Sen. Caballero Spring Newsletter 2026
Hello Neighbor,
Spring in full bloom has a way of resetting our outlook—the trees are fuller, the days stretch longer, and there’s a sense that momentum is building again. That same energy is showing up at the Capitol, where the legislative session is now underway and the pace has quickly picked up.
This year, my focus is clear: delivering practical solutions for working families. From increasing access to affordable housing, to protections for survivors of sexual assault, immigration fellowships for rural communities and atmospheric river planning, the goal is to meet today’s challenges with policies that will hold up tomorrow.
Progress like this doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes partnership, input, and persistence—and that’s where you come in. Your voices and ideas continue to shape our work in meaningful ways.
As always, it’s an honor to serve you. If you need assistance with a state agency or have questions about legislation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. My team is here to help.
In Service,
Senator Anna Caballero
State Senator, 14th Senate District
2026 Legislative Package
Daniel Banaru, Legislative Aide introducing SB 555 legislation to update workers compensation disability payments, so they adjust with cost of living, like Social Security. Injured workers will no longer fall behind as prices rise.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is that progress isn’t built on one big idea, it is built on a set of clear, focused solutions that make life a little more stable, a little fairer, and a lot more predictable. That’s exactly what my 2026 legislative package is designed to do: tackle real problems with practical fixes that add up to meaningful change.
Use this LINK to see what I am working on this year.
SB 72 CA Water For ALL Update
We did it! After years of work, California finally has a real roadmap for our water future. As California continues to face above-average temperatures, a shrinking snowpack, and another dry year marked by more intense storms, managing our water supply has never been more urgent. At a press conference at the San Luis Reservoir, we highlighted SB 72, historic legislation that I authored, alongside the launch of the updated California Water Plan. This plan sets a bold statewide target of 9 million acre-feet of water supply by 2040 and lays out a clear path to tackle drought, climate change, and flood risk, ensuring water security for 38 million Californians, our agriculture, our economy, and our natural ecosystems. SB 72 is about shifting California from reacting to crisis to planning with purpose. And now, with the updated Water Plan in motion, state and local partners across California are aligned and moving this vision forward together.
Explore the updated California Water Plan here: californiawaterplan.com
Thank you, Gianna Setoudeh, my Senior Legislative Aide for your years of work getting this bill across the finish line! She is pictured here alongside Craig Miller, President of California Municipal Utilities Association and General Manager, Western Municipal Water District.
Women’s History Month: Honoring the Women of Senate District 14
When it comes to women who blaze trails, make a difference, and serve their communities, Senate District 14 has the best of the best. This year, in honor of Women’s History Month, I had the privilege of recognizing a few remarkable women from our district and publicly acknowledging their incredible work. As Malala Yousafzai said, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” Their stories inspire me, and I hope they inspire you too. Take a moment to reflect on the women in your life who have shaped your path.
Woman of the Year: Ms. Linda Griffin
This year’s honoree, Ms. Linda Griffin, is the Founder of the Greater Merced Black Chamber of Commerce. Born in 1952 in Merced and raised in Atwater, Ms. Griffin faced early challenges in a school system that did not recognize learning differences such as dyslexia. Often misunderstood and labeled “lazy,” she turned these obstacles into fuel for growth. Her resilience, determination, and belief in her potential guided her to become a member of the first graduating class of the University of California, Merced. Ms. Griffin was 57 years old when she reached this milestone.
Today, through her work with the Greater Merced Black Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Griffin continues to lead, shaping a brighter future for our community.
2026 Women Who Inspire Awardees
Women Who Inspire
In addition to our Woman of the Year, we honored several other outstanding women from Senate District 14 as Women Who Inspire. Explore the full list of honorees to meet all the amazing women of Senate District 14 and discover the inspiring ways they are making a difference in our communities.
Learn more about Senator Caballero’s “Women Who Inspire” LINK.
Capitol Updates
I was honored to welcome the McCall-Carrasco family to the California State Senate and present a resolution in memory of their beloved mother, sister, and my friend, Ms. Susan Gail McCall-Carrasco.
It was a privilege to recognize her life and to honor the lasting impact she made on her family and our community.
Rest in eternal peace, my friend.
Kyle Krueger joined our Capitol team as a Senate Fellow in 2023 and is affectionately known as “Kyle-asaur” for his passion for paleontology and love of dinosaurs. He brings infectious energy and a sense of fun to the office, making it a better place for everyone. Kyle has staffed numerous bills and tackled complex issues, including his work to save Madera Community Hospital. In this effort, he served as a key staff member on the passage of critical legislation that I authored alongside Assemblywoman Soria, (Distressed Hospital Loan Program.) His writing and research are meticulous, and his contributions have been invaluable. Kyle began his career as a Senate Fellow, and I am thrilled to announce that he is now our new Policy Analyst, a role which allows him to apply his expertise and dedication to public service. Congratulations, Kyle Krueger!
At a time when the national conversation is loud, divided, and often untethered from facts, California heard something different in the State of
the Judiciary at the Capitol. Thank you to Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero for steady, measured remarks that were a breath of fresh air.
Use this link to Read Transcript: LINK
I’m only as effective as the team behind me. It’s my staff who put in the long, demanding hours—researching complex legislation, engaging with our communities, and serving Californians with care, diligence, and compassion every single day. Their commitment is what makes meaningful work possible.
Pictured here are Kayode Giwa, Senate Fellow extraordinaire from Merced whose dedication and insight elevate everything we do, and Lilliana Udang, our Legislative Director, who works with skill and precision. Their contributions are the foundation of our success.
PLACEHOLDER FOR PHOTO OF CHIEF, MARYANNE AND JESSICA
Pictured here are my Chief of Staff, Jeffrey Roth, Capitol Office Scheduler Maryanne Cimino, and Office Assistant Jessica Mercado—an incredible team whose dedication and hard work keep everything running smoothly. Come by and visit them!
Every year, thousands of California families bury loved ones because repeat drunk drivers are still allowed to walk into a store, buy alcohol, and get back behind the wheel. That is why I joined the Take Action for Safer Roads press conference to say that prevention must finally come before tragedy. We know enforcement is not enough when there is easy access to alcohol for people with multiple DUI convictions. That is why I have introduced SB 1156, legislation that closes that gap by restricting alcohol sales to repeat DUI offenders. Lives are on the line, and inaction is no longer an option.
Around the District
During our annual Woman of the Year celebration, we took a heartfelt moment to honor the mothers of staff members, celebrating the love, guidance, and sacrifices they give every day. In this photo, I am standing with Communications Director Elisa Rivera, her mother Abby Flores Rivera, and Rivera’s daughter Jewel Hurtado, a beautiful example of the generations of care and inspiration that mothers bring to their families and communities.
District Representative Joe Ballas of the Merced office met with Los Banos’ new City Manager, Niron Than, at the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration. The two shared a meaningful conversation about the community and its ongoing growth.
Joyce Dale, Merced District Office Manager, alongside Eli Painted Crow, our 2026 Latino Spirit Award recipient. Eli Painted Crow, recognized for her outstanding achievement in human rights, is celebrated for her work with the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) among other things.
District Representative Luis Martinez (Fresno) attended the World Ag Expo in Tulare, engaging farmers and industry leaders on innovations, policy priorities, and the future of Central Valley agriculture. The Expo, the largest U.S. agricultural trade show, highlights cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices vital to the region’s farming economy.
BUDGET WIN UPDATE: I’m proud to have secured $8.1 million in state funds to rebuild the Hebron Heights Neighborhood Center. This crucial investment, combined with federal and local funds, ensured the center could reopen and continue serving the neighborhood. My District Director, Anna Velazquez, pictured here, attended the ribbon cutting to celebrate this important milestone.
District Representative Arturo Martinez (Merced Office) attended a special recognition honoring Madera’s own Fire Apparatus Engineer, Scott Farrell and his remarkable 44 years of service. Join us in wishing him all the best in his well-earned retirement.
District Field Representative David Santos and the Maddy Institute Intern, Abril Jimenez (Fresno Office) hosted a resource table in Parlier. They joined the annual Parlier Unified School District Showcase, highlighting student talent in band, color guard, Mariachi, and folkloric dance. They also honored Fabrizio Lofaro of Valley ROP, who received the 2026 Community Empowerment Award for 15 years expanding Career Technical Education course offerings across the Valley.
We love to see new small businesses open in Senate District 14! District Representative Mariel Garcia (Merced) attended the Grand Opening of Taqueria and Rosticeria Los Navarrete in Merced, a new restaurant serving authentic Mexican food in our local community.
Youth Opportunities
Are you a high school student ready to explore government and make a difference in your community? Students from California’s 14th Senate District are invited to join the 2026 Young Legislators Program—a unique opportunity to learn how government works and gain hands-on leadership experience. See flyer for details.
Apply HERE.
🎓 Heads up, students! The CLLCF Scholarship is opening soon. And right now, you can preview the application, giving you time to review and prepare your materials before submissions open. 🗓 Applications will be accepted starting April 1, 2026.
Get a head start:
