Creating Change - August 2026

August 31, 2026

CREATING CHANGE

End of Session – 2026

As the legislative session comes to a close, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together for our district and communities across California. This year, we tackled some of the biggest challenges facing our state. In this edition, I want to share some of the progress we made and the legislation we sent to the Governor’s desk to build a stronger, more affordable, and more innovative California. I also held important events in the district to help constituents be connected to the services they need.

In the Capitol:

That’s a Wrap! End of Session Recap
Thank You to Our 2026 Interns for Your Service!
2026 Staff Retreat
Addressing the Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Summit
Addressing the State Climate Policy Network Summit

In the District:

Immigration Forum, Resource Fair, and Backpack Giveaway
Celebrating the Opening of Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach
Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Annual Climate Summit 2026
California’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summit 2026
Community Highlight - Belle Haven Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

In the Capitol

THATS A WRAP! END OF SESSION RECAP

: Senator Becker with Senator Scott Wiener (d-San Francisco), Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) and climate supporters

Senator Becker with Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) and leading environmental groups.

What a whirlwind of a legislative session. We implemented the Delete Act and CAITA. And we kept building on that progress: I advanced significant legislation that will deliver meaningful change for Californians on affordability, clean energy, privacy, AI, wildfire resilience, housing, and more – all while chairing the committee on Natural Resources and Water and the Committee on Human Services. It was an incredibly productive session, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 INTERNS FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Senator Becker with the summer 2026 interns meeting in Sacramento.

Every year, I prioritize providing opportunities to encourage our upcoming leaders to learn, serve, and elevate the work we do to deliver for SD 13. Our interns this year have done excellent work across many areas, both in the District and at the Capitol. They’ve supported constituent services, community engagement, legislative work, communications, and the day-to-day efforts that help us better serve the people of Senate District 13. I’m grateful for their hard work, energy, and commitment to public service. Thank you to all of our interns for everything you’ve contributed to our team and our community! I’m confident that you are off to do great things.

2026 STAFF RETREAT

Senator Becker with District and Capitol staff in Sacramento for the annual retreat.

No one does it like my staff! In between developing policy in Sacramento and serving the constituents of Senate District 13, our team came together at the Capitol to plan our 2027 legislative year but also do some competitive team bonding! From team building activities and then painting abstract portraits of me to more serious discussion on constituent needs, I’m proud of the work that my team and I do daily on behalf of the one million residents I’m lucky enough to serve.

ADDRESSING THE SILICON VALLEY YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT

Senator Becker speaking to the annual Youth Climate Summit.

Earlier this month, I was honored to be the keynote speaker for Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action’s 2026 Youth Climate Summit. I feel so grateful to have so many bright and passionate young climate advocates in my district. The incredible students at SVYCA take on local projects, climate and environmental education, and policy advocacy at the state level. They are co-sponsoring their first bill this year, my SB 1048 (State Seal of Climate Literacy). Thank you to the team at SVYCA for always inspiring me and my colleagues to keep fighting for a better world for the next generation!

ADDRESSING THE STATE CLIMATE POLICY NETWORK SUMMIT

Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity to address more than 300 legislators and legislative staff from across the country about something California is tackling head-on: how we build the energy system of the future while making energy more affordable today. State leaders from across the country are wrestling with many of the same challenges we are, and they came ready to exchange ideas about what’s working and how we can move faster. I shared how we’ve been able to advance some of the most consequential energy policy in the nation. But the shared goal among all of us couldn’t be simpler: deliver affordable, clean, reliable energy. It was exciting to see leaders from across the country engaged in this work and looking to California for ideas. These policies may be wonky, but when we get them right, the impact is anything but: lower costs, a stronger grid, and a cleaner energy future for millions of people.

In the District

IMMIGRATION FORUM, RESOURCE FAIR, AND BACKPACK GIVEAWAY

Senator Becker with Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) and community advocates.

This month to kick off the start of the school year, we came together with community members, local leaders, and trusted organizations for Immigration Forum, Community Resource Fair, and Backpack Drive in San Mateo. The gathering created an opportunity for our community to hear reliable updates on the changing immigration landscape, discuss important legislative changes. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Human Resources, I led a discussion on H.R. 1 and its impacts on programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh/SNAP in order to better understand what these changes mean for families in our community. Just as importantly, we talked about how we can continue advocating for and supporting our immigrant neighbors as policies continue to evolve.

One of the most powerful moments of the day came from the written testimony of a community promotora with El Concilio of San Mateo County, who spoke candidly about the fear and uncertainty many immigrant families are experiencing and the importance of standing together as a community. She invited those in attendance to “Come and walk with the immigrant community; you will understand the pain and the reasons why so many of us are here.” Her words reminded us that behind every policy and legislative change are real people. They are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and families and that trusted information, strong community relationships, and knowing that others stand beside you can make a meaningful difference. They also served as a powerful call for all of us to consider the role we can play in ensuring our immigrant neighbors feel seen, supported, and connected to their community.

I am grateful to Assemblymember Diane Papan for her leadership and partnership in bringing this gathering together, and to the many organizations that helped make the day possible in supporting with organizing and planning this event: California Immigrant Policy Center, Faith in Action Bay Area, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, El Concilio of San Mateo County, Multicultural Institute, San Mateo County Human Services Agency. I am also thankful to the volunteers, interpreters, and community members who joined us.

A special thank you to Samaritan House for providing backpacks to help local students and families prepare for the new school year.

At a time when federal policies are changing quickly and creating uncertainty for many of our neighbors, it is critical that our community has access to accurate information, understands how new laws may affect them, and knows what resources are available. I am proud to see our community come together not only to learn, but to ask questions, share resources, and identify meaningful ways we can continue standing alongside our immigrant neighbors.

CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF DON HORSLEY PARK AT TUNITAS CREEK BEACH

Former Senator Jerry Hill, Senator Becker, and Assemblymember Marc Berman with other leaders to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the Don Horsley County Park.

I was thrilled to join the ribbon cutting for this spectacular new 58-acre coastal park and a remarkable victory for public access in our area.

This project fulfills the vision of the late Don Horsley, former San Mateo County Supervisor and Sheriff, who championed protecting this beautiful stretch of coast and making it safe and accessible for everyone. It was wonderful to celebrate with Don’s family, including his wife, Elaine, and the many community leaders and partners who helped bring his vision to life. I’m grateful to San Mateo County Parks, Peninsula Open Space Trust, the State Coastal Conservancy and the many community partners who helped turn Don’s vision into reality.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and a longtime advocate for coastal protection and access, I’m especially proud of this new park. The nearly mile-long beach now offers accessible trails, scenic overlooks and opportunities for people to experience and protect our extraordinary coastline. Come visit this precious natural resource, experience its beauty for yourself, and enjoy a stretch of our coast that now belongs to all of us.

Don’s vision reminds us that we don’t inherit our natural treasures from those who came before us. We hold them in trust for those who come after.

CALIFORNIA’S LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) SUMMIT 2026

In July, the draft for the 2027 iteration of the state’s LIHEAP plan was released. The California Department of Community Services and Development provides assistance with paying energy bills and home energy efficiency for eligible low-income households who are already paying a high portion of their income to meet their energy needs. You may be eligible for:

HEAP: one-time financial assistance to help balance utility bills
ECIP: utility assistance during a crisis
LIHEAP Weatherization: free energy efficiency upgrades

Too many families are forced to choose between paying their utilities bills and meeting other needs like rent or groceries. If you think you might be eligible, please visit the LIHEAP website or reach out to my office if you need assistance navigating the program.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT - BELLE HAVEN RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Senator Becker joining Belle Haven Elementary School to celebrate the opening of its new gymnasium

I was proud to join the team at Ravenswood City School District as they celebrated the ribbon-cutting of their new gym, field, and playground at Belle Haven Elementary. This is a significant milestone for students and families in the community. These new facilities are more than just fields and courts. They’re investments in our kids, giving students spaces to build physical health, teamwork, confidence, and social-emotional growth. Every student in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park deserves access to safe, welcoming, state-of-the-art environments that support both academic and personal achievement.

Investing in our kids and their futures has long been a priority of mine.

Three years ago, I convened a town hall in East Palo Alto to raise awareness about CalKIDS accounts and help families take advantage of resources available for their children’s future education. It’s great to see that commitment continuing at Belle Haven!