The state senator who represents the San Gorgonio Pass was recognized last week by Inland Empire representatives of the California Disability Services Association as "2011 Legislator of the Year," his staff said.

Bill Emmerson, R–Hemet, currently serves in the 37th State Senate District, and he will be running for re-election in the newly-created 23rd District in November.

A pdf map of the new 23rd State Senate District is attached to this report.

Emmerson was named by the local group for his work on behalf of individuals with disabilities, his staff said.

The local organization of the association, known as the Inland Empire Caucus, honored Emmerson at their Eighth Annual Inland Empire Caucus Legislative Breakfast on Jan. 27 in Ontario.

"The CDSA Inland Empire Caucus proudly recognizes Senator Bill Emmerson as a great advocate, one who has compassion for persons with disabilities and is someone who understands disability issues," CDSA Inland Empire Caucus Chair Andrea Wells said.

"He also understands the important role that is played by providers of service and has stepped up at every turn, working across party lines, to get things accomplished so that people with developmental disabilities have the services they need," Wells said.

The event was held at the Ontario Doubletree Hotel on North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario.