Rabbit Rabbit! There is an old superstition that if the first thing you say on the first day of the month is “Rabbit Rabbit” you will have good luck that month. I don’t know if it’s worth writing, but I thought I’d give it a shot.
Welcome to July! Can you believe the year is already half over? Of course, July is the month we celebrate our nation’s independence and I asked a special guest columnist to weigh in below. I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating the beginning of our wonderful-not-even-flawless-time country.
July 1st means the start of a new fiscal year, and California’s fiscal year is starting with a responsible spending plan after Governor Newsom signed the budget he sent to the Senate and House last week. This was a tougher fiscal year than we have experienced in recent years, but we still managed to maintain our growth, maintain essential services, and maintain a healthy inventory in case California experiences worse economic news in the future. There are more details about the budget later in the newsletter.
With the budget done (although we’re actually starting work on next year’s budget), our focus in Sacramento is back on legislation. So when the Senate begins to consider all the Assembly bills that are sent to us, we will work our bills through the Assembly.
One of my bills, SB 447, will have its first Assembly committee hearing this month. This is the bill that creates the Bridge Project that I’m proposing to address some of the polarization we’re seeing in California and across the country. I am honored to receive the op-ed I wrote on the BRIDGE project Published by Tin VogueHe has a national reputation for political savvy. There is also more on SB 447 in the newsletter.
Because getting the budget across the finish line was such a big deal, I’m going to take a break and sign off here and hand it over to a guest columnist. Thanks for reading, Happy Fourth, and Happy San Diego Pride!
— Tony
Joey’s Note!
Hello. J Maple Joseph. Je suis un Poodle Francaise (and some other breeds, says doggy DNA testing). Really, I’m just Joey, an occasional California First Dog and generally good boy. Mom said the Fourth of July is coming up, so when you celebrate, I ask you to do two things.
First, please remember the contribution of my countryman General Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roque Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette to the American Revolution. Second, please watch it with fireworks. Those things are hurtful and scary—get my French—the bejeezus out of us. Dogs, cats, you name it.
Please make sure we’re in, and maybe play us a movie when the buzz starts. Even shelter animals are scared, so maybe drop them some food or toys before the Fourth – or better yet, take one home! When it comes to furry friends, freedom isn’t all that matters. And if you happen to go to the shelter and there are bunnies, take as many as you can. I think I heard my mom mention something about a rabbit and I need no competition!
Thank you for reading
Joey
Happy early Independence Day to you! I look forward to seeing our communities come together and celebrate the founding of our nation. Although the ideals of freedom and equality that arose 247 years ago are still a work in progress, there is still much to celebrate and celebrate in the design of the Fourth of July and the American Dream!
I wish you a happy, safe and meaningful holiday. Below are some family-friendly events around San Diego that are great for everyone.
Old Town San Diego 4Th of July
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
The State Historic Park hosts family-friendly activities and games at the Plaza de las Armas, all to the sound of the Big Mountain Bluegrass Band. July 4 from 11 am – 3 pmTh.
San Diego County Fair
Del Mar Fairgrounds
July 4Th It’s the last day to enjoy all of the San Diego County Fair’s rides, attractions and exhibits, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the Independence Day festivities! Adults admission $20, children under 5 free.
Coronado Independence Day Parade
10:00 p.m. on Orange Street, Coronado, California
Join the City of Coronado for 74Th Anniversary 4Th July Parade, and stay for the concerts from IT’S Never 2L8 and PHT & The Honky Tonk Nights starting at 4:00pm at Coronado Golf Course 14.Th Fairway
Today marks the start of the 2023-24 fiscal year, and with it comes a Completed budget plan For California. On June 26, the Senate, House and Governor Gavin Newsom reached a tripartisan agreement on a balanced, responsible budget for our state that protects our economic growth. The $310.3 billion spending plan includes $31.7 billion in solutions to close the budget gap and keeps $37.8 billion in general fund reserves. You can read my statement about the final budget agreement here.
A quick note about maintaining our progress on health care access
My family didn’t have access to regular health care when I was growing up – and for my parents’ health, it had a lasting impact and ended their lives very early. Health care remains a budget priority for me, and one of the best investments our state can make.
My colleagues and I have made great strides in recent years to extend health coverage under Medi-Cal to everyone, regardless of immigration status, and in this latest budget we were able to secure $10.3 billion in managed care organization (MCO) tax increases. We have been reimbursed for health expenses, and we have received financial assistance intended to offset the costs of other health care coverage under Covered California.
The Affordable Care Act requires more people to get health insurance or pay a tax penalty. This mandate was intended to encourage people who could afford it to purchase health insurance. When the Trump administration repealed the federal penalty in 2019, the Legislature enacted a similar penalty for low-income individuals who cannot afford insurance. The funds are intended to reduce out-of-pocket costs for Californians who purchase health insurance. While the governor proposed directing that penalty money to the general fund, we were able to make sure it went into the health care affordability reserve fund. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, $165 million — $330 million ongoing — from the penalty fund is proposed by the Legislature to lower discounts and deductibles for Covered California enrollees.
High costs not only deter people from purchasing coverage, but also prevent them from seeking care when they need it. That’s care that saves lives, from routine checkups to critical tests, and my colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that health care is affordable and accessible to all.
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SB 447: Building bridges to a more inclusive future |
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My bill to lift California’s travel ban this month and replace it with an out-of-state marketing campaign to promote inclusiveness — SB 447 – Will be heard by the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy.
With nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills moving through statehouses nationwide, the need for compassion and understanding is needed now more than ever. I am proud to introduce SB 447, and I look forward to our continued work as it moves through the legislative process.
The BRIDGE project has also been featured in the media recently. Read more about it here and listen!
- Teen Vogue: First openly LGBTQ+ state senator to lead California legislature in protecting queer youth
- Then there’s the Californian podcast: “Pie with Pro Tem”
- LA Times: Forget California’s travel ban on anti-LGBTQ states. Get involved instead.
- SF Chronicles: California’s travel ban to anti-LGBTQ states has always been effective. It is also harmful.
- San Diego Times: Senator Atkins can lift state travel ban, replace it with LGBTQ+
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The California LGBTQ+ Pride summer season culminates in San Diego Pride from July 8th to July 16th.
This year’s theme is “Grow Up!” We live in challenging times, with the LGBTQ+ community under seemingly constant attacks, but we are a strong and determined community, and let’s defend against these threats together. We will not only survive, we will overcome, we will persevere, we will grow! As we affirm our pride and solidarity, let us celebrate together our progress towards justice and equality and the diversity of our communities.
Here is a lineup of some of the official events:
- She FestSaturday, July 8, noon – 6 pm at Hillcrest Flagpole (1500 University Avenue, San Diego) – This event focuses on the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people.
- Turn on the cathedralWednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (2728 6).Th Avenue, San Diego) – Gather with LGBTQ+ faith leaders to celebrate our faith and perseverance and light up the cathedral in rainbow colors.
- Spirit of Stonewall RallyFriday, July 14, 6 pm at Hillcrest Flagship – This event recognizes individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community through leadership, activism and philanthropy. Congratulations to this year’s awardees:
- Pride Champion – Christine Lilly Renee Wood
- Community Grand Marshal – Drag Community
- Stone Wall Service – TransFamily Support Services
- Proud Hero – Dr. Carlton Thomas
- Community Service – Naya Marie Velazco
- Larry T. Baza Arts and Culture – Lindsey Deaton
- Proud Friend – Judith Vause
- Light of Pride – Temple Emanu-El
- Pride paradeSaturday, July 15, 10 a.m., starting at Hillcrest Flag and heading to Balboa Park – one of the largest pride parades in the United States, with more than 300 wrestlers, our annual parade in San Diego is expected to draw more than 300,000 people.
- Pride FestivalSaturday, July 15, 11 am – 10 pm and Sunday, July 16, 11 am – 9 pm, Marston Point, Balboa Park – Highlighting the best in LGBTQ+ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural events and community resources.
For more information about San Diego Pride activities, go to sdpride.org
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Jamul Indian Village empowers their community and the San Diego region by investing in community infrastructure and providing educational opportunities, healthcare and housing. It was great meeting Chair Erica Pinto and Vice Chair Michael Hunter this month.
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I am honored to recognize Sandy Kerl’s 41 years of public service and wish her all the best in her retirement! As she leads the San Diego County Water Authority through the Covid pandemic, she remains committed to expanding and empowering the authority’s workforce and enhancing relationships with member agencies.
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Adopted children face an uphill battle to achieve their potential. San Diego College of Continuing Education and Promises2Kids are pleased to receive $1.4 million in last year’s state budget to provide higher education opportunities for San Diego youth out of foster care.
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