If you haven't voted in the 2025 Special Election yet, tomorrow, November 4, is Election Day. Democracy shouldn't be taken for granted, and I'm proud to live in a state that values the input of our voters. Don't waste this opportunity to make your voice heard. Make a plan to vote today!
Ways you can vote:
If you experience barriers to your right to vote, please visit our Voter Bill of Rights.
ICE in the Bay Area
Many are aware that Alameda's Coast Guard base is being used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency as President Trump continues to deploy federal agents into democratic cities. There have been confirmed ICE sightings in San José and South Santa Clara County in the past week, cementing our concern for our immigrant neighbors. As always, I'm grateful for the Rapid Resource Networks that serve Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
Please get familiar with the Know Your Rights Resources on my website. If you're interested in helping deter ICE raids, visit our Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Rapid Response Network websites to learn about becoming a rapid responder, and please save your local Rapid Response Network Hotline in your contacts and call if you see ICE agents.
Rapid Response Network Hotlines:
Santa Cruz County: (831) 239-4289
Santa Clara County: (408) 290-1144
Movember
Put your razor down and participate in "No Shave November", also known as "Movember," raising awareness around men's mental health - a crisis too often overlooked. According to the Centers for Disease Control, male suicide rates in 2023 were approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population, but nearly 80% of suicides. Join thousands of men in abstaining from shaving to raise awareness and spark conversation about how everyone is really doing.
I'm grateful to organizations like NAMI and its local chapters for raising awareness around mental health every day of the year. It was my great honor to speak about my story of suicide loss and navigating my grief at NAMI-Santa Clara County's 10th annual NAMIWalks Silicon Valley. This Movember, initiate the tough conversations, offer your support, and please know you can always call or text 988 in a mental health crisis.
Upcoming Events
Protect Yourself from Fraud: Free Webinar - November 5
Scams are everywhere these days - from phishing emails to fake investment opportunities. I'm looking forward to hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, November 5, with Alex Cadenas, Targeted Outreach Specialist in the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), to share how to spot the latest tricks scammers are using and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Join us online from 6:30 - 8:00 pm as we cover the most common types of scams, red flags to watch for, and simple, practical steps to help you stay safe in today's digital world. Whether you've been targeted before or want to be prepared, this session is for you.
Providing Updates at AAUW San José
I'm looking forward to joining the San José chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to provide updates on what we are doing in Sacramento to protect and promote voting rights, education, and healthcare in California. Please register in advance to join us for this free, in-person and public event on Saturday, November 8, from 10 am to 12 pm. All are welcome!
Community Conversations - Almaden - November 14
On Friday, November 14, I'll be at the Almaden Branch Library with time for a handful of individual meetings -- and I'd love the chance to connect with you.
These conversations are a wonderful opportunity for me to hear directly from you about the issues impacting our community, share updates, and build stronger relationships with constituents
I'd be honored to sit down with you for a 10-minute one-on-one at the Almaden Branch Library, between 2:00 and 5:00 PM. Once you RSVP, a member of my team will reach out to confirm your time slot.
Resources & Updates
Free State Park Admission on Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, some California State Parks are offering free admission on Monday, November 11, to all veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel. Assembly District 28 parks participating in this program include Castle Rock, Henry Cowell Redwoods, The Forest of Nisene Marks, and Wilder Ranch State Parks.
It's a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our region while honoring those who have served. Thank you to all veterans and active-duty service members for your service and sacrifice.
Shop Local this Holiday Season
Both Morgan Hill and the Santa Cruz Harbor are making local shopping and dining out even more fun with their creative programs! The Santa Cruz Harbor kicked off its Harboropoly program on October 1, encouraging you to support Santa Cruz Harbor businesses (including businesses along lower Seabright and 7th Avenue) by exchanging stamps for visits to the local businesses. Morgan Hill is offering a Buy Local Holiday Shopping Passport to encourage residents to dine or make purchases at participating businesses, now through December 31. Both programs conclude with a raffle where you can win prizes!
Planned Pethood in Santa Cruz County
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) is once again partnering with Animal Balance to provide Santa Cruz County dog and cat owners with affordable spay/neuter surgery, core vaccines, and microchipping from November 7 to 9, 2025. Registration is now open at www.scanimalshelter.org.
Constituent Services
As your elected representative, I'm here to serve you in a variety of ways. One of the most important is helping you navigate issues with state agencies.
Whether it's the DMV, Franchise Tax Board, EDD, Disability Insurance, or another state department-we're here to help. Contact my office through my website or by calling:
📍 San José District Office: (408) 264-2848
📍 Santa Cruz District Office: (831) 425-1503
You can also visit our offices-just call ahead to make an appointment so staff are ready to assist.
District Offices:
701 Ocean Street
Room 318B
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tel: (831) 425-1503
3150 Almaden Expressway
Suite 252
San José, CA 95118
Tel: (408) 264-2848
Satellite Office:
17555 Peak Avenue
Suite 100
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Please don't hesitate to reach out. My team is ready to support you however we can.
Warm regards,
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
