There’s a lot happening right now in Sacramento and across the Central Coast. We are in a critical part of the legislative session – making progress on key issues while also working through a challenging budget year. The decisions ahead will shape how we support communities, sustain essential programs across the state, and protect the environment. I’m approaching that work with care, discipline, and a long-term perspective.
Eighty-plus-degree days aren’t common in March, especially here on the Central Coast. Even as the weather has cooled, this past month saw higher-than-usual temperatures, and I hope everyone stayed safe during that stretch of heat. It’s a reminder of how much our climate is changing and the work we have ahead to prepare for it.
As we move through the early weeks of the legislative year, much of my work in Sacramento has focused on maintaining the essential services Californians rely on while supporting the long-term strength of our Central Coast communities.
As we step into 2026, I’m excited about the year ahead and deeply honored to have been named Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee – one of the Legislature’s most important responsibilities. I take this role very seriously.
As we move through the fall season, it has been great to be back on the Central Coast full time. We have had our first storms, and I hope that puts the fire season behind us.
My colleagues and I wrapped up the first year of the two-year session on September 13 in the late afternoon. Yes, session wrapped up on a Saturday, which was unusual but was necessary as both the State Senate and Assembly voted to reauthorize the state’s Cap-and-Trade greenhouse gas reduction program, which was set to expire after 2030.
In true California fashion, this summer has been one of the hottest yet – unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to live in the beautiful 17th Senate District, where temperatures have lingered in the perfect 70s and 80s.
