a long legislative process if it is to become law. No matter how much a bill might make sense, success is not guaranteed. SB 1088 is currently pending in the Senate Public Safety Committee. I encourage you to go to http://spsf.senate.ca.gov to contact members of the committee to express your support. Working together, we can pass SB 1088 and ensure some measure of justice for Erica. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District Website: www.senate.ca.gov/bates Twitter: www.twitter.com/senatorpatbates Facebook: www.facebook.com/senatorpatbates

Thank you for your dedication to seeking justice for Erica Alonso! I stand with you! Erica was a Laguna Hills constituent who lived in the Senate district that I represent. Her death last year was tragic and disturbing, and her body did not deserve to be dumped. Unfortunately, body dumping is a crime punishable only by a misdemeanor. That is why I have co-authored Senate Bill 1088 with Senator Janet Nguyen to strengthen the penalty for body dumping if a judge believes the circumstances warrant it. Like any other bill, SB 1088 must go through a long legislative process if it is to become law. No matter how much a bill might make sense, success is not guaranteed. SB 1088 is currently pending in the Senate Public Safety Committee. I encourage you to go to http://spsf.senate.ca.gov to contact members of the committee to express your support. Working together, we can pass SB 1088 and ensure some measure of justice for Erica. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District Website: www.senate.ca.gov/bates Twitter: www.twitter.com/senatorpatbates Facebook: www.facebook.com/senatorpatbates
Thank you for your dedication to seeking justice for Erica Alonso! I stand with you! Erica was a Laguna Hills constituent who lived in the Senate district that I represent. Her death last year was tragic and disturbing, and her body did not deserve to be dumped. Unfortunately, body dumping is a crime punishable only by a misdemeanor. That is why I have co-authored Senate Bill 1088 with Senator Janet Nguyen to strengthen the penalty for body dumping if a judge believes the circumstances warrant it. Like any other bill, SB 1088 must go through a long legislative process if it is to become law. No matter how much a bill might make sense, success is not guaranteed. SB 1088 is currently pending in the Senate Public Safety Committee. I encourage you to go to http://spsf.senate.ca.gov to contact members of the committee to express your support. Working together, we can pass SB 1088 and ensure some measure of justice for Erica. Sincerely, PATRICIA C. BATES Senator, 36th District Website: www.senate.ca.gov/bates Twitter: www.twitter.com/senatorpatbates Facebook: www.facebook.com/senatorpatbates