Santa Monica – At a community swearing-in ceremony this past Saturday evening, Senator Ben Allen celebrated the beginning of his tenure with the California State Senate with his family, friends, constituents, and other local dignitaries at Santa Monica High School’s Barnum Hall. A proud alumni, Senator Allen welcomed other elected officials including Congressman Ted Lieu, California State Treasurer John Chiang, the Hon. Kevin de León, President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, Senator Fran Pavley, Assemblywoman Autumn R. Burke, Supervisor Yaroslavsky (ret.), among others to enjoy a music-filled homecoming.

After being administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable Holly E. Kendig, Superior Court Judge, Senator Allen stated:

It is extraordinarily challenging, fulfilling, meaningful work. It is also difficult work. I ask for your help, you who helped to bring me to this moment, I ask for your help as we seek to address these great challenges. Help me, help the other leaders who have spoken today and who are in attendance today to do the difficult things; To give us the space and encouragement we need, but also to help inspire in us the “fierce urgency” that will give us the courage to pursue those policies that will bring us ever closer to Dr. King’s vision of a truly “beloved community.”

Senator Allen is a first-term legislator who Chairs the Senate’s Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments and the Joint Legislative Committee on the Arts. He is also a member of the Senate’s Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review - assigned to the Budget Subcommittee on Education, Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, Committee on Natural Resources and Water, and Committee on Transportation and Housing.

The night’s entertainment was provided by the Santa Monica High School Jazz Combo, the Mira Costa High School Vocal Ensemble, The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, Harmony Project’s Hollywood Youth Orchestra, and the Santa Monica Masterworks Chorus and Chamber Orchestra.