Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: May 5, 2015

Congressman Cook Votes to Save Lives

Last Wednesday, Congressman Cook voted for HR 373, the Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act. This bipartisan bill will prevent bureaucratic roadblocks that prevent trained and experienced search and recovery groups from volunteering their time and resources to help locate missing individuals on federal lands.

This legislation requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to expedite access to federal lands for individuals or groups acting in a not-for-profit capacity to carry out search and recovery missions. Additionally, this legislation eliminates the requirement that rescuers obtain a liability insurance policy as long as they release the federal government from liability. It also establishes local partnerships with Good Samaritan search and recovery organizations to easily mobilize individuals for missions so that families do not have to wait months.

Cook said, “When you live in a rural area surrounded by federal lands, it’s a sad reality that occasionally a member of the community will go missing and there are hundreds of thousands of acres of terrain that must be searched. Currently, bureaucrats can prevent groups from volunteering their time and resources to locate missing people. This important bill will cut through the red tape to let rescuers focus on saving lives.”

Congressman Cook Votes for California Drought Relief

Last Friday, Congressman Cook voted for H.R. 2028, the 2016 Energy and Water funding bill. Included in this bill were two provisions offering relief from the worst California drought in a century.

The first provision, offered by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) instructs the Bureau of Reclamation to finish and submit feasibility studies for three dam expansion projects and two dam creation proposals within the State of California. Congress authorized each of the five studies over a decade ago. This specific provision sets in place hard deadlines and forbids the agency from continuing to stall on these critical decisions.

The second provision, offered by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) prohibits taxpayer dollars from being used to purchase water for the sole purpose of releasing it for environmental purposes. Under current law, federal agencies purchase extremely expensive water in order to dump it into rivers and streams for minor temperature adjustments for fish.

Cook said, “California is facing the worst drought in a century. It’s inexcusable that the Bureau of Reclamation continues to drag its feet on new water storage projects to help capture rain and snow melt and relieve the drought. After years of inaction, it’s past time to complete these vital projects to increase our water storage capacity. In drought-stricken California, humans are the endangered species, and we have more important uses for our water than providing heating and cooling for fish.”

In the Spirit of Enterprise

On Wednesday, Congressman Cook received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce "Spirit of Enterprise Award." Congressman Cook accepted this award on behalf of every Eighth Congressional District business that brings good paying jobs and economic growth to our communities.

We Have The Winners!!

The winners of the 2015 Eighth Congressional District ‪‎Art Competition are (drum-roll please!!!):

1st place: Giselle Medina of Hesperia High School
2nd place: Miguel Zepeda of Hesperia High School
3rd place: Ashley Maldonado of Hesperia High School

Honorable Mentions: Adam Mendoza of Hesperia High School, Darren Purdy of Yucca Valley, Brittney Adams of Barstow High School, Katelyn Rockowitz of Silverado High School, and Megan Gillespie of Apple Valley High School!

Thank you to all the students who participated- It was our best year yet! Stay tuned for more information about our showcase event!

Children’s Health and Safety Fair this Wednesday

On Wednesday May 6, from 4:15PM until 6:15PM, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health will be hosting a Children’s Health and Safety Fair. School districts, county health and child services, sports organizations, and resource agencies will be available at the event to spread awareness and help families. The event will be hosted at the Needles Recreation Center.

For more information call 760-326-9313.

High Desert Job and Resource Fair

On Wednesday, May 6, several Tri-Community organizations and church groups will host a High Desert Job and Resource Fair from 10AM until 2PM in Phelan. More than 30 employers will be in attendance from fields including financial services, education, customer service, health care, and law enforcement.

This event will take place at the Calvary Chapel of Phelan at 4501 Neilson Road, Phelan, CA 92371

Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Coming Soon!

Mammoth Lakes will hold its first annual film festival from May 27-31. Upstart community filmmakers will be given an opportunity to showcase their films which showcase human stories, documentaries, and other topics. The festival is a chance to celebrate these emerging artists and give them exposure and mentorship. The five day festival will start with a film showcasing the life of Steve Jobs, and in total will feature 25 full length films alongside 25 short films. Tickets will cost $10 dollars if purchased in advance or $12 dollars at the door, and full length passes for the event are also available.

For more information call 760-934-6592 or email Shira@MammothLakesFoundation.org

Barstow Veterans ID Card Sign Up

The Veterans’ Administration will be at the Barstow Senior Center on Wednesday May 27, 2015 from 10AM to 3PM to sign veterans up for their Veteran ID card.

Bring your DD214 or VA medical Card, and proof of VA compensation!

For more information, please click here.

Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet Job & Resource Fair

On Thursday May 28, Loma Linda VA will host a job and resource fair to help Veterans, members of the National Guard, and Military Reservists find employment as they return from active duty. The event will take place from 9:30AM to 2:00PM at the Ontario Convention Center, located at 2000 East Convention Center Way in Ontario.

For more information call Java Beck at 909-948-6612.

Help Honor our Fallen Heroes

This Memorial Day, Saturday, May 24, Honoring Our Fallen will host a flag event which seeks to recognize the ultimate sacrifice our fallen servicemembers have made for our Nation. Event volunteers will help place flags at Riverside National Cemetery, from 8:00AM to 11:00AM. Those wishing to volunteer can assemble at the cemetery’s Veterans Memorial Amphitheater at 8:00AM.

For more information call 714-325-8301.