As we enter further into 2025, it is clear that we are facing challenges few expected to escalate so rapidly. The current presidential administration has upended the federal government, leading to widespread uncertainty and job losses among countless federal employees.
January has flown by—somehow feeling both deceivingly fast and painstakingly slow. Given the start of session, and despite being in Sacramento for much of the week, I had the privilege of rushing back to the district to swear in my former Policy Advisor, Kate Daniels, as the newest member of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
As the holidays quickly approach, I want to take a moment to thank you for placing your trust in me to represent your values and interests in our Capitol.
I hope you’re having a spooktacular Halloween! This festive season is the perfect time to connect with loved ones, whether you’re carving pumpkins, whipping up hearty autumn recipes, or joining in some wicked celebrations. There’s something special about this time of year that brings joy, whimsy, and togetherness to us all, and I hope you are able to celebrate and participate with your community.
A special acknowledgement goes out to our distinguished Olympians from the 17th District: Hayley Batten, Natalia Grossman, Nikki Hiltz, Dominique Parrish, and Matai Leuta. Their remarkable achievements bring immense pride to our country and the Central Coast.
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.
If I would have told you a portion of road in Big Sur fell into the ocean and that you'd be stuck in your car overnight, many of you would be checking your calendars to make sure it wasn’t April 1st.