Animals at the Capitol Day

Animals at the Capitol Day is such an exciting way for us to see rescued animals that SeaWorld San Diego helps! I am so proud that they are home to #AD77.

I also had the privilege of meeting Fuzzbucket today! #CALeg

AAPI Heritage Month

This week, I want to highlight Natasha Wong, one of the 11 appointed members of the city of San Diego's Commission on the Status of Women. She has worked tirelessly to reduce anti-Asian racism, break the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, and address inequalities that women are facing today.

Wong worked to launch the Safe Place decal system in La Jolla late last year, a decal for business owners to display that means #AAPI communities are safe from harassment in their establishments. She has worked to keep the conversation going regarding ending racism towards the #AAPI community.

A lawyer who decided to serve her local community, Wong co-founded San Diego’s first fully licensed Chinese bilingual preschool and is the current superintendent and former principal of the Chinese School of San Diego. She is the executive director of the Chinese Service Center, which holds community events for Chinese New Year, offers financial literacy programs, and assists with job referrals. We are so grateful for her contributions to #AD77 and the work she does to move us closer to a more equitable community. #AAPIHeratigeMonth #AD77

Student of the Year

Congratulations to all the students and Encinitas educators being recognized tonight by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce!

As an extra special treat I got to present my daughter with her award for Student of the Year. She truly inspires the work I do in the Capitol to try to make California better for our future generations. #AD77

IBEW BBQ and Chili Cook-Off

I had the pleasure of being a VIP Guest Judge at the IBEW BBQ & Chili Cook-off this weekend with Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Councilmembers! I judged the pork and brisket alongside other San Diego elected officials. Thank you to Gretchen Newsom for having us! #AD77

2023 San Diego Equality Awards

Thank you to Equality California for an amazing event last night for the 2023 San Diego Equality Awards! These awards are a way to celebrate LGBTQ+ activists, leaders, and businesses making a difference in our community and recognize the progress we are making each day in the fight for equality.

Every day, the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are under attack in our country, but for every anti-LGBTQ+ piece of legislation introduced, there are countless activists and advocates pushing back against these attacks. I want to extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to Mama’s Kitchen and the amazing Christine Kehoe, last night’s award recipients, for all their tireless work to make San Diego a more inclusive community for all. #AD77

Fiesta del Sol

#TeamTasha attended the 42nd annual Fiesta del Sol music festival and presented a Joint Resolution to Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, to commemorate their 75th Anniversary!

We were joined by Congressman Mike Levin, Mayor Lesa Heebner, Deputy Mayor David A. Zito, and Councilmembers Kristi Becker, Jewel Edson, and Jill MacDonald. I am so thankful for their commitment to uplifting the local businesses in Solana Beach and being so involved in our community. #AD77

Assembly District 77: Internship Program

My office is now accepting applications for our Internship Program, located at my District Office in Carlsbad. The internship is open to all individuals with an interest in learning more about state government and public service while building professional skills.

Interns will work as unpaid volunteers with flexible part-time hours. This role requires a three-month commitment, with flexible part-time hours and flexible start/end dates.

If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to Field Representative Suleyma Balderas at suleyma.balderas@asm.ca.gov with the subject line "AD77 Internship Application: [Last Name]."

Applications will be accepted year-round. Please share this opportunity with anyone you think may make a good fit!

Young Women's Empowerment Network

My office is accepting applications for the Young Women’s Empowerment Network! This is a professional development community for our emerging women leaders to learn, grow, seek out opportunities, and improve their leadership skills together.

The network will also help these young women expand their knowledge of state and local government and offer volunteer internships and training workshops for those who are interested in gaining skills in public and community service.

All applicants must be 18-25 years old, identify as female and live in the 77th Assembly District: Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Coronado. Applicants need to fill out a form and give a brief one-page personal statement. If you know of a young female leader, we would welcome your nomination!

Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis. However, the deadline to submit to participate in the 6 sessions of free monthly trainings is May 31^st, 2023 by 11:59 pm. Please email your completed application and personal statement to: Mariah.Kallhoff@asm.ca.gov.

California Youth Jobs Corps

The California Youth Jobs Corps is a program to bring together youth across the state to help address urgent challenges in California's communities. This new initiative is a partnership between the state, cities, and counties around California to help young people get hired for meaningful and purposeful jobs in their community.

Participants will be paid a living wage while learning key job skills, developing career pathways, and engaging in their community. To send in an interest form and learn more about local programming, click the button below.

Metrolink Discount for EBT Cardholders

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 #takethetrain.

Tap or click here to learn more.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

Need help on your water bills? The San Diego County Water Authority is partnering with the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee of San Diego County and Campesinos Unidos, Inc. to help spread awareness of the federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program!

The program will pay up to $2,000 in water or wastewater bills for qualified, low-income households, including renters.

Tap or click here to find your local assistance provider and how to contact them!

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.

Claim Your EITC Tax Credit

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) helps families get more money back on their tax return and has boosted the incomes of hundreds of thousands of families since it began.

Starting with the 2021 tax year, people who were self-employed or who have Individual Tax ID Numbers (ITIN) can now qualify. If you don’t owe, CalEITC provides you with a refund once you file your return.

To learn more and find out if you qualify, click the button below.

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 installing turf and other retrofitting projects – click the link below to learn more about rebates and ways you can be more water wise.