When I’m working on Toni’s monthly newsletter, I like to pour myself a cup of coffee and pretend I’m talking to people sitting around our kitchen table. It helps me share what’s happening with the Capitol and our office in perhaps a little less formal way. This month is a difficult one to write about, with everything that’s happening in the Middle East and the unrest we’re seeing in our own communities here in California and across the country. But this holiday season, especially, we must press on and truly believe that peace on Earth is possible, even if it requires levels of effort that are difficult for us to understand at the moment. We must keep trying.
Hanukkah starts in a few days. This year, I know that for many people, joy is tempered by sadness, even fear, as anti-Semitism has reached historic proportions according to the FBI. We owe it to each other to stand up to hatred and discrimination in all their forms. Given the enormity of the story, we must surely also remember that the “never again” is now. And I hope that this year’s celebration of the Festival of Lights can inspire miracles that lead to a brighter path.
Like so many families, for Jen and I (and Joey and Mia), December means the start of Christmas decorations, music, and memories. It’s a time to be grateful for the blessings we have, as well as the memories of all those loved and lost that are always on our minds at this time of year. While it’s hard to have a favorite time of year in San Diego, there are so many fun events happening throughout the city during the holidays, including December nights in beautiful Balboa Park taking place on December 1st and 2nd, which is a great way to kick off the season with family and friends.
A quick December political note if I may: At this time of year we generally have a pretty good idea of what the budget forecast will be for next year, and that informs the Assembly budget process legislative as well as that of governors. This year it’s a little different, as the tax filing deadline has been extended to November 15. We are moving forward and will adjust as the revenue picture becomes clearer and solidifies in May 2024.
Speaking of tax returns, now is also a good time to remind everyone that if you or someone you know is eligible for the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you can request the credit – and for previous years – all year round. It’s a great way to put money back in the pockets of workers and families, but also into local stores and businesses. More information and support is available at CalEITC4me.org
From December 26 to January 1, Balboa Park will also host events during Kwanzaa, the African-American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, family, community and culture. So there are even more great opportunities to visit the jewel of our city during the holidays. The Kwanzaa celebration traditionally ends with the lighting of candles, bringing us full circle with the lighting of candles to mark Hanukkah. And now we need all the light and love and miracles we can get.
Thanks for reading and happy holidays!
Tony
PS—Jen, if you’re reading, Dolly’s new album, “Rockstar,” is my size. I’m just saying.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with and alongside legislators who care deeply about the issues affecting California. Every year, I love being able to collaborate with them on legislation that uplifts Californians and strengthens community across our state. Here is some information about the bills I co-sponsored and co-authored that were signed by the Governor.
AB 268 (Weber) – Improving standards of care in local detention centers
As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, this legislation acts as a companion bill to my SB 519 and will change the composition of the Board of State and Community Corrections to include both a professional health and a mental health professional. The bill would also require the Commission to adopt standards of care for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues. Will come into force on January 1, 2024.
BS54 (Skinner) – Transparency in venture capital
This legislation will help bring transparency to California venture capital firms and increase the capital available to women- and minority-owned businesses by requiring annual diversity reporting from venture capital firms. Will come into force on January 1, 2024.
BS 321 (Ashby) – Student Access to Libraries
This legislation will direct the California State Library to facilitate partnerships between elementary schools and local public libraries, connecting young students to library resources available to them. It will also allow schools and libraries to issue Student Success Cards, important resources that can connect students to library resources including online tutors, homework help, books and other educational resources . Will come into force on January 1, 2024.
BS401 (Limón) – Crypto ATM Reform
Cryptocurrency ATMs, which often look like normal ATMs, are disproportionately placed in low-income communities and charge disproportionate transaction fees. Under this legislation, Crypto ATMs will be required to charge a maximum 10% cap on fees, mitigate fraud damage by establishing a maximum transaction limit of $1,000 per day, and require new disclosure requirements for operators of these ATMs. Will come into force on January 1, 2024.
SB760 (Newman) – Equitable access to toilets
This legislation will require all elementary and secondary schools in California to provide appropriate and equitable access to all-gender restrooms for students to use during school hours. Will come into force on January 1, 2024.
BS 223 (Menjivar) – Privacy for changing gender and sex identifiers
This legislation will prevent the online discovery of sex or gender reassignment identifiers that could lead to the “outing” and harassment of LGBTQ+ minors by requiring that any request for sex or gender reassignment identifiers filed in court by a minor is automatically sealed. Will come into force on January 1, 2024.
ACA 5 (Weak) – Marriage Equality Amendment
This legislation will give voters the opportunity to remove unconstitutional and discriminatory language from the California Constitution added by Proposition 8. It would further amend the State Constitution to protect the fundamental freedom to marry, protecting it against future attempts to restriction of marriage rights for people of the same sex. or interracial couples. Will be presented to voters in November 2024.
When I was young, my family did not have access to health care, and the consequences rippled from not receiving important preventive care, to not receiving services when conditions became critical. However, thanks to Covered California, for the past 11 years, Californians have had the opportunity to purchase high-quality health insurance with just one click!
If you or someone you know is looking for coverage in the new year, you have until open enrollment closes on January 31 to shop, compare plans and sign up through Covered California for insurance that begins February 1 . Many members can also benefit from it. financial assistance to reduce their monthly premiums, including about 79,000 people in San Diego. Discover your options for free on CoveredCA.com.
This year’s budget allocated $1 million to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance for its California Wildlife Health and Zoonotic Disease program. It’s fascinating to see first-hand the work being done at the Beckman Center for Conservation Research that helps study and eliminate diseases that pose a barrier to conservation. One example is avian flu, which can affect both poultry and migratory birds.
The 22nd District Agricultural Association, which manages the Del Mar Fairgrounds, plays a critical leadership role through its commitment to environmental stewardship. Their water quality treatment initiative is the first to integrate natural wetlands with traditional mechanical stormwater treatment.
LEAD San Diego’s Advance program helps elevate women into leadership positions, corporate boards, and prominent leadership positions within government and nonprofit organizations in our entire community. I applaud the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce for investing in the value, perspective and leadership of women.
I visited Harter Veterinary Medical Center, where they provide high-quality care to the wildlife at the San Diego Safari Park Zoo. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2001 and offers veterinary services ranging from x-rays to cataract removal and other specialized care.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
