Op-Eds

For decades California has been the undisputed global epicenter of film and television production. Over the past several years, the volume of film and television production shooting in California has declined precipitously as rival states and countries lured away work with aggressive tax incentives and rebates.

California has a problem. Alcohol-related roadway fatalities in our state have surged more than 50% over the past decade — an increase twice as steep as the rest of the country, according to federal estimates. More than 1,300 people die each year statewide in driving under the influence (DUI) collisions. Over the past year, the team at CalMatters have led an investigative reporting series shedding light on the fact that our state has arguably some of the weakest DUI laws in the country.

As 2025 comes to a close, we have the opportunity to reflect on the challenges we faced and the progress we made together this year. 2025 was defined by difficult budget choices, serious conversations about affordability, and a shared responsibility to keep our state moving forward—especially for working families who are feeling the pressure of rising costs and an uncertain economy.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are already thinking about the familiar comforts of the season—family gatherings, favorite recipes, maybe even the annual debate over whether the cranberry sauce should be homemade or served straight from the can. But beyond the ritual and routine, Thanksgiving offers something deeper: an invitation to slow down and take stock of how we show up for one another in our community.

The 2025 legislative session included new investments to keep jobs in California, protect the civil rights of the most vulnerable communities, support local schools, and help Californians rebuild after devastating wildfires. With 2026 right around the corner, now is a great time to share your views on the issues with the District Office.

As we take stock of the 2025 legislative year, it’s clear that despite noteworthy accomplishments we have more work to do in the coming year. Affordability will continue to drive the bulk of policy discussions in Sacramento.

After over nine months of work, the California State Legislature has concluded the 2025 Session.  I am so grateful for the many residents of the 44th Assembly District who have taken the time to interact with our office with your questions, comments, and concerns. 

Over the next three weeks, the California State Legislature will consider nearly 850 pieces of legislation (referred to as bills) currently pending in both the State Assembly and the State Senate. It’s all part of our legislative process governed by rules and deadlines that began in January and concludes on September 12^th. 

The Life Cycle of a Bill

Every January, the Governor releases a budget proposal that kicks off negotiations with the Legislature over everything from how we fund our schools to public safety. This year, through the aftermath of the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires and the ongoing economic assault on California from the federal government, We worked together to pass a budget enacting a responsible, balanced spending plan that safeguards California’s values while maintaining our state’s long-term fiscal health.

In communities across California over the past week, immigration enforcement operations are being carried out in ways that violate basic rights and erode public trust.

The federal government is targeting immigrants in ways that are not only cruel- they’re unconstitutional. ICE’s aggressive tactics are tearing families apart, sowing fear in our neighborhoods, and undermining the very fabric our community.

The Trump Administration has chosen to weaponize immigration enforcement- not to enhance public safety, but to intimidate and divide.

California once set the national standard for public defense, but today our state’s justice system is failing its most vulnerable communities. There are many reasons for that: California provides no state-funding, it provides no state oversight to ensure lawyers are doing their job, and instead, it allows counties to operate on the cheap. We have counties where lawyers are paid to take thousands of cases and do little work on them. We have a crisis in our justice system.