__SALUTATION__
I hope you are enjoying a great start to your fall! I enjoyed the many fun summer events in our community, but I am ready for cooler weather.
During the past few months, my colleagues and I in the California State Legislature have been busy creating solutions to the biggest challenges facing our state. After passing a balanced budget, we wasted no time and jumped into evaluating the thousands of bills proposed during this legislative session. I will share the status of my bills in the Legislative Update below.
Before diving into the main content of this newsletter, I want to share resources with you to make sure you, your loved ones, and your friends are registered to vote ahead of the November 5 General Election, which is less than a month away! If someone has moved in the past few years, they must update their voter registration status. This is especially important for college students and renters who move frequently. You can check your voter registration status on the Secretary of State's website here!
As the former Chief Elections Official of Santa Cruz County and current Chair of the Assembly Elections Committee, I am deeply passionate about the importance of voting. Please check your voter registration status at this link, you can register to vote at this link, and you can track your ballot at this link!
In this quarterly update, I will share:
Care Fair
Last month, I hosted my first annual Care Fair mental health recognition event and resource fair! I honored our eight 2024 Mental Health Heroes and recognized their immense contributions to our community. The individuals we honored ranged from an educator prioritizing wellness resources for students and teachers to healthcare professionals finding innovative ways to get patients the unique care they need to a union member working to end the stigma surrounding talking openly about mental health.
We were also lucky to have over 25 organizations tabling and providing mental health resources to the broader community. Many people stopped by to learn from some of the non-profits and businesses making the most significant impact on improving mental health outcomes in our Assembly District.
I am so grateful to everyone who made Care Fair a great success! I feel fortunate to be part of a community that cares so much about ensuring mental health is taken as seriously as physical health. If you couldn't attend the Care Fair this year, don't worry; there's always next year!
If you'd like to see highlights from Care Fair, check out this video!
Legislative Updates
This year's Legislative Session has been very productive. I was honored to have many of my bills successfully pass the State Legislature and land on the Governor's desk for his signature. As of a couple of weeks ago, 14 of my bills have been signed into law!
My most substantial legislative proposals that Governor Newsom has signed and are now law are:
- Deepfake Disinformation (AB 2839) - This law is a significant step in continuing to protect the integrity of our democratic process. With the enactment of AB 2839, California is taking a powerful stand against the manipulative use of deepfake technology to deceive voters. This measure will protect voters against misleading, digitally altered content that can interfere with the election.
- Farmworker Housing (AB 3035) - Because of this legislation, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties can now develop the multifamily housing that our agricultural workers need. This is a big win for farmworkers who lack access to safe and affordable housing in our community. I am grateful to Santa Clara County and Supervisor Sylvia Arenas for partnering with me on this effort!
- Daycare Pool Safety (AB 2866) - In response to the tragic, preventable deaths of two children at a daycare in Almaden, I introduced legislation to require a variety of safety standards at home daycares with pools. These safety measures require fencing, pool covers, safety alarms, regular inspections, and more. This new law will help ensure our community's families are safe from this sort of unnecessary danger.
- Protecting Foster Children (AB 2496) - This legislation ensures that up to 9,700 children in the care of Foster Family Agencies are not displaced. These children were at risk of being removed from their foster homes due to an insurance issue, and this measure stopped that from happening.
- State Banana Slug (AB 1850) - The banana slug is now the official state slug of California! Thank you to Governor Newsom for sliming AB 1850 into law! This will help spread awareness about the importance of the banana slug statewide, which many in our community already recognize.
- Rental Application Fees (AB 2493) - Because of this new law, landlords may only charge an applicant for a rental property an application screening fee if the landlord considers applications in the order in which they are received, allows applicants to apply using a reusable screening platform, or that provides applicants who are not selected with a refund for the application screening fee.
I also had a number of more technical pieces of legislation signed into law that create important reforms in our state but are a bit less exciting. These include:
- Multiple Candidacies (AB 1784) - Permits candidates to withdraw from elections in more circumstances.
- Emergency Telecom Power (AB 2765) - Provides greater oversight for telecommunication companies' emergency plans and capabilities.
- Mobilehome Park Expansions (AB 2387) - Exemption from additional fees or charges.
- Child Welfare Data (AB 1907) - Integrates behavioral health data into the Child Welfare Indicators Project.
- DMHC Enforcement (AB 3221) - Health plan record transparency.
- Omnibus Elections Bill (AB 3284) - Makes various technical changes to the Elections Code.
- Uniform Filing Fees (AB 2582) - Establishes uniform forms for candidates for municipal office.
- Ballot Measures (AB 440) - Moves voting threshold statewide initiative to the 2026 election.
Second Extraordinary Legislative Session:
I am proud to share that I was selected to serve on the Assembly Petroleum and Gasoline Supply Committee, which is focused on stabilizing rising gas prices. While the regular state legislative session has ended, I have been in Sacramento continuing to work on this issue of paramount importance to residents around California.
Rising gas prices have been hitting our community hard, and these hearings have given us a chance to listen, understand, and take meaningful action-because that's what our constituents deserve.
In the Community
Cops and Robbers Ball
I had a fantastic time with the Morgan Hill community at the Community Law Enforcement Foundation's Cops and Robbers Ball! The highlight of the evening was seeing my friend Nick Gaich honored for his incredible work improving the lives of South County residents. His dedication and commitment are truly inspiring. The night was even more special when the community came together to raise over $50,000 for the Morgan Hill Police Department, a true testament to the strong support and unity within this amazing community.
YMCA South Valley
I enjoyed spending an afternoon learning from the great folks at YMCA Silicon Valley. I have always appreciated YMCAs, but speaking with organization leaders and tour one of the YMCA facilities in AD28 was a great reminder of just how much good this nonprofit does. The YMCA provides programming for the diverse needs of our community, from youth camps and recreation to exercise and healthy living to education and childcare.
Silicon Valley Pride
I had so much fun celebrating Silicon Valley Pride! AD28 was well represented, with constituents coming from South County and Santa Cruz to join the party. It was wonderful to see so many friends and elected officials come together to show their support for our LGBTQ+ community!
Second Harvest of Santa Cruz County
I was delighted to join Second Harvest of Santa Cruz County for a fantastic event celebrating their Diaper Bank Program! It was an honor to be recognized alongside my colleagues, Assemblymember Liz Ortega and Assemblymember Dawn Addis, for our work in securing funding for such vital programs. I'm incredibly proud that AD28 is home to one of only eight diaper banks in California's state diaper distribution program.
I look forward to seeing this initiative expand to support families across the state.
Lick Observatory
A few weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity to tour Lick Observatory. Operated by the University of California, this important place for scientific discovery is a true treasure. Since 1888, Lick Observatory has provided our community access to world-class telescopes and astronomical science. If you have never visited, I highly recommend checking Lick out!
District Events
I have been busy hosting lots of significant events throughout AD28! I enjoyed touring local business districts in Morgan Hill and San Jose via my "Taking Care of Business" events, hiking with community members during a "Hike a Trail with Gail" event, and having great conversations with residents at "Paws and Policy" and "Community Conversations" events! I have more of all of these events coming up, which I will share below!
Upcoming Events
Holidays
- I know it feels like a long way now, but I want to make sure you take advantage of all the wonderful holiday celebrations coming up this holiday season in our community!
- In San Jose, you can check out Downtown Ice, which opens on November 15, Menorahs and Miracles at the Children's Discovery Museum, and the beautiful holiday lights on the streets of Willow Glen.
- In Santa Cruz, you can enjoy the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train, and the Downtown Holiday Parade!
- In Los Gatos and Monte Sereno, you can stop by the Fantasy of Lights in Vasona Park, the Children's Holiday Parade, and the Annual Winter Celebration in downtown Los Gatos!
- In Morgan Hill, you can bring the family to the Magical Holiday Celebration and the Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting!
- In San Lorenzo Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, you can attend the Boulder Creek Tree Lighting, Roaring Camp's Holiday Tree Walk and Chanukah Train, and cut down your tree at several local tree farms in the community!
District Events
- You will see more information about upcoming district events in separate emails, but I want to update you on the dates for my upcoming "Community Conversations" events, which give me the opportunity to connect with AD28 residents about community issues.
- On October 19, I will host a Community Conversations event in Morgan Hill.
- On October 25, I will host another Community Conversations event in Scotts Valley.
- Finally, on November 25, I will host a virtual Community Conversations on Zoom.
- You can see the most up-to-date information at the events link on my website here!
Constituent Services
As your State Assemblymember, I'm here to help with issues involving state agencies like the DMV, Franchise Tax Board, and EDD. I also want to hear your opinions on legislation or any concerns impacting our state. If you need assistance, have questions, or wish to share your views, visit my CONTACT portal or call one of the district offices below:
- San Jose Office: (408) 264-2848
- Santa Cruz Office: (831) 425-1503
With nearly half a million constituents in AD28, I may be unable to honor every meeting request, but my dedicated scheduler works hard to accommodate as many as possible. To submit a scheduling request, click here.
Suppose you know of a community leader, organization, special occasion, or achievement deserving of recognition. In that case, I'd be delighted to provide a Certificate of Recognition and present it in person when my schedule allows. Contact one of my district offices by phone or through the CONTACT portal with the details.
AD 28 Resources
CalKIDS
CalKIDS provides savings accounts for newborns and eligible low-income public school students, with up to $1,500 from the state for higher education.
Older Adult Resources
California's Department of Aging offers many resources for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.
Crisis Lifeline
Calling 9-8-8 is a crisis lifeline similar to 9-1-1, offering 24/7 free and confidential support for individuals in distress or thinking about suicide.
Thank you for reading my second-ever newsletter! I hope you find this to be a helpful resource.
This autumn, I wish you time with loved ones and the chance to enjoy the fall colors. Have a wonderful holiday season ahead, and please let me know how I can be of service to you!
Warm regards,
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
