BOE Member Diane Harkey and Assembly Member Melissa Melendez celebrated the holiday season with a few hundred friends, Southern California business owners and political partners recently during their “Small Business and Community Holiday Open House.” Harkey organized the event at Murrieta BMW to meet with community members and business leaders, and hear their thoughts about California’s economy and a legislative update. She also shared with the gathering information about the work she’s doing on their behalf – while enjoying an evening with delicious food, festive music, and good cheer.
“I am thrilled to represent the 9.5 million Southern Californians of the Fourth District,” Harkey told the guests. “And I am honored for this opportunity to improve California’s economy for all Californians and California businesses.” According to Harkey “there are too many taxes overwhelming businesses,” and she wants to reduce the tax burden to make California an attractive business destination that is more competitive with other states. The board member’s comments were met with generous applause from the crowd.
Harkey also introduced the tax and legal experts on her staff dedicated to working on behalf of taxpayers and business owners, and urged the audience to take full advantage of the many services made available to help them. Harkey’s staff assisted a number of guests during the event by answering their tax related questions.
In addition to receiving expert tax advice, guests were treated to holiday entertainment including a rousing performance of the National Anthem sung by 15-year-old Temecula student Lauren Sothers, a presentation of colors by the Pacoima Valley High School ROTC Color Guard, and holiday carols by the Murrieta Mesa High School Choir and the Wine Valley Harmonizers. Local eateries Broken Yolk Café, BJ’s, Pat and Oscar’s Catering, E.A.T. Marketplace, Zabber Thai Fusion and Starbucks provided beverages and a selection of gourmet dishes for the open house.
Assembly Member Melendez recognized Harley for her partnership and work on behalf of Californians. Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane, Councilman Johnathan Ingram, and several other local representatives were in attendance, and supported the event.
Harkey and her staff have resolved over 300 tax cases in favor of California taxpayers and business owners since the 4th District Board Member took office in January of 2015. Harkey remains committed to working on behalf of California taxpayers and business owners, and her goal of making California “a Golden State” for business.
