On October 22, the El Monte Women’s Club held its monthly meeting with a focus on raising awareness about domestic violence. The event featured guest speakers, including California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, a representative from Senator Susan Rubio’s office, staff from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and nonprofit organization Home Free, who provided insights into available resources for those affected.
During the event, Treasurer Ma shared her background, explaining that during her time as a California Assembly member, she served as chair of the Domestic Violence Committee. She noted that her proposed bills, AB593 and AB1593, were signed into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown. These laws enable women incarcerated for homicides related to domestic violence, committed before 1992, to recount their stories as part of their sentencing considerations. Furthermore, she highlighted the establishment of Home Free under her advocacy, which has successfully assisted hundreds of women nearing release from prison. Ma also addressed the significance of mental health resources for older adults, drawing from her personal experience with her mother’s struggles with depression.
A representative from Senator Rubio’s office spoke about the legislative accomplishments aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence over the years. Among the key initiatives discussed was the “Phoenix Act 2.0,” passed in 2023-2024, which allows survivors to seek justice for cases that occurred up to seven years prior, an extension from the previous three-year limit. Additionally, the “Suspicious Death Act” was introduced to ensure thorough investigations for individuals with a history of domestic violence in cases labeled as suspicious. Senator Rubio, also a survivor of domestic violence, has consistently championed various laws to safeguard victims.
The meeting was organized by Cindy Wu, the club’s third vice president and a member of the Mountain View School District board. Wu emphasized the club’s rich history of over 120 years and encouraged women to join, not only for friendship and personal growth but also to develop leadership skills. Membership is open to all, with an annual fee of just $55 for first-time members.
