Newsletter
June Newsletter
A Note From Tom Umberg:
May was a challenging month for many families in our district as the Garden Grove chemical emergency forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and brought daily life across the community to a standstill.
Throughout the emergency, I remained on the ground in Garden Grove, receiving regular briefings from emergency officials, coordinating with state and local leaders, and working to ensure residents had access to timely information and support. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of first responders, hazardous materials experts, emergency personnel, Governor Newsom and his administration for quickly mobilizing state resources and declaring a State of Emergency, the worst-case scenario was avoided and families were able to safely return home.
I also want to thank the American Red Cross, local community organizations, and the countless volunteers who stepped up to support their neighbors during this emergency. Time and again, our communities have shown that when challenges arise, we come together to help one another.
While the immediate danger has passed, our work is not finished. We must understand how this incident was able to happen and what changes are needed to ensure it never happens again. As your State Senator, I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to ensure accountability and advance any legislative action necessary to better protect our communities.
Legislative Update
SB 884: "Protect Our Polls Act" Advances Out of Senate
This month, SB 884, the Protect Our Polls Act, passed the State Senate and now heads to the Assembly. The bill strengthens protections against voter intimidation and election interference, helping ensure every Californian can safely and securely cast their ballot while safeguarding the integrity of our elections. Read more here: SB 884
SB 73 Signed Into Law
Governor Newsom signed SB 73 into law this month, strengthening protections for California elections and helping safeguard voter access. The legislation responds to growing concerns about election interference and intimidation, and I am grateful to my legislative colleagues, election officials, and community advocates who helped move this important measure across the finish line. Read more here: Press Release
Honoring CASA Volunteers
I was honored to recognize May 7, 2026, as CASA Appreciation Day in California and celebrate the extraordinary work of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers. More than 7,000 CASA volunteers support nearly 11,000 foster youth across California, providing advocacy, stability, and often the one consistent adult presence in a child's life during a difficult and uncertain time.
In the News
Los Angeles Times - Garden Grove chemical crisis: Live evacuation maps, closures and updates
New York Times - Crack Forms in Toxic Chemical Tank, a Positive Sign for Firefighters
New York Times - Thousands Allowed Back Home as Threat of California Chemical Blast Eases
Fox 11 - What's next in Garden Grove?
Los Angeles Times - O.C. chemical crisis prompts safety-record review, Newsom says
District Update
This month, our district team connected with over 47 organizations and community members, recognized more than 230 individuals, and assisted two constituents with issues involving state agencies.
If you or someone you know is having difficulty navigating a state agency, whether it's accessing benefits or resolving an issue, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. My team is always here to help.
LGBTQ Center OC Named Nonprofit of the Year
This year, I was proud to recognize the LGBTQ Center OC as our Nonprofit of the Year for their decades of service, advocacy, and community leadership in Orange County.
For more than 50 years, the Center has worked to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals and families have access to support, healthcare, education, and a community where they can thrive. Their work reaches more than 20,000 people each year and continues to make a meaningful difference across our region.
Thank you to Executive Director Peg Corley, Senior Director of Advocacy and Education Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke, and the entire team at LGBTQ Center OC for the incredible work you do every day to build a more inclusive and compassionate Orange County.
Higher Ground Youth & Family Services Opens New Fullerton Facility
I joined the City of Fullerton, the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce, and the Higher Ground team to celebrate the opening of their new Fullerton site at Orangethorpe Park.
The new facility will provide critical services for teens and families, including afterschool programs, mentorship opportunities, parent education classes, workforce development, counseling services, case management, and basic needs assistance.
Congratulations to founder Joe Baldo, Jesse Payne, Jordan Barrera, and the entire Higher Ground team on this exciting milestone.
Honoring California's Fallen Peace Officers
This month, we gathered to honor California peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. These brave men and women dedicated their lives to protecting others and preserving public safety.
We remember and honor Deputy Timothy B. Corlew, Detective Joshua R. Kelley-Eklund, Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., Detective Victor M. Lemus, Officer Osmar Rodarte, Detective William C. Osborn, Officer Samuel S. Riveros, Officer Lauren A. Craven, Sergeant Shiou Lih Deng, Deputy Andrew Nunez, Parole Agent Joshua L. Byrd, Officer Alec J. Sanders, and Deputy Paul W. DeRouen.
These heroes leave behind loved ones, friends, fellow officers, and 27 children who will carry this loss for the rest of their lives. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We stand with the families, friends and communities who continue to honor their memory every day.
Garden Grove Gas Leak Update and Resources:
While the emergency has ended and residents have been able to return home, my team remains in close communication with local, county, state, and community partners to ensure residents and businesses continue receiving accurate information and support. For those still in need of assistance, the following resources remain available:
Price Gouging Resources
Following Governor Newsom's State of Emergency declaration, California's anti-price gouging protections remain in effect.
• Attorney General Consumer Alert on Price Gouging
• California Office of Emergency Services Price Gouging Information
• File a Consumer Complaint with the Attorney General's Office
• California Attorney General Price Gouging FAQ
Business Assistance Resources
Businesses impacted by the Garden Grove chemical emergency may be eligible for assistance and support services through Orange County Workforce Development and other state and federal programs.
• Orange County Workforce Development Assistance Information
Upcoming Events
Day of Music Fullerton
June 21
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832
The City of Fullerton's 11th Annual Day of Music Fullerton is a free celebration featuring performances across multiple venues and genres throughout the city. Enjoy live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and more.
For more information, please visit: https://dayofmusicfullerton.com/about/
Placentia Centennial 5k Run
June 27
6:30 am - 12:00 pm
Tri-City Regional Park, 2301 Kraemer Blvd., Placentia, CA 92870
Celebrate Placentia's 100th birthday by participating in the city's Centennial 5K Run. Events include adult run and walk options, a kids' 1K race, entertainment, commemorative medals and race shirts for participants
For more information, please visit: https://www.placentia.org/1185/5K-Run