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Senator Cervantes
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Press Release

Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins selected as 31st Senate District LGBTQ+ Honoree

(SACRAMENTO, CA) --- Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins, an award-winning educator, media critic, and social justice leader, was recognized by Senator Cervantes (D-Riverside) as the honoree for the 31st Senate District’s LGBTQ+ Pride. Nine honorees were presented this week as part of Pride Month celebrations at the State Capitol; in conjunction, Senate Resolution 116, introduced by the Senator, Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

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Press Release

Community Members' Concerns Affirmed with State Auditor’s Findings on the RUSD STEM Education Center Project

The California State Auditor released the final report on June 9, 2026, regarding the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) STEM Education Center (STEM Center), at the request of Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside). In April 2025, Senator Cervantes submitted an audit request to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) regarding RUSD's lack of transparency in its handling of the proposed STEM Center.
Press Release

Senator Cervantes’ Statement on State Auditor’s Findings on the Riverside Unified School District STEM Education Center Project

Key findings in the State Auditor’s report regarding the STEM Education Center project confirm many of the concerns raised by members of the RUSD community. The audit found that inconsistent reporting and documentation of Measure O bond fund allocations reduced public transparency, making it difficult for both the school board and community members to fully understand the project’s financial commitments.
Newsletter

Calling all Californians: State Parks Week is Coming!

Getting outdoors is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and discover the regional beauty of our landscapes! Did you know June 10-14 is designated as California State Parks Week?
Press Release

Cervantes’ Bill Aims to Safeguard California Residents from the Unchecked Expansion of Private Detention Facilities

Senate Bill 1367–Prohibiting Zoning for Detention Centers by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside)–was approved Tuesday by the Senate. The legislation would prohibit new land-use authorizations in a manner that allows the construction of a detention facility or a change of use that permits the use of an existing building as a detention center.
Newsletter

Senate Bill 73 Signed by Governor to Protect CA Elections from Interference

On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed my Senate Bill 73 into law to provide California elections with improved defenses against interference.
In The News

CBS News Sacramento - Newsom signs bill restricting law enforcement access to California ballots

CBS News Sacramento reports on Senator Cervantes' Senate Bill 73, which is aimed at tightening election security rules ahead of the June 2 statewide primary; SB 73 was signed under an urgency clause by Governor Gavin Newsom May 27, 2026.
Press Release

Senate Approves Cervantes’ Bill Protecting Military & Overseas Voters’ Right to Vote

On Wednesday, Senate Bill 970 by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), which will facilitate the ability of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas and Americans living abroad to cast their ballots, was approved on the Senate Floor by a vote of 29-1.
In The News

ABC News 7 - Newsom signs bill to protect CA ballots, says Trump 'doesn't believe in free and fair elections'

ABC News 7 reports on Senator Cervantes' legislation, Senate Bill 73, which aims to shield California elections from federal interference.