He talks about legislation to make higher education more affordable and raise awareness about sexual assault
California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León was a guest DJ at Golden Eagle Radio, where he spun some of his favorite tunes and talked about legislation to increase college opportunities and educate youths about sexual assault prevention.
He came to the Cal State L.A. campus on Friday morning to take part in “The Eagles’ Nest” radio program, where he was greeted by President William A. Covino. The broadcast will be aired next week on the student-run radio station with host Evan Nelson.
"Talking policy and spinning tunes are two of my favorite things,” de León said. “I came to Golden Eagle Radio to let Cal State L.A. students know I understand the obstacles to achieving a college diploma and to let them know Senate Democrats are standing with CSU during these budget negotiations.”
Before he stepped into the radio station, the Senator was interviewed by Golden Eagle TV and the University Times.
De León, whose district includes the University, talked about two bills he has authored this year. The first, SB 15, strives to make college more affordable and accessible for California students while incentivizing graduation in four years.
The Senator has said that he views higher education, along with child care, as critical investments in California’s economy.
As he spun his music, De León called himself “Deejay KDL.” In between songs, he talked about California’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity and noted that the state has the seventh-largest economy in the world.
The Senator’s playlist included songs by the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Beck. You can view his playlist on Spotify.
De León talked about authoring SB 695, which aims to make schools safer through the prevention of violence and sexual assault. The bill would require high school districts, which have as a condition of graduation the completion of a health course, to provide instruction on the impacts of sexual harassment and violence.
During the show, President Covino said Cal State L.A. is a safe environment and that the University has launched educational initiatives regarding sexual assault and California’s so-called "yes means yes" law.
This was the first law in the nation to make affirmative consent language a central tenet of school sexual assault policies.
The University has a designated Title IX Coordinator to monitor and oversee overall compliance with federal and state laws and policies related to nondiscrimination based on gender, Covino said. He urged students to help create an environment of awareness and zero tolerance based on mutual respect.
Photos: Top, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León spins some tunes and talks about public policy at Golden Eagle Radio. Bottom, from left to right: Students Angeline Bernabe and Sasha Perez with Senator De León and President William A. Covino. (Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State L.A.)