Creating Change

June 2025

As we welcome the summer season, I want to take a moment to wish you all a joyful and restorative start to the months ahead. It’s been a busy and eventful time, and in this edition of Creating Change, we have much to reflect on and share:

• Bay Area Caucus Condemns ICE Raids
• SD 13 Recognizes HIP Housing as Non-Profit of the Year - Learn about Home/ADU Sharing!
• Celebrating Juneteenth
• Celebrating Pride Month
   

Senator Becker speaking with KRON4 Anchor Stephanie Lin. 

As Chair of the Bay Area Caucus, consisting of 27 legislators across the Bay Area region, I am proud that we have come out with a strong, unified statement in condemnation of the Administration’s ICE raids. These actions threaten the very people who power California’s economy: farmworkers, hotel staff, day laborers, and caregivers. A new report from the Bay Area Council warns that mass deportations could cost California $275 billion with $13 billion in lost tax revenue. These are not just numbers—they represent real people, real jobs, and real harm to our communities. Fifty percent of our undocumented immigrant population have been in this state for over 20 years, contributing to our economy and becoming integral members of our communities. The Bay Area Caucus stands united in opposition, and we will continue to defend due process, protect our communities, and hold ICE accountable. You can see my interviews here on KRON4 and NBC Bay Area. 

Senator Becker with HIP Housing Executive Director Kate Comfort Harr.

I was so pleased to honor HIP Housing as SD 13’s Nonprofit of the Year in Sacramento. In addition to recently breaking ground on an infill affordable housing project in San Carlos, HIP Housing has a number of programs helping ensure families can find affordable housing options throughout San Mateo County. I would like to highlight one program in particular - their Home Sharing Program which matches individuals seeking housing with those who have extra bedrooms or ADUs to rent. This efficient use of extra rooms allows local residents and workers to remain a part of our communities. Through this program, HIP Housing has helped hundreds of people find long-term, affordable housing options.

Senator Becker speaking in support of Juneteenth on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus

This month, the Senate commemorated Juneteenth, a day that marks the delayed but hard-won emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. I was honored to rise on the Senate Floor to speak during this powerful moment of reflection — and equally proud to celebrate Juneteenth with constituents across our district, many of whom carry forward the legacy of resilience, resistance, and hope that this day represents. Juneteenth is more than a date in history. It’s a living reminder of both the unimaginable injustices endured and the extraordinary strength that has propelled Black Americans forward through slavery, through Jim Crow, through civil rights struggles, and into today’s ongoing fight for equity and justice. It is a celebration of survival and spirit, culture, joy, and freedom.

But as we honor Juneteenth, we must also confront the truth that freedom is not static. It can be threatened, rolled back, or withheld entirely. History has shown us how fragile justice can be when we are not vigilant. That’s why this day is not just about celebration, but a recommitment to protect the rights we've fought for, to amplify Black voices, to dismantle systems of inequality, and to ensure that freedom and opportunity are truly shared by all. As we move through this season of reflection and renewal, let Juneteenth remind us of the transformative power of community, and of the enduring importance of solidarity and action. You can  watch my remarks here.  

Senator Becker presenting a resolution to leaders from the Ecuadorian Amazon,  Juan Bay, President of the Waorani Nation, Jhajayra Machoa, A’i Cofán of CONFENIAE, and Nadino Calapucha of the Kichwa organization Pakkiru. 

What a time hosting Indigenous leaders from the Amazon to our Capitol! They joined me to deliver a serious message that fifty percent of all oil from the Amazon comes to California. Oil drilling is destroying the land, displacing native species, causing cancer in local populations, and eradicating one of the greatest natural entities that captures and stores carbon and acts as a check on global climate change. Fifty percent of all oil from the Amazon comes to California. This oil drilling is destroying the land, displacing native species, causing cancer in local populations, and eradicating one of the greatest natural entities that captures and stores carbon and acts as a check on global climate change. While this moment was a milestone, I know the fight to protect the Amazon—and the communities who call it home—is far from over. You can read the Senate Resolution I introduced here. 

Senator Becker participating in the annual San Mateo Pride Parade. 

Happy Pride, SD13! Celebrating with our community at this year’s regional Pride parades is always a highlight. But it’s more than a celebration. It’s a meaningful moment to honor the resilience, joy, and contributions of our LGBTQ+ neighbors. This year, it also served as a vital show of solidarity at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under threat at the federal level. Standing together matters now more than ever, and I’m proud to represent a district that shows up with love, courage, and pride.

Sen. Josh Becker stops by KRON4 (Video)
(KRON4, June 22, 2025)
 

State Sen. Josh Becker speaks out against ICE raids (video)
(NBC Bay Area, June 19, 2025)
 

California is to examine its Amazon oil ties following pleas from Indigenous leaders from Ecuador
(AP, June 19, 2025) 
 

Report: Mass deportations would cause disruption
(San Mateo Daily Journal, June 23, 2025)
 

Downtown Half Moon Bay fills with pride
(Coastside News, June 23, 2025)
 

Fighting for the future: How State Senator Josh Becker brings local lessons to the state capitol - Midpeninsula Post
(Midpeninsula Post, June 14, 2025)
 

Becker defends energy bill following attack by TV station
(Palo Alto Daily Post, June 12, 2025)
 

San Mateo County leaders react to immigration crackdown, national guard deployment in Los Angeles
(San Mateo Daily Journal,June 10, 2025)
 

California Senate greenlights energy reform bills as Democrats pursue “affordability”
(The Mercury News,June 9, 2025) 
 

Community leaders slam National Guard deployment in LA
(Palo Alto Daily Post, June 8, 2025)
 

Why Paramount’s efforts to settle Trump’s lawsuit have drawn mounting political heat
(Los Angeles Times, June 5, 2025) 
 

Senate OKs regional transit bill
(San Mateo Daily Journal, June 4, 2025) 
 

SF shuts down 10 of the world's most-visited websites using AI to generate explicit content (video)
(KGO, June 2, 2025) 
 

California officials looking into potential Trump-Paramount settlement
(MSNBC, June 2, 2025) 

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my district office at (650) 233-2724.

Sincerely,
Senator Josh Becker