I love giving our local leaders their recognition. If you remember, a few weeks ago I asked for community input for my annual Environmental Hero Awards. Over the next few weeks, I'll spotlight my honorees in my weekly newsletter.
To continue community celebration, I am also recognizing Native Americans and Veterans in our community. If you know someone who is doing great work, you can complete a nomination form.
I look forward to highlighting these 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.
Environmental Hero: Greening
Congratulations to Cindy Hazuka, recipient of this year's Environmental Hero Award for Greening!
Cindy Hazuka has chaired the Seed and Bulb Team of the California Native Plant Society's San Diego Chapter since 2015. She coordinates volunteers and a wide range of activities, from acquiring, cleaning, and packaging seeds and bulbs to selling and distributing more than 300 varieties, primarily native to Southern California. The team coordinates seed donations, hosts sales at community events, operates the mail-order website, and donates seeds to local organizations.
Her work brings people together to learn about California native plants and makes hard-to-find seeds available in small quantities—helping native plants thrive in local communities and supporting local wildlife. Seed-sale proceeds support the chapter and its outreach programs.
Cindy is a retired drug-discovery research scientist who worked with biotechnology companies and universities in the San Francisco area.
Thank you, Cindy, for your dedication to the environment and for making a lasting difference in our community!
Environmental Hero: Water
Meet Our Environmental Hero in Water: Lillie Mulligan!
Lillie Mulligan is the Senior Ocean Conservation Coordinator for WILDCOAST - an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. Born and raised in San Diego, Lillie supports WILDCOAST's in-field conservation efforts, including Marine Protected Area compliance initiatives, Marine Protected Area Watch, Marine Monitor RADAR, community outreach, and wetland restoration.
Thank you, Lillie, for your dedication to the environment!
Environmental Hero: Air
Meet Our Environmental Hero in Air: Bob Keefe!
Bob Keefe is Executive Director of E2, a national organization of business leaders advocating for policies that benefit both the economy and environment.
One of TIME's 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders, Bob has testified before Congress and state legislatures, and been featured by CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
He is the author of Climatenomics: Washington, Wall Street, and the Economic Battle to Save Our Planet (2022) and Clean Economy NOW: Stories from the Frontlines of an American Business Revolution (2024).
Bob is on the boards of the Clean Energy Leadership Institute, and Nature and Culture International.
Before joining E2, Bob spent more than 20 years as an award-winning journalist. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a Fellow at USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Thank you, Bob, for your dedication to the environment and for making a lasting difference in our community!
Environmental Hero: Wetlands
Meet Our Environmental Hero in Wetlands: Sarah Hutmacher!
Sarah Hutmacher is the Chief Operating Officer at the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF), where she has been working since 2008.
Sarah earned her degree in Environmental Systems (Policy emphasis) from UC San Diego and she started her career in city government.
She found her true calling at SDRPF where she leads a team of staff, interns, and volunteers working on advancing the vision for a clean and healthy San Diego River through habitat restoration, community science, river clean-ups, trash data collection and advocacy, and efforts to end homelessness on the San Diego River.
Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication to the environment and for making a lasting difference in our community!
Red Ribbon Week
#TeamTasha is proud to raise awareness for Red Ribbon Week. Last week, students in #AD77 received certificates from #TeamTasha to recognize the occasion and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Thank you to our local schools for collaborating with us!
Job Opening: Legislative Director
I am hiring a Legislative Director for my Capitol Office in Sacramento!
Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Researching & developing legislative proposals;
- Providing guidance & direction to other staff;
- Seeking out & communicating with key stakeholders; and
- Much more!
Webinar: Tenants' Rights
Join me on Thursday, November 12th from 5:00-6:00 PM, for a free, open to the public webinar to learn about what California is doing to protect tenants' rights and what resources are available to the public.
Experts from the California Department of Justice and Legal Aid Society of San Diego will provide valuable information and resources regarding evictions, rent increases, local ordinances, and more. A Zoom link will be sent upon reservation.
El Niño Update from California Insurance Commissioner
Since Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency ahead of El Niño, the California Insurance Commissioner is urging that Californians review their insurance coverage. In addition, he wants you to consider flood insurance, review your auto coverage, create a home inventory, and prepare your property and 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. 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.
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.
