Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Spring is here, bringing longer days and a new found energy in the air. While this season is often a time of new beginnings, it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead and the challenges we must continue to confront.

This past month, I had the honor of helping welcome the Ukrainian Consul General to the Senate Floor, where we reaffirmed California’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. In a powerful moment, we exchanged Ukrainian and Californian flags – a gesture of solidarity made even more significant in light of this month’s deeply concerning and, frankly, shameful White House meeting. Standing with Ukraine and its freely elected President Zelensky is not just a matter of diplomacy, it’s a commitment to defending democracy itself.

With the absence of federal leadership on a plethora of key issues, California must take the lead in advocating for our shared values. That’s why I’m proud to support the CA State Senate Democrats new external website, which highlights our work on critical issues like wildfire safety and immigration.

Closer to home, the aftermath of the Moss Landing fire continues to raise lingering concerns and questions about the future of battery energy storage and safety. Click here to see my Moss Landing Resource page and read below to find out more information about my new legislation, the Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025, which strengthens protections for communities and first responders while ensuring California’s clean energy transition remains both safe and sustainable.

Thank you for staying engaged, and as always, it is my honor to serve as your State Senator.

Warm Regards,

JOHN LAIRD
Senator, 17th District

In light of the Moss Landing fire, I introduced the Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025, SB 283, alongside the CA Professional Firefighters and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to increase battery storage safety standards. The bill mandates that new facilities adhere to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 standards – the most comprehensive and widely recognized guidelines for battery storage safety and hazard mitigation. SB 283 provides a crucial tool and safeguard to ensure battery storage facilities are built and maintained with the highest level of safety and oversight by our local fire officials. As the bill moves forward, SB 283 will be amended to prohibit the development of BESS in indoor combustible buildings.

To read the full text of the bill click here

As Vice Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC), I had the privilege of helping to lead a critical hearing on California’s inadequate response to natural disasters. With wildfires, floods, and other climate-driven disasters becoming more frequent and severe, it is essential that we assess the state’s preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities across California.

To watch the full hearing click here

This month was National Agriculture Week, where we recognized the hardworking farmers who feed our communities, drive our economy, and champion sustainability. Few embody this commitment more than Yadira Mendiola, a San Benito County resident, proud mother of three, and owner of The Queen of Vegetables Organic Farms. With farm locations in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, Yadira was one of the first organic farmers in the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Organic Transition Incubator Program in 2021 – and she has never looked back.

It was my great honor to name Yadira as my 2025 Woman of the Year and welcome her and two of her sons to Sacramento. Walking alongside her on the Senate floor, with her children proudly looking on, was a truly special moment in recognition of her tremendous contributions to our state.

Unfortunately, farmers like Yadira have been impacted by federal policies that have rolled back critical USDA initiatives, cutting support for local and regionally produced foods in schools, child care facilities, and food banks. We must fight to protect and uplift local farmers who work tirelessly to feed our communities with fresh, organic produce. California stands with our local farmers. Let’s ensure they have the support they need to continue growing a healthier, more sustainable future!

Covering four counties is no small task, but my team rises to the challenge with grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving our constituents – not just during the workday, but often late into the evenings and weekends. Their dedication ensures that we stay connected to the needs of residents, respond to critical issues with efficacy and efficiency, and deliver results for the 17th Senate District.

While I’ve always shared photos of my time in the community, moving forward, I also want to shine a spotlight on their tireless efforts. Below, you'll see a snapshot of our collective work in representing you.

Julie Packard has had an illustrious career at the helm of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, making significant contributions to ocean conservation and education. This past fall, she was honored by the Central Coast State Parks Association with the 2024 John Laird Lifetime Achievement Award. As she transitions from her role as Executive Director to a leadership position on the Board of Trustees, it was truly an honor to present her with a Senate Resolution this month at my Capitol office, recognizing her lifelong dedication to advancing the protection and understanding of our oceans and the diverse marine life they support.

It was a privilege to address the inaugural LGBTQ+ Symposium for K-14 Educators, organized by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education in partnership with Cabrillo College. This event brought together educators from San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties to engage in meaningful discussions on how we safeguard our community from hate and vitriol. Read the full Santa Cruz Sentinel article here.

Salinas is now the largest city in the 17th District, and ensuring public safety remains a top priority. I had a productive conversation with Police Chief Acosta about how the state can better support local law enforcement and community safety efforts. It was also an honor to present him with a certificate of recognition for his dedication and leadership in protecting the residents of Salinas. I look forward to continuing our partnership to enhance public safety across the district.

What an inspiring and informative visit to the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove! We joined incredible folks from the Central Coast State Parks Association, The Xerces Society, and California State Parks to learn more about the alarming decline in Monarch butterfly populations – and what we all can do to help protect this iconic and beautiful species from extinction.

One simple step? Plant native, nectar-rich flowers in your yard! And if you’re inland, consider native milkweed to support Monarch caterpillars.

Access to healthcare remains a pressing issue for many across the 17th District. Team Laird was honored to be in King City for the opening of the Mee Memorial Children’s Health and Wellness Center. This new center will serve as a vital hub for pediatric care in the region, and we couldn’t be more excited about its impact on the community!

Team Laird was thrilled to join Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new office in San Luis Obispo. This significant expansion marks a key step in 3CE’s commitment to providing Central Coast residents with more options for clean, renewable energy.

Can you imagine a better way to spend an afternoon than with Captain Cal? Team Laird had a blast at Farm Day, hosted by the San Benito County Farm Bureau, where local third graders had the opportunity to learn firsthand about where their food comes from. It was also great to see state agencies like Cal Fire in attendance, ensuring that vital resources on wildfire safety were shared with the community.