2023 has gotten off to a rough start. I know many people have been impacted by the recent floods, and I wanted to share resources available in your area that can help. Thank you to Lowe’s Home Improvement, Pepsi and Walgreens for partnering with me to provide COVID test kits, water, and supplies to aid in the clean-up efforts in Planada.

Summer is definitely here and I hope you are finding ways to stay cool and beat the heat. I am happy to share major wins that are in this year’s state budget because of the collaborative work of our office with Mayors, City Council Members, and Board of Supervisors across Senate District 12. It is my honor to carry your voices with me to Sacramento, and I am proud to deliver the investments that our communities need and deserve.

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.

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.

As we wrap up Black History Month, I have taken some time to reflect on what this year's theme of "Black Health and Wellness" means to me. What a great opportunity it is to be able to recognize the tremendous contributions made to our nation by African-American doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, scientists and others.

First, I would like to thank you for the outpouring of support over the loss of my mother. I read your responses to my previous newsletter and am heartened by your kind words. Many of you shared your personal stories of grief and loss, particularly with Alzheimer’s disease. Being able to talk about our experiences with one another helps us to see how truly connected we all are, and know that we are not alone. Please visit the Alzheimer’s Association if you or a loved one need help navigating resources.

Friends, I write this as a window into my heart, something that I do not often do. So many of you have also experienced unimaginable grief, especially in these times of COVID and I want you to know that you are not alone. I have needed to take time off, to come to terms with my loss, and to grieve with my family. It is ok to rest. This time has also served as a reminder to me of why I do the things that I do. Why I continue to be an advocate for working families and for the things that I believe in--I am my mother’s daughter after all.

2021 marked the start of a new two-year session where I introduced twenty-four bills. The priority issues were those you said were important in the district and included housing, the environment, broadband access, health care and immigration.