Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We all know May as the month of Mother’s Day, but it felt a little different this year. It was the first time without my mom, and while the day still holds the same feelings of gratitude and love, it's now tinged with a profound sense of loss. As I reflect on the countless memories and lessons she imparted, I am reminded of the words of Washington Irving:
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
I take solace in knowing that this is also the first Mother’s Day in many years where she is reunited with my father. Imagining them together again, celebrating and watching over myself and my loved ones, brings a comforting peace to my heart.
Let's also take a moment to recognize Memorial Day and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by so many Americans in service to our nation. Here on the Central Coast, we are particularly aware of the profound contributions of these brave men and women. Their legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the true cost of our freedom.
Below, you'll see that my staff and I have been hard at work in Sacramento and across the District, continuing our service to you, the constituents. As we head into summer, I hope you and your family take time to enjoy the natural beauty of this great state. Please continue to reach out should our office be able to provide assistance.
Warm Regards,
John Laird
Senator, 17th District
My bill, SCR 124, would proclaim May as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, promoting awareness, early diagnosis, quality care, and increased support for research and affected families. Despite advancements, Cystic Fibrosis remains the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States. Health disparities and inadequate newborn screenings often lead to late or missed diagnoses, and while recent advancements have extended life expectancy to the mid-50s for those diagnosed after 2018, the median age of death remains in the mid-30s. I’m proud to be have been joined at the Capitol with my friends from the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute in support of this endeavor.
It is an honor to be named Legislator of the Year by the CALNENA 911 Association in recognition of my bill SB 623 which improves access for emergency responders to receive mental health support for PTSI and PTSD, and was signed into law by Gov. Newsom in 2023. Click here to read a CalMatters article on the bill’s importance.
I want to thank everyone involved in the reopening of Big Sur, including Gov. Newsom, Asm. Dawn Addis, Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto, Big Sur Fire, and numerous local agencies and community leaders. This was a true team effort because we all understand that Highway 1 is a vital lifeline for communities on the Central Coast. Our ongoing task will be to ensure this route remains resilient and open.
Speaking of keeping routes open – myself and CA Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas are excited that the CA Transportation Commission approved a $55 million allocation for the Hwy 101/State Route 25 project between South Santa Clara and San Benito County. While this is just a first step to help alleviate the longstanding congestion and frustration from locals and tourists alike, we both stand ready to look at all options to help improve the traffic flow in the region.
I had a great time visiting the Moss Landing Marine Labs where I had an opportunity to tour their Aquaculture facility where they are leading cutting edge research on future applications of seaweed.
Did you know that there is an annual Beaver Festival here on the Central Coast? The festival is one of many projects of the SLO Beaver Brigade, which works to support beavers and their habitat. I had a fabulous time with Brigade staff, walking the Salinas River and learning more about its educational and field programs to enhance natural habitat and support flood control in the Atascadero region and beyond.
Wonderful meeting with my good friends from the CA Teachers Association to discuss how we ensure our education system remains strong during this budget deficit.
Planned Parenthood plays a pivotal role in the national discourse on healthcare and reproductive rights. Just as the sign says – Abortion is Healthcare!
Esabella Bonner is the Executive Director of Black Surf Santa Cruz, a nonprofit focused on promoting physical, spiritual, and communal healing through surfing, recreation, education, and advocacy for our local community. Our future is bright with leaders like Esabella taking the charge.
Here I am with the Community Human Services Team at the Monterey County Business Council Gala in support of their recognition as Nonprofit of the Year. They are working to tackle our region’s most pressing needs!
Proud to stand in support of U.A. Local Union 403, an organization representing the hard working men and women within the plumbing, steamfitters, pipefitters, HVAC, and welders in San Luis Obispo County.
California State Parks Week is an exciting annual event that celebrates California’s State Park System and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. Given the incredible diversity of California’s 280 state park units – these parks preserve the state’s rich natural and cultural history and play a vital role in strengthening our communities. Public lands offer a place to connect with nature, find inspiration, and experience joy. This year’s Park’s Week theme, “This is where you live,” highlights the importance of these iconic places in our everyday lives. From June 12th through the 16th, there will be countless special events across the state where you can celebrate the beauty of the California outdoors. For more information click here.
Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of Anderson Lake County Park in South Santa Clara County with a Park Interpreter on Saturday, June 29th from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Designed for adults 55+, these 2-hour excursions are a great way to enjoy park trails in the comfort of a group. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. The group will meet at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center at Anderson Lake County Park and follow an easy 1-2 mile route along the Nature Trail. Email interp@prk.sccgov.org with any questions.
The FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County is excited to host the first-ever Santa Cruz County Wildfire Resilience Summit on Thursday, June 6th, from 2 PM to 6 PM at the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building. This free event, open to the public, aims to educate and motivate the community and participating organizations on actionable wildfire resilience projects, both in progress and ready to begin. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Join the City of Marina on Saturday, June 1st, at 10:30 AM to celebrate the commencement of Pride Month at the 3rd Annual Pride Flag event in Marina.The flag will ascend at 10:30, right at the intersection of Del Monte Boulevard and Reservation Road. After the ceremony, attendees are invited to take a short walk to the 2024 Marina Multi-Cultural Festival held at Vince DiMaggio Park.
The Central Coast Aquarium is partnering with Revive Dive for a fun family event for all ages to celebrate World Oceans Day on Saturday, June 8th at 8:45 AM. They will host a cleanup on land and in the ocean at Avila Beach. After the cleanup, the Aquarium is providing their space for activities including face painting and more. To note: Dive check-in is at 8 AM and pre-dive registration is required. For more information click here.