Last weekend, I hosted my annual Women of Impact Awards to honor the extraordinary women of AD77, and I feel so inspired!
Each of our honorees exemplify what a leader is and how dynamic, courageous, and powerful women are. From a high school student novelist, to a Clinical Professor who serves on community boards, they show that women don't only belong in certain places. We belong everywhere.
Too often, the work of women goes unnoticed. I feel honored that I have the privilege to recognize them for their work that has made such positive impacts on our community.
Check out this video of the event, and read below to learn about our 2026 Woman of the Year and some of our incredible honorees!
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.
2026 Woman of the Year
Earlier this week, I got to invite our 2026 Woman of the Year to the Capitol to recognize her leadership and work of uplifting the women around her.
Dr. Julie Ducharme is a dynamic leader, keynote speaker, national best-selling author, professor, and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience empowering others. She is the visionary behind the Lead and Empower Her SHE Talks movement, a nationwide women's empowerment group that provides women with platforms to speak, write, do business together, and inspire others.
As the founder of JD Creative and Consulting Solutions, Dr. Ducharme and her team help businesses scale and increase brand visibility through creative, viral marketing campaigns. She is an educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate dedicated to empowering women and developing future leaders. Through her work in leadership, business strategy, and female empowerment, she inspires impact both locally and nationally.
Join me in celebrating Dr. Julie Ducharme!
Fair Wages with the Communication Workers of America
This week, I met with San Diego union members from Communications Workers of America in my Capitol Office.
We discussed important issues related to worker safety, fair wages, and the importance of good paying jobs for San Diego families.
Thank you Yvonne Melton, Jesse Abril, and Keith Gibbs for your advocacy!
2026 Women of Impact Honorees
In honor of Women's History Month, our community came together this weekend to recognize the incredible women of AD77 at my 2026 Women of Impact Awards. Pictured above are both our honorees and honorable mentions!
This awards ceremony means so much to me because it uplifts the work that many women do silently and without recognition every day. The extraordinary women I got to recognize are trailblazers and changemakers who have made invaluable impacts within our community.
Join me throughout Women's History Month on social media as we highlight each of these women and their achievements!
Honorees:
- Woman of the Year: Dr. Julie Ducharme (Coronado) - Lead and Empower Her SHE Talk
- Advocacy & Activism: Kerri Rivas (Carlsbad) - California Highway Patrol
- Military Community: Laura White Ludvik (Encinitas) - Support the Enlisted Project
- Health & Human Services: Meredith Kennedy (University City) - American Academy of Pediatrics
- Education: Dr. Sunny Cooke (Encinitas) - MiraCosta College
- Community Service: Rebecca Nussbaum (Encinitas) - Community Resource Center
- Civic Engagement: Dr. Marcella Bothwell (Pacific Beach) - Pacific Beach Planning Group
- Business & Entrepreneurship: Cristin Smith (San Diego) - Saffron and Sage
- Arts & Culture: Susanna Peredo Swap (Point Loma) - Vanguard Culture
- Young Leader: IsabellaHook (Carmel Valley) - Cathedral Catholic High School
Honorable Mentions: Cynthia Adams – Pacific Beach, Donna Aprea – La Jolla, Dr. Hoa Nguyen Audette – Coronado, Amy Bryan – Solana Beach, Debby Buchholz – La Jolla
Gloria Castellanos – Solana Beach, Dr. Crystal Cené – La Jolla, Makeda Cheatom – San Diego, Elizabeth Christensen – Encinitas, Christine Davis – Carlsbad, Dr. Joanna Davies – Torrey Pines, Gloria Edge – Solana Beach, Patti Flores-Chartier – Coronado, Martha Gilmer – San Diego, Emily Ginsberg – Carlsbad, Mary Gross – Encinitas, Evelyn Do Guthrie – Carlsbad, Kathy Hacker – Carlsbad, Megan Storey, Hallam – Coronado, Catherine Hampel – Encinitas, Natalie Holm – Encinitas, Kristianne Kurner – Carlsbad, Barbara Larson – Carlsbad, Dr. Teri Lawton – Solana Beach, Sandra Maas – Del Mar, Caroline Matthews – Solana Beach, Sarah Mattinson – Mission Beach, Nancy Miksad – Encinitas, Seveann Morton – Encinitas, Dr. Tracy Nguyen – La Jolla, Pamela Pendrell – Ocean Beach, Cherimarie Poulos – Carlsbad, Kathleen Prout – Coronado, Dorell Sackett – Encinitas, Camille Sowinski – Carlsbad, Sofia Spagarino – Pacific Beach, Anika Talavera – Coronado, Marissa Tessman – Del Mar, Jennifer Wilkens – San Diego, Renee Zau – Encinitas
California Dem Wants to Slash Energy Rates by 25% Amid Affordability Push
This Politico article is discussing my bill AB1677 which would mandate rate reductions so Californians can have more affordable utility bills.
Earth Day Art Contest
Is your child an artist? I would love for your child to submit artwork inspired by Earth Day.
This year's art contest theme is "Green Choices, Bright Futures" to spotlight sustainable practices and healthier lives. Contest winners will receive a California State Assembly Certificate, and have their artwork framed and exhibited in the State Capitol office.
Have any questions about the Earth Day Art Contest? Call my District Office (858) 481-7704, or visit my website.
Free Tax Assistance with VITA
Tax season is here, and we want to make sure you get every dollar you're entitled to. If you're looking for free, professional tax preparation assistance, I have great news!
I'm pleased to invite you to a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) event at my District Office. Our IRS-certified tax professionals will help you prepare and file your 2025 tax return at no cost to you.
The VITA program has been helping hardworking families for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who generally make $70,000 or less.
Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register early. If you have any questions about the event or need assistance with the registration process, please don't hesitate to contact my office at (858) 481-7704 or email me at Assemblymember.Boerner@assembly.ca.gov.
CalKIDS - Free Money for College
A new partnership has been announced between CalKIDS, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, and the California Cradle-to-Career Data System to connect eligible college students with CalKIDS scholarships.
This coordinated effort has already identified 40,000 community college students with over $20 million available in scholarships. Visit CalKIDS.org to see if you or your child is eligible!
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.
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.
