It has been a trying few years for our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) neighbors. The pandemic not only escalated a rise in Asian hate, but it also exacerbated mental health struggles. Leaders like myself became painfully aware of the lack of resources available to AAPI communities – from keeping our seniors safe to providing emotional support that could help people in crisis.
Election Day is just weeks away – Tuesday, Nov. 5. We will be electing a president and leaders at both the state and local levels. We will also be deciding on issues that impact us, such as housing, children’s programs, climate change and more. Be sure your voice is heard and vote.
19th Avenue Project Update If you’re a westside resident like me, you’ve seen improvements to 19th Avenue; now the City’s work on that busy thoroughfare is complete. I’ve been anxiously awaiting their […]
School is starting up again in a few short weeks, and many parents are concerned about a teacher shortage that many states are experiencing. Here in California, we have taken another step to attract more people into the profession – thanks to recently enacted legislation.
The month of July ushers in two new state laws that I authored – both of which have the goal of making our streets safer.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has been exploring alternatives to the state gas tax that will finance the road work we need. Fewer drivers are paying this fuel tax, as they ditch their combustion engines in favor of cleaner cars. The problem will worsen as California closes in on the year 2035 when a ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles takes effect.
One life lost or impacted by traffic violence in San Francisco is too many. As of mid-April, eight pedestrians have already been killed in our city this year. If that pace continues, we will surpass the fatality rate set in 2022. That’s when the highest number of deaths were recorded over a five-year period.
The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, and recruiting is underway to fill 10,000 fellowship slots with teenagers and young adults willing to serve their community while earning money for college.
It’s tax season. I wanted to highlight the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) programs, which provide tax refunds to millions of lower-wage workers and their families. Both the state and federal governments each administer one to help struggling workers with potentially sizeable tax refunds.
I want to wish you and your family good health and prosperity, as we celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Year of the Dragon in 2024 is expected to bring favorable conditions for change, and I’m happy to report there’s already one that I’m proud of.
As of 2024, more seniors and people with disabilities in California will be eligible for health care under Medi-Cal, the state program administering the federal Medicaid program. In 2021, under my leadership as Assembly budget chair, we approved the elimination of the asset test.
It’s almost time to ring in the new year! As 2023 comes to a close, I want to let you know of about a few state laws I championed that are taking effect on Jan. 1.
As residents of a major city, we know that getting from point A to point B doesn’t have to always involve a car. While public transit is a great option, people power should also be considered – and even play a bigger role. Active transportation is human-powered mobility, such as biking, walking or rolling.
Many of us have seen the viral images of retail theft across news outlets and social media. Large groups of thieves enter a retailer and steal thousands of dollars of merchandise in a matter of minutes.
Schools are back in session, signaling that summer is winding down. The change in seasons is noted in a variety of ways. On the west side, fall means it’s time for the Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival – 2023 marks this event’s seventh year and its success is a testament to how important this is to the community.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 