Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we end the month of May with summer also fast approaching, it is clear that the path forward towards mutual success must be rooted in connection – both across borders and across generations. Earlier this month, I had the honor of meeting with the Consul Generals from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden to strengthen the partnership between California and our Nordic allies. Together, we discussed bold, shared goals around innovation, sustainability, and the green transition, showcasing that even as the federal government retreats from global leadership, California continues to lead by example.

Furthermore, May marked Older Californians Month, showing our renewed commitment to building a state where all people can age with dignity. With one in four Californians expected to be 60 and over by 2030, this year’s theme, Flip the Script on Aging, calls on us to challenge outdated stereotypes and elevate the voices of older adults. I’m especially proud to be joining the California Department of Aging for the upcoming Aging with Pride webinar, focused on the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ elders. Learn more about the webinar below. 

Thank you for staying engaged as we wrap up May and head into the summer months. There's a lot happening both in Sacramento and across the Central Coast, and my team and I remain committed to keeping you informed and supported. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the months ahead.
 

Sincerely,

JOHN LAIRD
Senator, 17th District

Unlike the federal government, California is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget – meaning we face tough decisions about where to allocate limited resources. Governor Newsom’s May Revision projects a $12 billion deficit, and as we move forward, we must ensure that any budget adjustments protect the Californians who need support the most.

I was honored to be recognized as an Anti-Hunger advocate by the California Association of Food Banks. The CalFoods program plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals and families across California have reliable access to nutritious and often locally sourced meals. In a time of economic uncertainty, food banks continue to be a lifeline for millions across our state, and I remain committed to fighting for the services that support them.

At the same time, actions by the Trump administration have caused ripple effects such as drastic federal funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health, which currently provides over $5 billion annually to California, with over $2 billion going to the University of California & California State University systems. These cuts strip research groups of critical resources to cover clinical trials and groundbreaking studies of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, among other illnesses. As Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education, I introduced Senate Joint Resolution 4 to urge Congress to reverse these devastating cuts and protect the future of research and innovation in our state.
 

For over half a century, El Teatro Campesino has uplifted the voices of working people, celebrated Chicano culture, and inspired generations through the power of art and storytelling. From the picket lines to the main stage, I’m proud to recognize El Teatro Campesino as the 17th Senate District’s 2025 Nonprofit of the Year for its enduring legacy and transformative impact on teatro chicano. 

Founded in 1965 by Luis Valdez during the Delano Grape Strike in collaboration with Cesar Chavez’s United Farm Workers, El Teatro Campesino began with “actos” – short performances staged on flatbed trucks and in union halls to depict the struggles of farmworkers. Over the decades, the company has earned numerous accolades including Obie Awards, multiple Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, and a George Peabody Award for its PBS production Corridos: Tales of Passion and Revolution. 

From Hollywood films like La Bamba to youth arts programs and community events in the heart of San Benito County, El Teatro Campesino continues to bridge the worlds of professional arts, education, and grassroots storytelling. California has long been a leader in the arts, and organizations like El Teatro Campesino are at the heart of that legacy – championing cultural expression, storytelling, and social justice through powerful performance.
 

With California’s size and diversity, it’s no surprise that Sacramento can often feel distant from the day-to-day lives of Central Coast residents. That’s why it’s always a true privilege to bring the stories and achievements of our communities into the heart of the State Capitol. This past month, I had the honor of welcoming the Everett Alvarez High School boys soccer team to the Senate floor to celebrate their incredible victory as the Northern California Division I CIF Champions. Their grit, teamwork, and determination are a reflection of the best of the 17th Senate District. 

Scroll through the photos below to meet more remarkable individuals and groups from across our region – each one a reminder of the strength and spirit that fuels our communities.

The MILPA Collective based out of Salinas is cultivating change makers for the next seven generations. A movement space designed for, and led by, formerly incarcerated and system-impacted individuals, their work to empower communities is greatly appreciated!

Camatta Ranch in San Luis Obispo County is a jewel for the region, and it was my honor to secure a $2.5 million budget allocation back in 2022 to complete the in-perpetuity conservation of over 27,500 acres – the second largest conservation project in the history of SLO County! What an honor to attend the recent celebration of this momentous achievement.

Karen Grimmer has dedicated decades to protecting our marine ecosystems as the Resource Protection Coordinator for NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Her tireless work has helped ensure that the sanctuary's incredible biodiversity is preserved for future generations. At the recent Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council meeting, I was proud to present Karen with a Certificate of Recognition in honor of her outstanding contributions to ocean conservation and stewardship along our coast as she heads into retirement.

Proud to join the community for Pitch In All County Clean Up Day along the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz! We rolled up our sleeves to pick up trash and recognize the dedicated organizers working year-round to keep Santa Cruz County clean. Environmental stewardship is a core value on the Central Coast – and events like this show just how strong that commitment is!

Team Laird was proud to join the groundbreaking ceremony for Pacific Wild Care’s new Kim & Derrel Ridenour Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. This future 16,000-square-foot facility will be a major step forward in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife, expanding the community’s capacity to protect and rehabilitate the Central Coast’s diverse species.

May is Small Business Month, and Team Laird was proud to celebrate local entrepreneurship at the grand opening of Rice and Roots, a new Vietnamese restaurant bringing delicious flavors to the Monterey Peninsula. It was a pleasure to join the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in welcoming this vibrant addition to the small business community!

Please join us on June 16 for the Aging with Pride webinar in honor of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month where a distinguished group of experts alongside the CA Department of Aging will share findings from a recent survey to better understand the needs, challenges, and aspirations of LGBTQIA+ older adults, as well as individual experiences reflected through focus group convenings.

Aging with Pride Webinar
Monday, June 16, 2025 
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
Register for Webinar