The big, beautiful bill has given people a huge, ugly reality. According to the Urban Institute, 1 out of every 3 Californian households with children is food insecure. Some of these children may come from migrant households.
To make sure our families are taken care of, the San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego have websites that show where families can access food.
In California, no child should go hungry.
Cheers,
Assemblymember Tasha Boerner
77th Assembly District
P.S. My office is available every day to talk with you about your concerns or help connect you with resources. You can reach us at (858) 481-7704 or Assemblymember.Boerner@assembly.ca.gov.
My Daughter Visiting Sacramento
School is out, and summer is here! My daughter, Maya, came up to Sacramento to work with me for the week. I was so happy to introduce her to my colleagues during Monday's Assembly Floor Session.
2026 Small Business of the Year
Ruth-Ann Thorn founded Native Star Boutique in 2022 to showcase and sell the many creations from indigenous artisans. This year, I am so proud to spotlight Ruth-Ann and her business, Native Star, as #AD77's 2026 Small Business of the Year!
Ruth-Ann recognizes the work of indigenous creatives in her shop, providing opportunities to people with similar backgrounds to sell their products. I love how she uplifts her culture through her brand.
Join me in congratulating California's first and only boutique, Native Star, as our community's Small Business of the Year!
Legislative Update
Last week was House of Origin, a time where each respective house votes to advance legislation to the next. I am proud to announce these Assembly Bills are currently in the Senate.
Solana Beach School District Centennial
Solana Beach School District was founded in 1925 and has grown with the city, from a small farming community to the communities of Rancho Santa Fe, City of Solana Beach, and Carmel Valley.
Solana Beach School District recently celebrated its centennial anniversary!
#TeamTasha collaborated with Senator Catherine Blakespear's office to honor this historic milestone.
Carlsbad Green Business Program
The City of Carlsbad supports businesses implementing sustainability through the free Carlsbad Green Business Program, helping local small businesses adopt practices that reduce costs, increase efficiency, and grow the local economy.
A more sustainable future begins with collaboration at the local level.
Congratulations to all the businesses!
Camry Wilkins
We said goodbye to one of our interns, Camry Wilkins, as he wrapped up his time with our office.
Camry is a student at the University of San Diego studying Environmental Science with a strong passion for environmental policy and public service.
Before joining our team, he served in the Navy for nine years and relocated to San Diego just last year to continue his education and pursue a new chapter of service to his community.
We are grateful for all of his hard work and dedication, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors!
Lauren Grattan
Join me to recognize Lauren Grattan, Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer of Mission Driven Finance, for her leadership in building a more inclusive and community-centered economy.
Lauren co-founded Mission Driven Finance to help activate capital for social change and expand investment opportunities that support stronger communities. Through her work, she continues to bridge the gap between finance and impact by creating strategies rooted in equity, collaboration, and long-term community growth.
Her blended heritage of Irish, Chinese, and Native Hawaiian background shapes her thoughtful approach to reconnecting capital and community. Before launching Mission Driven Finance, Lauren spent nearly a decade supporting nonprofits through fundraising and development work, helping organizations of all sizes grow their impact.
Thank you, Lauren, for your commitment to innovation, community empowerment, and creating meaningful change across our region and beyond!
Dr. Gene Ma
This #AAPIHeritageMonth, I'm honored to recognize Dr. Gene Ma, President and CEO of Tri-City Medical Center, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to healthcare in our region.
Dr. Ma has spent decades serving San Diego communities through emergency medicine, hospital leadership, and healthcare innovation. After attending medical school at UCSF and completing his training at Stanford and UC San Diego, he joined Tri-City Emergency Medical Group in 2000 and went on to serve in several leadership roles, including Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine and Chief of Staff at Tri-City Hospital.
His commitment to patient care and medical excellence has earned him recognition as San Diego's "Top Doctor in Emergency Medicine" ten times. Dr. Ma also founded WorkPartners OHS, helping grow it into one of the region's leading occupational medicine practices.
While Dr. Ma has held many impressive leadership roles throughout his career, he often shares that none of it would hold the same meaning without the support of his high school sweetheart and wife, their five daughters who continue to inspire him every day, and even their beloved King Charles Cavalier, who is also proudly part of the girl-powered household.
Thank you, Dr. Ma, for your years of service, leadership, and commitment to improving healthcare for our communities!
Senator Lena Gonzalez
After a hiatus, we are back! This episode, I am joined by my colleague and friend Senator Lena Gonzalez. Learn more about what it was like for her growing up in Long Beach and what it is like now representing Senate District 33. We also chat about her position as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and how Latino leadership is shaping the future of the state.
Young Women's Empowerment Network
The Young Women's Empowerment Network provides young women in the 77th Assembly District with the opportunity to be a part of a professional development community where emerging women leaders will learn, grow, seek out opportunities, and improve their leadership skills together. The network will help young women expand their knowledge of state and local government and empower them to become involved in their communities and offer training workshops to those who are interested in public service.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years or older and reside in the 77th Assembly District (Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, coastal communities of La Jolla, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, downtown San Diego, and Coronado).
- All applications must include a Personal Statement- one page minimum. You may also attach a typed article, press release, newsletter, or web links that describes your achievements, contributions, and/or volunteer efforts.
- Selected individuals will be contacted and notified via email.
San Diego Soft Plastics Recycling Pilot for Businesses
Beginning July 1, 2026, San Diego nonprofit, Plastic Beach, is running a 6-month recycling pilot for small businesses. Plastic Beach will provide you with the bins, coordinate pickups, and process your soft recycling. The cost to the small business is $0. Businesses will also receive regular updates on their diversion statistics. Limited spots are available.
Taste of Able ARTS Work San Diego
Join Able ARTS Work on Friday, June 27 from 1 – 3 PM at 11633 Sorrento Valley Road, #400, San Diego, CA, for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and fun. Get to know more about Able ARTS Work, meet their team, and enjoy interactive creative activities like art, music, dance, and much more! The event is free and welcome to people of all ages and abilities!
EcoFest Encinitas
The longest-running environmental fair in North County San Diego is happening on Sunday, June 28, 2026, 12 – 4 PM at the Encinitas Community Park. Enjoy sustainable food, plant-based food, live music, and interactive activities for you and the family!
Know Your Rights
I understand that many of us are feeling angry in the face of what is happening in our local communities and across the country. Individuals are being taken from the streets without due process, and people are living in fear every day. In these moments, it is essential to know your rights. The California Immigrant Guide offers various resources in multiple languages to assist you or those you know. I know these are unprecedented times, and we will get through this.
California Contigo
There is so much fear and confusion being perpetrated with the current federal administration. The California Assembly Democrats recently launched a website to help you locate someone in ICE detention, access to help and legal assistance, prepare for potential immigration emergencies, and avoid immigration-related scams.
Report Misconduct of Federal Agents
The public can report and submit video footage or photographic evidence to the Office of the California Attorney General of federal agents who are practicing unlawful activity. Potential examples include use of excessive force, unlawful searches or arrests, wrongful detentions, interference with voting, or other civil rights violations. Please be advised that filing a complaint does not mean that the Office of the Attorney General will take any action on your complaint.
CalHOPE - Mental Health Resources
The news can be pretty tough right now, but it is important to know you are not alone. No matter what your age or background, you can find mental health support.
California Assist Mortgage Fund
If your home was destroyed or damaged by last year's San Diego floods, the new CalAssist Mortgage Fund may provide you with some relief. This state-funded program covers up to three months of mortgage payments with a maximum of $20,000 – and the funds never have to be repaid. Funds are limited, so don't wait! Visit the CalAssist Mortgage Fund website to learn more and apply.
CalKIDS - Children's College Savings Program
It is back-to-school season, and it is important to think about how you are saving for your child's future! CalKIDS was created to provide Californian children greater access to higher education institutions. Newborns and eligible low-income public school students may receive up to $1,500 in a CalKIDS account. This can help jumpstart your child's savings for college and career training!
Outdoors for All Initiative
California has three passes available to families to access our state's parks. Going outdoors could not be easier! Let's unplug from our digital devices and enjoy some fresh air. For more Information on the California State Parks' Passes, visit the website.
Metrolink Discount for EBT Cardholders
NEW DISCOUNT: California EBT cardholders qualify for 50% off any Metrolink ticket or pass. Travel to school, work and anywhere else you need to be for less when you take the train.
Learn more on the Metrolink website.
CA Department of Consumer Affairs Licensed Business Search Tool
Look for the license! Don't jeopardize your safety, money, or peace of mind - use DCA's free online search tool to double-check.
Rebates Available for Water-Saving Upgrades
California residents and business owners can do their part to help the state conserve water by switching to more water-efficient appliances, and there are many rebates available to help with these upgrades.
From washers, toilets, and sprinkler systems to HVAC systems, commercial appliances, and more, there's probably a rebate out there you could take advantage of.
If you don't need to replace any appliances right now, you can help out by replacing turf and other retrofitting projects - click the link below to learn more about rebates and ways you can be more water wise.
