Irwin Leads Cybersecurity Hearing that Considers Public Safety and National Security

(Sacramento, CA) – The series of high-profile cyberattacks on both private and public networks has demonstrated the growing risk to our most important societal systems, our critical infrastructure sectors. In the interests of public safety, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) convened a hearing that featured two panels: one to examine the actions being taken by State government, and one to weigh input from the private sector.  To start off the hearing Chairwoman Irwin made her intention clear, “This issue needs to become a priority so that it is a consideration in all policy discussions and not ignored in future state budgets.”

Panelists included officials from the Office of Emergency Services and the California Military Department; policy experts with federal backgrounds; and representatives from the electric utility and telecommunications sectors. “Currently in cybersecurity there tends to be an emphasis on simply responding to threats after the damage is already done,” said Davis Hake, a former cybersecurity advisor in the Obama Administration.

Oxnard hopes plan to send recycled water to farmers gets OK Thursday

OXNARD, Calif. - Farmers could hook up to Oxnard’s recycled water output this summer if a proposal to temporarily use another agency’s pipeline is approved by regulators this week…

That the plan got to the board at all is credited to the efforts of Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, the Thousand Oaks Democrat. Irwin got the parties to sit down together in April after the idea initially fizzled because of permitting clashes.

Captain Forrest Frields Honored as Veteran of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today announced that she has named Army Captain Forrest Frields as the 2015 Veteran of the Year for the 44th Assembly District.

“It is an honor to recognize Forrest Fields for his outstanding service to the nation and out community.” said Irwin. Captain Frields is an incredible man who deserves recognition for his sacrifices and leadership both in Vietnam and at home.”

Assemblymember Irwin, Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee presided over the ceremony as she presented the award to Capt. Frields at the Eighth Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon in Sacramento. Captain Frields served two combat tours as an Army helicopter aviator in Vietnam from 1966 through 1972. Through his bravery and leadership, Capt. Fields earned over 25 Air Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, an Air Medal for Valor, a Bronze star, and a Purple Heart.

Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin’s bills move forward

Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, has received strong bipartisan support for her bills introduced to the Assembly that would help veterans rejoin the workforce and access key services, improve community-college retention rates, address cybersecurity threats and assist disabled persons in creating savings funds.

Assembly Bill 931, also known as the “Hire a Hero Tax Credit,” increases incentives for employers who hire veterans, while AB 171 creates assistance for veterans to apply for federal benefits.

Underwood Family Farms Named “Small Business of the Year” by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin

SACRAMENTO – Whether it’s picking pumpkins in the fall or strawberries in springtime, chances are that if you grew up in Ventura County you have made some lasting childhood memories at Underwood Family Farms. This is one of the reasons why Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today recognized Underwood Family Farms as the 44th Assembly District Small Business of the Year at the 2015 California Small Business Day in Sacramento.

Since 2000, the California State Assembly hosts “California Small Business Day” annually to honor the outstanding small businesses throughout California. “Families and agriculture are two of our top priorities in Ventura County,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “For decades, Underwood Family Farms has played an integral role in bringing the two together. A yearly visit to the farm was a family tradition when my children were young and I always look forward to my stops at the roadside stands on the weekends,” said Irwin. “I am proud to highlight Underwood Family Farms and their contribution to our community.”

Chinese Hacking of U.S. Data May Extend to Insurance Companies

SAN FRANCISCO — The same Chinese hackers who breached the records of at least four million government workers through the Office of Personnel Management appear to have been responsible for similar thefts of personal data at two major health care firms, Anthem and Premera, according to cybersecurity experts.

The multiple attacks, which began last year and were all discovered this spring, appear to mark a new era in cyberespionage with the theft of huge quantities of data and no clear motive for the hackers.

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