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Assemblyman Jose Solorio, Chairman of the State Assembly Select Committee on Regional Approaches, will receive CLCA's first Legislator of the Year Award. The award recognizes Assemblyman Solorio for his commitment to protect California's water resources.

In announcing the award, Robert Wade, president, Wade Landscaping, Newport Beach, California, and CLCA's president-elect, said, "For CLCA and the landscape industry in California, water management is about both supply and stewardship. Assemblyman Solorio has established significant and often groundbreaking legislation on water as a matter of public policy, a commitment we believe is the cornerstone to a more sustainable future for all Californians. This year, Jose supported water conservation through his rainwater harvesting initiative and fought for improvements to the state's water infrastructure through the passing of last year's water bond. We are proud to name him as our first statewide recipient."

Larry Rohlfes, CLCA's assistant executive director, added, "As Californians and as landscape professionals, we are meeting local conservation challenges through water education, and statewide resource challenges through the advancement of new water technologies and systems. Assemblyman Solorio has an important voice in the dialogue. We support him in seeking the best solution."

Assemblyman Solorio remarked, "I am deeply honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award. CLCA's goals align closely with my own in terms of ensuring that all Californians have access to clean, safe water. Californians deserve to have strong leaders in government and allied organizations that will effectively protect our water resources. Through a combination of solid legislation and the efforts of the committed professionals at CLCA, we can make progress on this vital issue. I look forward to working with CLCA in the months and years to come."

Son of a Migrant Worker
The son of migrant farm workers, California State Assemblyman Solorio's dedication to education took him to Harvard University where he earned a master's degree in public policy.

Assemblyman Solorio authored the California Rainwater Capture Act of 2010 (AB 1834), a water policy initiative designed to increase local water supplies by allowing landowners to install and operate rainwater capture systems on their property. Passed unanimously by the assembly but vetoed in late September by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Assemblyman Solorio said he will reintroduce the bill next year.

In addition to his activities in support of water legislation, Assemblyman Solorio leads the California Legislature's New Democrats Caucus, a pro-business group supporting job creation and legislation that stimulates the economy.

Assemblyman Solorio represents District 69, the Central Orange County cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana.

SOURCE: California Landscape Contractors Association