Creating Change - October 2023

As the 2023 California State legislative session comes to a close, I’d like to use this month’s newsletter as an opportunity to give you a glimpse into the fast-paced months, weeks, days and hours that lead up to the governor signing or vetoing thousands of bills. If you are curious about what I do on a daily basis as your California State Senator, please take a look at this short video, “A Morning in the Life” which was shot during one of the last days of the legislative session.

Click Here to View Video

And you can look forward to a “Day in the District” featurette coming soon.
 

Now that the Legislative Process has concluded, I am pleased to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed eight of my bills into law. Here is what Governor Newsom signed so far:

• SB 362 – Creates a first in the nation option for you to delete our online data.
• SB 485 – Protects election workers and volunteers from harassment.
• SB 474 - Reduces the unjust markup on everyday necessities like hygiene products, food and health supplements in prison canteen stores.
• SB 48 – Cuts carbon emissions in large and older buildings.
• SB 49 – Incentivizes solar and clean energy projects on top of parking lots and alongside highways.
• SB 410 – Solves the massive problem of interconnection by holding utilities like PG&E accountable to power up homes and businesses.
• SB 341 – Unlocks state funding for affordable housing.
• SB 448 – Ensures that youth will be considered for the least restrictive alternatives to detention regardless of their county of residence. 
   

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein served the people of California for over forty years as a County Supervisor and Board President, San Francisco Mayor, U.S. Senator and a prominent leader in our nation’s capital. She was a leader who shattered glass ceilings, led nationally on issues that impacted women and the LGBTQ+ community, and was the national voice on preventing gun violence. She was a fierce advocate in the Senate who always spoke truth to power and led on some of the most important issues of our time. Senator Feinstein will be deeply missed.
 

Senator Feinstein’s passing is a tremendous loss to our state and the nation. I am heartened by the appointment of Laphonza Butler to succeed her. Congratulations to California’s newest U.S. Senator, who is continuing to blaze a trail for all Californians in Washington, D.C. Senator Butler is the first black, LBGTQ+ woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. She represents California’s commitment to embracing equality and diversity, and she will take this spirit with her to the halls of the U.S. Senate. I look forward to working with her to continue to make the California Dream a reality for all of us.
 

I was proud to represent California in a legislative and administrative delegation that attended 2023 New York Climate Week this September. I participated in a roundtable discussion on ‘Leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act for Maximum Change’ with representatives from other states and the Biden Administration. I was also thrilled to present with other legislators about California's ambitious climate actions, particularly on SB 253 (Wiener) and SB 261 (Stern) to require the disclosure of a company’s GHG emissions and climate risks. 
 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and during this time victim advocates, survivors of abuse, health care professionals, victims’ loved ones, and our entire community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to combat domestic violence, and work to create a world where no family should be subjected to this kind of violence.

If you are in a situation where you need assistance to confront domestic violence, please visit the resources section of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence or reach out to my District Office.
 

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the second most common type of cancer that occurs in American women. Women over the age of 40 are encouraged to get mammograms in October - and all year round - in order to detect and protect themselves. Learn more about breast cancer symptoms and resources for free and low-cost mammograms here.
 

I am pleased to have joined over 150 constituents and community leaders for the official ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for our new Senate District Office. This new location is more centrally located and better accessible to constituents. Please stop by and meet our incredible District Office team and learn about the important constituent services that we provide. I am glad that so many could join this special event, and that my wife brought our dog, Percy, to celebrate with us.

There is a new opportunity to join a diverse team to serve our community and protect our residents. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department is hiring positions within its department. If you are interested in applying, please visit the Sheriff’s Department website. 
 

• Newsom signs bill that would make it easier to delete online personal data
  (LA Times, October 11, 2023) 
   
• 'Surreal and horrific.' Thousands gather in Palo Alto to support Israel after Hamas attacks: Religious leaders, politicians join crowd for a demonstration of solidarity
  Palo Alto Online, October 11, 2023) 
   
• California governor signs bill to speed utility interconnections
  (Utility Dive, October 9, 2023) 
   
• California governor signs bill to speed utility interconnections 
  (Utility Dive, October 9, 2023)
   
• Bay Area lawmakers and Jewish community condemn attacks on Israel 
  (KTVU, October 7, 2023)
   
• California looks to add solar and transmission along highways
  (Canary Media, October 4, 2023)
   
•  Bill aims to lower price markups, ease financial burdens in California prisons
  (Spectrum News, October 2, 2023) 
   
•  Local leaders share statements on the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein's 'trailblazing' leadership
  (The Almanac, September 29, 2023)
   

On October 10, a new world record was set at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh Off in Half Moon Bay, when a giant gourd from Minnesota tipped the scales at 2,749 pounds–the heaviest in the 50-year history of the contest. In addition to fame and glory, the pumpkin grower receives $9 per pound for his pumpkin, plus a check for $30,000 for setting the world record, and a Pumpkin King Champions Ring created for the 50th annual event by a Half Moon Bay jeweler. 

And as always, my staff and I are here for you!

If you need assistance with a state agency, need information about state programs or want to express your position on legislation or public policy issues, please do not hesitate to contact me at (650) 212-3313 or senator.becker@senate.ca.gov. You can always follow me on X at @SenJoshBecker and on Facebook at fb.me/Sen.Josh.Becker.

 

Sincerely,

Josh Becker
Senator, 13th District