Hello Neighbors,

Women’s History Month provides a time for us to reflect on the many contributions made by women throughout history and in our own community. This year, it felt appropriate that during the month of March, many of us across the nation tuned in to watch the Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson. Her responses were measured, intelligent and thoughtful and reminded me that so many of us are where we are today because of hope. The ability to see ourselves in positions of leadership and to be represented across all sectors holds an immeasurable value. As a young woman, I didn’t have many such examples, and that alone became a major factor in my decision to work where women were generally not included.

There were portions of the hearing however, that felt all too familiar. When I was a law student, I applied under a program designed to recruit students who wanted to take their knowledge and work in the community. I felt the intense scrutiny of professors, deans and fellow classmates that believed that I not only did not belong there, but worse- that I had taken the place of a more qualified man. Despite the challenges, I subsequently graduated and had my own law practice for 25 years and used it to help so many people in my community. I lived up to my commitment. For me, that is proof that diversity in whatever form, is in the best interest of us all.

The bottom line is that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has done an excellent job since she was first voted onto the federal bench. She is intelligent, capable and qualified, period. Her works transcend race and gender and yet throughout the hearings many of us recognized the all-too familiar sting of discrimination while still having to exemplify extreme grace under fire. If confirmed, Judge Brown Jackson will be the first woman of color to serve on the United States Supreme Court and will be a beacon of hope for women and girls everywhere. She will be what many of us needed as little girls, and I am so proud to be a witness to history.

Sincerely, 

Senator Anna Caballero
State Senator, 12^th Senate District

Every year, I call on you to send in your nominations for Woman of the Year. While it is always a difficult choice, I am continually inspired by the caliber of women living right here in Senate District 12.

This year it is my honor to recognize Reverend Ella Luna-Garza of Merced for her outstanding work and advocacy in her community. Reverend Ella Luna-Garza has extensive experience working for social change using grass roots organizing and community involvement.

Pastor Ella’s drive comes from a place of deep faith and care for her neighbors. Most recently, she advocated and worked in support of the Merced Union High School Black Parallel School Board, Pride Merced, compassionate immigration reform, access for mental healthcare, healthcare for all, to feed the hungry during the COVID pandemic, and various other initiatives within the diverse populations of Merced, California. She is actively engaged in the faith, educational and civic communities of Merced and has worked with at-risk children and youth, the homeless and the transitional housing population, and other-abled communities.

Congratulations Reverend Ella Luna-Garza on this well-deserved recognition!

I first decided to run for office in 1998 because there were needs in my community and I wanted to help. I began going door-to-door to talk to neighbors about who I was and why I wanted to represent them on the city council.

My opponent would knock on the same doors after me, except to say that because I had children, I needed to just stay home. In other words, being a mother ought to exclude me from civic participation.

I was elected to the Salinas City Council, and later served as the first female Mayor since the city’s incorporation in 1874. I believe that women have a unique and valuable perspective to offer and that is why I strive to be a listener, mentor, friend and ally.

Women are 51% of the population in the U.S. but make up only:

• 27% of Congress at large
• 24% of the U.S. Senate
• 27% of the U.S. House of Representatives
• 0% of presidents of the United States
• 30% of statewide elected executives of any kind
• 31% of state legislators
• 31% of the largest cities' mayors
• 25% of mayors in cities with populations over 30,000

(Source: Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University (CAWP).

 

Women have driven 80% of the overall growth in the booming health care field since the turn of the century.

The number of full-time, year-round workers in health care occupations has almost doubled since 2000, increasing from 5 million to 9 million workers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

Women account for three-quarters of full-time, year-round health care workers today. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.