Rep. Vargas, Joined by Senator Hueso and Assemblymember Pérez, Host Critical Public Safety Roundtable

Press Release

Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a roundtable that brought together local, state and federal law enforcement to address public safety issues critical to the Imperial Valley. Rep. Juan Vargas was joined by State Senator Ben Hueso and State Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez. The event was held at the One Stop Business and Employment Services Center in El Centro, CA.

"Today's roundtable served as a critical and much-needed step in ensuring that public safety challenges facing the Imperial Valley are brought to light and appropriately addressed," stated Rep. Juan Vargas. "Today's discussion was extremely fruitful and provided a more complete understanding of the safety issues concerning the community. By opening the lines of communication between elected representatives and law enforcement, we are all better able to serve the needs of the Imperial Valley residents."

The roundtable provided local, state and federal law enforcement the opportunity to discuss some of the public safety concerns affecting communities in the Imperial Valley with their state and federal representatives. The discussion was an excellent opportunity to foster relationships and share ideas about public safety, and the issues facing the men and women in uniform.

"I applaud the men and women who joined us today for the job they do in keeping our communities a safe place to live," stated State Senator Hueso. "Our discussion focused on public safety challenges in the Imperial Valley, including building improvements and the need for ongoing efforts to improve earthquake alerts and emergency network systems. I will take their concerns back to Sacramento, and be a tireless advocate for them--so they can better do their jobs and continue protecting our communities."

"I really appreciate the time taken by local law enforcement to participate in our public safety roundtable," said State Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez, who was recently appointed to the State Assembly's Select Committee on Justice Realignment. "Today's discussion was a great opportunity to touch base, learn about local concerns and challenges, and share information about state and federal actions. It's critical that we have these types of gatherings regularly so that we keep the lines of communication open and active."

"I was honored to be joined by the men and women who work tirelessly to make the Imperial Valley a safer place for all who live and work here," stated Rep. Vargas. "I look forward to continuing an open dialogue with law enforcement at all levels."

Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella) serves as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the California State Assembly and as Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.

Senator Ben Hueso represents the 40th Senate District, which includes the cities of Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, Coronado a portion of the City of San Diego, Imperial County, and the southern part of Riverside.

Vargas represents the California 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California's entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 -- 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 -- 2000.

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