Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we enter further into 2025, it is clear that we are facing challenges few expected to escalate so rapidly. The current presidential administration has upended the federal government, leading to widespread uncertainty and job losses among countless federal employees. Here in California, we remain steadfast in defending our values—protecting public education, supporting working families, safeguarding our environment, and ensuring that our state continues to be a beacon of innovation and progress. I am committed to working alongside the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to push back against policies that undermine these principles.

The Central Coast, too, has experienced significant challenges, most notably the Moss Landing Battery Storage Facility fire and last week’s flare-up. Through it all, our first responders and local leaders have shown unwavering resilience, prioritizing public health and safety. Earlier this month, I had an opportunity to visit the Castro Plaza Family Resource Center while the fantastic staff from United Way of Monterey County distributed relief gift cards to affected residents. As we move forward regarding the use of this site, transparency and accountability will be key. Below is the latest information regarding the flare-up and ongoing environmental testing.

Flare Up

On Tuesday, February 18th, the North County Fire District and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reignition at the Vistra site, after smoke was detected around 6:00 p.m. The flare-up was contained to a previously burned structure from the initial January 16th incident. Experts indicate these flare-ups are common when batteries are damaged, compromised or otherwise uncontained even within a debris pile. Air quality monitoring is being led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with additional data being reviewed by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD). Sensor data showed air quality remained in the “green” range throughout the flare-up.

For more information about the flare up, please watch the County of Monterey News Briefing.

Testing Results

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) conducted preliminary soil testing of specific sites near the Moss Landing site. DTSC staff screened surface soils for heavy metals, and while initial surface screenings of ash and debris detected elevated levels of metals, subsequent soil samples did not detect elevated levels deeper into the soil. The County of Monterey Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) also conducted water samples for heavy metals which were sent to a certified state lab. Results from EHB met regulatory standards. The County of Monterey’s Health Department has also been made aware of information provided by the Moss Landing Marine Labs (MLML), recognizing the importance of partners like MLML in protecting the region's environment. 

For more information about DTSC & County of Monterey’s water and soil testing, click here.

The Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s office alongside the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department conducted testing focused on soil, plant material, surface water, and sediment. Results indicate that metal levels detected in Santa Cruz County are significantly lower than samples collected in Monterey County closer to the Moss Landing site and do not suggest elevated public health risks or food safety concerns. Samples taken from agricultural soils were taken at the surface and subsurface levels for comparison. No elevated levels of metals were found in surface samples, consistent with the recent Department of Toxic Substances Control finding that “there are not elevated metals associated with the fire in soil” near Moss Landing.

For more information about the County of Santa Cruz’s testing, click here.

Monterey County Ad Hoc Committee

This week the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved five recommendations regarding the battery storage fire, which include:

1. The County oppose any future indoor battery storage facilities;
2. Existing battery storage facilities within the County be brought up to the highest industry standards for battery storage facilities, including the use of newer and safer battery technology that may include non-lithium batteries, the possible use of alternative green energy storage, the use of the best fire suppression technology, and the use of the best fire prevention and containment technology;
3. Vistra work with County officials on remediation and recovery of damaged facilities to ensure safety for the public and the surrounding ecosystem;
4. The County urges the Vistra and PG&E battery storage operations to not resume until the cause of the January 16, 2025 fire has been determined and appropriate safety remediation measures have occurred; and
5. The County urges Vistra and PG&E to halt any expansion of existing battery storage facilities within the County of Monterey until current State legislation is passed ensuring better technology and safety measures at battery storage facilities are in place.

I applaud and support the Board’s decision on this matter. I look forward to working together to find solutions that enhance battery storage safety for all communities.

Community Survey

The Health Departments of the Counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz invite the public to participate in a community survey to systematically gather information about potential health concerns related to the January 2025 battery fire. Click below to fill out the full survey.

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With this information in mind, the question becomes, how do we ensure an affordable and sustainable energy future, particularly when the federal administration has made its intentions clear to “Drill, baby, drill”. There are three major energy goals in California – move away from fossil fuels to a greener electrical grid,  have safe, reliable, renewable energy sources and keeping the lights on. Achieving all three simultaneously is no small task. These goals cannot be compromised or pitted against one another; they must be met together. While we may not always agree on every policy decision, I believe we can meaningfully engage and find common ground where it matters most.

As always, it remains my greatest honor to represent you.

Warm Regards,

JOHN LAIRD
Senator, 17th District

The Senate’s deadline to introduce bills has passed, and I am excited to share my legislative package in the coming months. There are many critical issues facing the state and 17th Senate District, and each piece of legislation aims to address these challenges—helping to build a California that works for all.

One key bill in this package, SB 326, is co-authored with my good friend, Senator Josh Becker (D-Palo Alto) as part of the Senate's major wildfire legislative package led by Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) alongside a coalition of Senators representing diverse regions across California. SB 326 establishes a comprehensive framework to better align state, federal, industry, and private wildfire prevention efforts—ensuring that every dollar spent maximizes protection for communities.

With wildfires increasing in both frequency and intensity, the Central Coast continues to face serious threats—from the past devastation in Santa Cruz and Big Sur to the most recent fires in Los Angeles. SB 326 represents a significant advancement in wildfire management by creating a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework through the Office of the State Fire Marshal. This framework will strengthen coordination, improve cost-effectiveness, and ensure that resources are strategically deployed where they are needed most. By working proactively, we can better safeguard lives, property, and California’s natural resources. Read the full press release here.

Lastly, it was an honor to have been appointed last month to the Legislative Advisory Committee within the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) by Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) and the Senate Rules Committee. The WCB’s main responsibilities are land acquisition, habitat restoration, and development of wildlife-oriented public access facilities. With this appointment, I will work closely with the WCB to advance sustainable land management practices, support fire-protection programs, and strengthen California’s leadership in environmental stewardship and public lands management. Read the full press release here.

I want to thank Governor Newsom for recognizing the urgent need for state assistance in Santa Cruz County regarding the destruction of the iconic wharf. My office has worked closely with the Governor’s team, alongside local and state officials, to ensure this emergency declaration moved forward. I am grateful that much-needed relief is on the way for impacted residents and businesses. You can read the full proclamation here.

With the Salinas Valley now part of the 17th Senate District, immigration remains a pressing issue, especially given recent federal actions. My office has been in attendance at various “know your right” workshops across the district to ensure residents are aware of what resources are available. You can find that information on the CA Attorney General's website here.

It was a pleasure to meet with San Luis Obispo County leadership, including Supervisor Jimmy Paulding, Public Works Director John Diodati, and County Counsel Rita Neal on a recent visit to the beloved Bob Jones Trail.  Together, the County team has worked tirelessly to extend the trail from the historic Octagon Barn to Avila Beach.  I look forward to celebrating in coming months this major accomplishment to benefit a broad diversity of recreational users in this beautiful and ecologically rich corridor.
 

Had a great visit to Hartnell College’s Alisal campus, where students are gaining hands-on experience in career pathways like agriculture (agro) business, automotive repair, and welding. Programs like these are building a strong workforce for the future and creating opportunities for students to succeed in high demand industries. Exciting to see the dedication to career education in action!
 

Back around 1970, I took a Women’s Studies class at UC Santa Cruz taught by Professor Arlie Hochschild. Fast forward to today, and she is a best-selling author and a member of the California Hall of Fame. It was a pleasure reconnecting with her this month for a book club discussion on her latest work Stolen Pride, which President Obama listed as one of his ten favorite books of 2024.
 

What a pleasure to join the Monterey County Board of Supervisors at the dais for their 2025 Legislative Workshop, where I had the opportunity to discuss my work over the past four years. Watch my full remarks here.
 

ParkIT! is working to enhance access and safety for both residents and visitors at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. It was great to join Assemblymember Addis to see firsthand how a potential shuttle system could improve transportation and visitor experience.