Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Eighty-plus-degree days are not common in March, especially here on the Central Coast. I hope everyone has been staying safe and taking care during this unusually warm stretch. It’s been an early start to higher temperatures this year – a reminder of how much our climate is changing and the work we have ahead to manage it.

In Sacramento, we’re getting into the heart of the legislative session and early budget discussions. With continued uncertainty around federal funding and revenue projections, these conversations will continue to take shape as we move toward the May Revision. I introduced several bills this month, including efforts to expand access to lifesaving HIV medication, accelerate flood protection projects in the Pajaro Valley, improve clarity in the Coastal Commission permitting process, and support local communities navigating funding challenges. We also marked the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, a law that has played a significant role in protecting public access to our coast and the iconic natural resources that define our state.

Over the past month, I’ve squeezed in visits to the district – including all-day outings in both Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties – meeting with local leaders, students, and community organizations. Those conversations are always an important part of the job and help keep me grounded in the priorities of the communities we serve. I’ve shared below more highlights from those visits.

I was proud to recognize Dr. Deneen Guss as the 2026 Woman of the Year for our district. We’ve been fortunate to have her leadership in public education here on the Central Coast for nearly 40 years.

Thank you for staying engaged and connected to the work we’re doing. It’s a privilege to work alongside you on the challenges ahead.

Warm Regards,

JOHN LAIRD
Senator, 17th District

This month included the introduction of several bills, with five already taken up in their first committee hearings. Here are a few updates from that work in Sacramento:

I introduced SB 1055, which accelerates flood protection projects along the Pajaro River following the devastating 2023 levee breach that displaced thousands of residents. The bill expands the contracting tools available to the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency, allowing critical levee repairs and flood control improvements to move forward more efficiently and helping reduce flood risk for Pajaro Valley communities.

I’m advancing SB 931, alongside Assemblymember Dawn Addis, to ensure continued funding for communities impacted by the extended operation of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. When the state extended plant operations through 2030, it did not extend the Community Impact Mitigation Program that supports local governments, schools, and essential services. SB 931 addresses that gap by continuing this funding through 2030, ensuring these communities receive the support they need.

I also introduced SB 1023, which expands access to injectable PrEP, a highly effective medication that prevents HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. While these long-acting treatments are a major advancement, current insurance structures can make it difficult for community clinics to provide them. SB 1023 reduces barriers for providers and improves patient access. Expanding access to PrEP remains critical to protecting public health. The bill was included in the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus’s 2026 priority and endorsed bill package.

I recently attended the State of the Judiciary address by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and appreciated her focus on keeping things steady and grounded at a time when there’s a lot of noise and pressure on our institutions, as well as her emphasis on maintaining independent and accessible courts.

On March 19, the Senate adjourned in memory of John Burton, who had a profound impact on California public life. John was a longtime friend and mentor who helped shape my path in public service. He was fearless, principled, and never lost sight of the importance of standing up for those who needed it most. That commitment was clear in his advocacy for foster youth – he encouraged me to carry legislation supporting students in foster care, which led to a significant expansion of funding for community college students. He will be deeply missed.

Each year, I have the privilege of selecting a Woman of the Year for Senate District 17 as part of a statewide recognition of outstanding women across California. This year, I was proud to select Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, who has spent decades in public education, including as a teacher and school principal. She will be retiring next January after a remarkable career in service to students and families.

I was glad to participate in the LGBTQ Caucus’ press conference to announce legislative priorities and endorsed bills for 2026. I had a chance to highlight SB 1023.

I enjoyed welcoming the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agriculture Leadership Class to the Capitol. Their work is focused on some of the biggest challenges facing California agriculture, and it’s always encouraging to see students so engaged in problem-solving and public service. Thank you to Professor Anastasia Telesetsky for her leadership.

 

It’s been as busy in the district as it has been in Sacramento this past month. Here are a few updates from across the Central Coast: First, a little bit about my Woman of the Year honoree: With nearly four decades in public education, Dr. Guss has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to county superintendent, providing leadership to more than 24 school districts and over 72,000 students. Her commitment to supporting students, educators, and families – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic – has made a lasting impact across Monterey County and the Central Coast. I wish her the very best in her upcoming retirement.

In Santa Cruz County, there has been important progress on housing, including the groundbreaking of the first educator workforce housing project on the Westside and new financing secured for supportive housing for veterans in Ben Lomond. At the same time, the community continues to grapple with ongoing traffic and access challenges related to the Murray Street Bridge project. Meanwhile, local leaders are beginning to confront significant budget shortfalls tied to potential federal cuts.

To help address these challenges, I introduced SB 1078 to give Santa Cruz County the option to seek voter approval for a local sales tax measure to support health programs and services. Because several cities in the County have already reached the state’s existing tax cap, it is currently unable to pursue this option. SB 1078 provides targeted flexibility so voters can consider a measure to protect essential healthcare services, with the potential to go before voters as early as November.

In Monterey County, the new roundabout at Laureles Grade and Carmel Valley Road was completed on March 19, marking an important infrastructure improvement. As drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern, I encourage everyone to take extra care in these early weeks. This project will help calm traffic, improve efficiency, and make travel through this area significantly safer. I appreciate the leadership of Monterey County Public Works, the Transportation Authority of Monterey County, and Supervisor Kate Daniels in delivering this project and responding to community needs throughout the process.

Monterey County also unveiled a memorial garden honoring the 940 residents who lost their lives to COVID-19. The memorial provides a place for reflection and remembrance for families and the broader community, and honors both those we lost and the frontline workers, first responders, and healthcare professionals who supported our region during an extraordinarily difficult time.

I enjoyed spending time at UC Santa Cruz with members of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. We had a good conversation about my path into public service and how they can achieve their own career goals. It’s always great to hear from students and what they’re thinking about.

I spent time with students from across Santa Cruz County at the Youth Civics Summit, co-hosted by the County Clerk’s Office, County Office of Education, Cabrillo College, and United Way. We talked about the importance of civic engagement, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from students. Always encouraging to see that level of engagement.

I recognized Geoffrey Morgan and the team at CHISPA (Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc.) on the acquisition of their new office building in Salinas. It’s an important milestone for an organization doing great work to expand affordable housing across the Central Coast.

I met with newly appointed Monterey County Public Defender Raymond Buenaventura and Chief Assistant Public Defender Thomas O’Keefe. We talked about the work their office is doing, current priorities, and ways to continue strengthening connections with the community.

My San Luis Obispo district staff and I toured Adventist Health Sierra Vista Hospital and learned more about their plans to expand access to care. Thank you to their leadership team for the exciting visit.

I spent time with Indivisible North SLO County discussing the state budget and legislative priorities and appreciated hearing directly from community members.