Dear Friends and Neighbors,
If I would have told you a portion of road in Big Sur fell into the ocean and that you'd be stuck in your car overnight, many of you would be checking your calendars to make sure it wasn’t April 1st. But that was the unfortunate reality for folks earlier this month at the Rocky Creek Bridge slip-out. Mother Nature continually shows us who is in charge and I thank the countless workers who are doing everything they can to mitigate the negative impacts of this closure. I continue to engage and push Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, California Office of Emergency Services, and the Governor’s Office to ensure we safely and swiftly reopen this picturesque area as soon as possible.
During a recent trip to Japan, I explored the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, as pictured here. It was a really powerful experience, which reminded me of the importance of fostering collective peace as well as the resilience inherent in the human spirit. Just as we strive to overcome the challenges presented by natural disasters, we must also unite in our pursuit of a world where harmony prevails.
To the families in the 17th District who recently celebrated Passover, Vaisakhi, Eid al-Fitr, Easter, and countless other observances, my hope is that this season of diverse celebrations brought moments of unity, understanding, and peace to your homes and hearts.
Warm Regards,
John Laird
Senator, 17th District
The Capitol building is in full swing and hearings are currently underway to discuss legislation and the state’s budget. I want to thank the countless advocates who make their way up to Sacramento to make sure their voices are heard. Seeing and hearing from my constituents is truly important to me, as well as the Legislature. Our region’s voice is often overlooked when compared to urban cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. That’s why I am proud of my colleague Asm. Dawn Addis for Chairing the Central Coast Legislative Caucus and assuring the Central Coast’s priorities are reflected in California.
As Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education I have been hard at work with my Capitol and Budget team on combating student homelessness. Great to have The National Center for Youth Law here to support that endeavor!
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) is a fantastic and unique program in California that ensures cutting edge research in areas like agriculture, natural resources, nutrition and youth development. UCANR Vice President Glenda Humiston is a longtime friend and I know her deep experience continues to benefit our state tremendously.
Celebrating Earth Day in the 17th District is unlike anything else and I think we all know why. From the vineyards in South Santa Clara County down along our idyllic Central Coast, whether it be Capitola, Marina, Big Sur, or Morro Bay, you truly cannot go wrong in picking a location to take in our region’s natural beauty. As you take in the splendor, make sure you are also staying safe, especially if you are planning to dig any holes for projects around your home, as April is actually National Safe Digging Month. Please call 811 before digging so that you and your community can stay informed and safe.
I was thrilled to introduce Watsonville's own Mariachi Ilusión at the Santa Cruz Wharf in support of the California Ocean Alliance!
Did you know California has twenty-one Welcome Centers? It’s great to be joined by Mayor Blankley at the Gilroy location, where I was, of course, treated to some farm fresh garlic from Christopher Ranch!
Devin Best, the Executive Director of the Upper Salinas/Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (RCD) and I discussing stewardship and restoration plans for the RCD’s 380 acres of land in West Paso Robles.
Had an up close view of recent work being completed with the Santa Cruz Public Works and Water Department at the site of the Branciforte Creek Flood Control Channel Project.
What a stunning day in San Luis Obispo at Wolff Vineyards. Thank you to owner Jean-Pierre for your commitment to environmental stewardship. Your efforts to support local ecology is a model for countless wineries across the Central Coast and beyond.
Wonderful evening with the Big Sur Marathon Foundation where I got to welcome folks from across the country and world to the Central Coast. While the marathon was re-routed this year, I hope to have it back on its historical route moving forward.
The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation (CLCCCF) is pleased to invite California Central Coast students from the following counties to apply for an educational scholarship of $2,000: Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura. At least one scholarship will be awarded to a student in each county. Deadline for submission is May 31st 2024. For more information click here.