Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As you can see from the photo above, I was pleased to welcome my great-nephew Kieran Laird and his aunt Anna Laird to the Senate floor last month.  As I go about my work in this challenging time in American history – I wonder what world we will leave to him.

The state is about to bear the brunt of national cuts – hundreds of thousands of Californians will lose medical care, the food safety net is in tatters, and support for public education has been cut.  The rule of law, the center piece of our 250 year old democracy, is being challenged daily.

But also challenging are the effects of our changing climate. National stories this week talk of a longer summer across the United States, which lends a more challenging wildfire season. The two largest wildfires this summer have been in San Luis Obispo County.  

I hear daily from constituents who feel discouraged, even helpless, as they watch some of these actions unfold in our country and state. This is not a time to stand on the sidelines. It is a time to model civil engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders who must work to leave the world in a better place than they found it. 

I invite you to scroll through this month’s newsletter for updates on the final leg of this legislative session, as well as highlights from across our district. Together, we will continue the work of building a stronger future for all Californians.

Sincerely,

JOHN LAIRD
Senator, 17th District

With the Legislature back from summer recess, it is a sprint to the finish line to ensure our bill package makes it to the Governor’s desk. With just under two weeks left in session, my team and I are working around the clock with stakeholders to make sure the Central Coast is well represented in Sacramento.

Three of my bills this year help reflect our commitments to first responders, clean energy and our responsibility to justice:

SB 230 expands the classes of firefighters who receive presumptions for specific injuries or illnesses in the workers’ compensation system occurring on or after January 1, 2026 ensuring firefighters, no matter where they work, are eligible for equitable and timely care for illnesses and injuries sustained on the job.

SB 283 strengthens safety standards for battery energy storage systems (BESS). If signed, California would set some of the most rigorous BESS standards in the nation, giving constituents and local government’s confidence that we can expand clean energy while keeping communities safe. This bill was introduced in the aftermath of the devastating Vistra BESS fire in Moss Landing. For updates on the cleanup from the U.S EPA click here.

SB 577 ensures victims of heinous crimes, including sexual abuse, can receive fair compensation, while also protecting public institutions like school districts and local governments from insolvency. It is a balance of justice and practicality that California must get right.

In addition, I was grateful to participate in the Senate Energy & Utilities Committee’s oversight hearing on our state's grid reliability and Diablo Canyon’s extended operations. To watch the full hearing, click here and select the August 19th committee hearing. While I supported the initial extension of Diablo Canyon, it was contingent on certain conditions being fulfilled, conditions that, unfortunately, have yet to be satisfied. Any further extension must be considered with the utmost scrutiny, which includes the potential for unitary tax legislation to assure local governments can be made whole. 

Let me be clear that California’s leadership on climate change and the environment has been powered in part by our cap-and-trade, now cap-and-invest program, which has funded transformative climate investments. Reauthorization is essential. If we allow it to lapse, we will leave future generations to bear the cost of our inaction. You can read more about the importance of reauthorizing cap-and-invest in my recent op-ed.

Finally, as Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Education, I remain focused on preparing students to thrive in today’s workforce. California continues to fight for increased access to quality public education, universal school meals, and mental health counseling.

But as we fight to strengthen support for California’s children, is hard to ignore the plight of children in other parts of the world.  I was moved by the demonstration of our local rabbis for humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. To read my full statement click here. 

 

Representing nearly 1 million people across four Central Coast counties is no small task, but my district team rises to the challenge every day. Their dedication, hard work, and heart make a real difference. It was a joy to have them together here in Santa Cruz this month to celebrate their incredible efforts!

This month has also reminded us of the resilience of our communities. The Gifford Fire, now 95% contained after burning 131,614 acres in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, destroying three buildings, and injuring 15 people, has tested us all. As we near the end of this devastating disaster, I want to thank the firefighters, first responders, and community members who came together to tackle such a massive challenge. For those returning to previously evacuated areas, please remain vigilant — safety remains the top priority as damage assessments continue.

Transportation has also been on many residents’ minds. Whether it was the crowds flocking to Car Week in Monterey County, ongoing traffic projects across the 17th District, or the continued impacts of the Regent’s Slide in Big Sur, it’s clear how central mobility is to our daily lives. These moments underscore the importance of resilient infrastructure, not just to ease congestion, but to protect access for entire communities that can be cut off in an instant. I remain committed to advocating for state investments that improve safety, reduce traffic, and strengthen our ability to adapt to both economic growth and climate change.

Please continue reading for highlights of the incredible work my team has carried forward this summer.

Ecstatic to join so many California building trades locals at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles to support the Industrial Arts Show winners alongside State Treasurer Fiona Ma. These talented students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience that could launch them into the next generation of skilled tradespeople — with access to strong wages, health benefits, and mentorship opportunities.

The Marine Mammal Center has been working tirelessly across the state in response to the recent Leptospirosis outbreak. It was an honor to present them with a Senate resolution recognizing its incredible work and to celebrate the grand opening of the new Castroville facility!

I was thrilled to be with nearly 100 community members and Pajaro Valley Water leaders to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the College Lake Water Supply Project, a major step towards sustainable groundwater management in the Pajaro Valley. The $80 million project will provide a new water source to reduce groundwater overdraft and seawater intrusion while supporting endangered steelhead habitat. This marks the largest new supplemental water source in the region since 2009, helping secure Pajaro Valley’s water future.

What an insightful and educational meeting with the San Benito Health Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing vital community health services to residents across the county. It was inspiring to learn more about their programs, tour the facility, and learn about the ways they support the well-being of the entire community.

What an honor to speak at the grand opening celebration of Ensen Community Park’s neighborhood park at Carr Lake in Salinas. The six-acre neighborhood park is the first phase of a visionary plan to transform 73 acres at Carr Lake into a vibrant public green space. With its playground, sports courts, skate park, picnic tables, dog play areas, and walking paths, the neighborhood park will serve as a recreational haven for thousands of nearby families.

The SHARE Center in Salinas continues to provide safe and supportive living environments for some of our most vulnerable residents. Thank you to Community Human Services for stepping up to manage this vital community program and ensure it continues making a real difference!