Dear Neighbor,

I’m proud to invite you to one of my favorite events, the Annual 39th Congressional District High School Arts Competition on Saturday, May 9, 2009.

I love this competition because it shows me just how talented and creative our local students are. This year, about 100 students have submitted artwork from high schools around the area including Artesia, La Mirada, La Serna, Lynwood, Mayfair, Paramount, South Gate, Tracy, and Whittier.

A panel of local judges selects the winning piece, which is then sent to Washington, DC to hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Free air fare and lodging will be provided for the winning student and one family member to travel to Washington for the award presentation.

The winning art piece from my district and others throughout the nation will be displayed in corridors of the Capitol where my colleagues and I walk through everyday on our way to vote, and where thousands of tourists visit throughout the year. I will also showcase the works of the second and third place finishers in my congressional office in Washington and in my local office in Cerritos. This is just one part of my effort to inspire our youth in their education and creative development.

This year's art exhibit and award presentation will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Cerritos College - Student Center on 11110 Alondra Blvd. in Norwalk, CA from 10:00am to 12:30pm (Free parking in the student parking lot).

I hope you will join me in honoring these talented students and viewing some impressive pieces of art.

YouTube

Have you ever wondered what I do when I’m in Washington, D.C.? Ever pondered what day-to-day life on Capitol Hill consists of? Do you want to connect with me, but don't feel like sitting down to write a letter?

You can do all these things via my YouTube channel!

YouTube is a great way for you in California to see what I am doing in Washington. You can also get to know where I stand on issues important to you and to see a personal side of me. My YouTube channel includes videos from floor speeches, TV appearances, committee hearings, and district events.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can help in any way, and rest assured I will keep working to make sure the federal government is fiscally responsible, accountable, and responsive to my constituents.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Congress.