Cardenas Will Speak at Chamber Luncheon

Newly elected 39th District Assemblyman Tony Cardenas will speak at a San Fernando Chamber of Commerce-sponsored luncheon Friday at Mission College.

Cardenas, a Democrat and the first Latino to be elected to the Assembly from the San Fernando Valley, will discuss his plans, including the creation of incentives for small businesses, said Joe Sandoval, a chamber spokesman.

“This will be an opportunity to see what [Cardenas’] goals and ideas are for the next couple of years,” Sandoval said. “It will be interesting because we have been represented by Richard Katz for so long.”

The luncheon, which is open to the public, begins at noon in the college Campus Center. The cost is $13 for chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.

Also, the chamber will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable food items and money until Dec. 17 for its ninth annual Christmas basket program.

The program, a joint project with the San Fernando Police Department, will distribute baskets to about 150 needy families before Christmas, officials said.

Checks should be made payable to the San Fernando Chamber Food Drive and sent to 519 S. Brand Blvd., San Fernando 91340. For details, call (818) 898-1250.