Creating Change - September 2026

September 2026

September marks a change of pace after a busy end to the legislative session. Students are heading back to school, families are settling into new routines, and the first signs of fall are beginning to arrive. Here at the Capitol, we’re also turning the page on another legislative year. In this edition of Creating Change, I’ll recap some of the important legislation we sent to the Governor’s desk and what it means for Californians. I’ll also reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11th, share some encouraging climate and progress happening here in California, and highlight the work continuing across our district. While the Legislature may have adjourned, my work on behalf of the people of Senate District 13 continues. 

In the Capitol:

• Legislative Update
• Commemorating September 11
• Good News Climate Blog
• Fighting for Wildfire Victims
• Delete Act - Did You Know?
• Reducing Plastic Waste
   

In the District:

• Sign up for Community Forums on AI Risk and Safety
• Save the Date! Community Town Hall on State Routes 84 and 35
• Meet our New District Coordinator, Joyce Song
• Affordable Housing Ribbon Cutting in Belmont
• Community Milestones
  • SamTrans 50^th Anniversary
  • 35^th Anniversary of the Forum @ Rancho San Antonio
  • 30^th Anniversary of Stanford Teen Mobile Health
• Community Highlight - Stanford Law School Speaker Series on AI
• New Name, Same Energy Rebates
  Peninsula Clean Energy is now WestLight Energy
   

In the Capitol
 

Today marks the final day for the Governor to sign legislation, and we have made tremendous progress. We set an ambitious agenda this year, and we are delivering. Nine of my bills crossed the legislative finish line, advancing impactful, nation-leading policies all while chairing the Natural Resource and Water Committee, the Human Services Committee, my Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation, and the Bay Area Caucus and serving as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. Some bills have already been signed into law, and I will have more to share later. These bills move California forward to addressing some of the biggest challenges facing Californians, and I'm proud of what we accomplished this year.
 

This year marked 25 years since the September 11th attacks. For so many of us who witnessed or personally experienced the events of that terrible day, the images and memories remain indelibly seared into our minds: the 2,977 lives lost, the actions of the extraordinary courageous first responders and everyday Americans who rushed toward danger to help others, and the families who still carry the weight of that loss. Twenty-five years later, September 11 remains a powerful reminder of the strength we find in one another during our darkest moments. May we honor those we lost not only by remembering them, but by continuing to create a more compassionate and peaceful world.
 

Good climate news keeps coming. In the latest edition of my Good News Climate Blog, I’m highlighting more of the progress that can sometimes get lost in the headlines. There is still a tremendous amount of work ahead, but these stories remind us that progress is happening every day. I hope you’ll check out the latest good news and share it with someone who could use a little climate optimism. Check out my latest blog post here.
 

At the end of our legislative session, I undertook a major effort to deliver fast and fair relief to wildfire victims, hold utilities and their CEOs personally accountable for the catastrophic fires they cause, and strengthen community wildfire prevention and preparedness. This bill was a balanced and meaningful first step as we continue working on larger structural issues next year. While we were unable to get SB 492 across the finish line this year, wildfire survivors remain my top priority. This work was not for nothing. We have advanced new ideas and discussions that will be the foundation for future progress to deliver for the people of California. Our work is not done. I will continue working to protect our communities from future catastrophic wildfires and deliver the relief wildfire victims deserve.
 

More than half a million Californians have already signed up for DROP, the one-stop deletion system created by my Delete Act to take back control of their personal information from data brokers. And it’s working. Californians are using the system, data brokers are being held accountable, and enforcement is underway to ensure companies follow the law and respect consumers’ privacy rights. To register, visit Privacy.ca.gov/DROP.
 

One of the things I value most about serving in the Legislature is the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who bring deep expertise and leadership to different issues. No one legislator can lead on everything. On reducing plastic pollution, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Catherine Blakespear who have been tremendous leaders in California’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and hold producers accountable. A recent Los Angeles Times investigation provides a troubling look at just how difficult that work can be. Leaked communications reportedly reveal efforts by the plastics industry to undermine California’s landmark recycling and plastic-reduction law even after those policies were enacted. California has led the nation in taking on plastic pollution, and we cannot allow that progress to be undone. I’m grateful to have colleagues I trust leading this work, and I’ll continue standing with them to protect the historic environmental policies California has put in place.
 

 In the District 
 

I am convening two virtual forums on the risks and future of artificial intelligence. AI is advancing at extraordinary speed, and with that progress comes both enormous opportunities and serious questions about safety, security, and how we protect people as these technologies evolve. AI transparency and responsible innovation are a priority in my work in Sacramento. In July 2025, I led a delegation to the European Union to compare approaches with some of the world’s leading AI regulators. I've also authored landmark California legislation on AI transparency, and have worked with the EU to make AI-generated content easier to identify and verify. Now, I’m advancing that conversation with these forums. On October 26 and 27, I’ll host a two-part virtual forum bringing together nationally recognized experts from civil society, industry, and academia. We’ll examine the risks emerging from increasingly capable AI systems, the latest safety research, and the open questions we need to be asking now.
 

Mark your calendars for October 20 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Mountain Terrace for an in-person and virtual Town Hall on safety conditions along State Routes 35 and 84. These iconic roads connect our communities and are enjoyed by cyclists, motorists, motorcyclists, hikers, equestrians, and residents. We want to preserve their character while making them safer for everyone who uses them. Hosted by my office alongside Assemblymember Marc Berman and Supervisor Ray Mueller, this Town Hall will bring together officials from across government to address the growing public-safety crisis along our mountain routes.

The heartbreaking death of a cyclist this summer was not an isolated incident. These corridors have experienced repeated fatal and serious-injury crashes, and residents and roadway users have been raising concerns for years. And the problem is getting worse. Social media and online car communities are increasingly promoting these roads as destinations for performance driving and racing. The safety challenge is no longer just about the roadway. It is also about how the roads are being used and how we enforce the rules that keep everyone safe.

We know the community has solutions. Please join us on October 20. Together, we can protect the character of these iconic roads while making them safer for everyone. RSVP link will be sent when available.
 

Joyce Song, District Coordinator for Senate District 13

I am thrilled to share that Joyce Song has stepped into the role of District Coordinator out of my Menlo Park office, bringing a deep commitment to public service, community advocacy, and thoughtful leadership. Joyce will head the district office operations between our local communities across the Peninsula and Silicon Valley and the State Senate. In her new role, Joyce will oversee constituent services, direct regional outreach, and lead the district staff in addressing key community priorities. Her background in stakeholder engagement and public policy makes her exceptionally well-suited to ensure local voices remain at the heart of state governance. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Joyce! Joyce and the district team are here to help with any issues you need in the district.
 

A rendering of a new affordable housing project in Belmont

This month, we celebrated the opening of 125 new affordable housing units in Belmont. Built by ROEM Development, Belmont Family Apartments has one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, many with views of the San Francisco Bay. The Peninsula desperately needs more affordable housing, especially multi-bedroom units that are suitable for families. In Belmont Family Apartments, families of four making between $70,000 and $135,000 annually have access to a safe and comfortable home. I want to thank the City of Belmont, San Mateo County and ROEM Development for making a home for so many families.
 

Senator Becker presenting a resolution to SamTrans upon the 50^th anniversary. 

I was thrilled to celebrate SamTrans’ 50^th anniversary on September 26 and recognize five decades of connecting people and communities across San Mateo County. The celebration also highlighted The Gateway at Millbrae Station, the largest transportation center west of the Mississippi River and an important hub for the future of regional mobility. I commend SamTrans for its continued commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation. Thank you to the employees, leadership, and partners whose dedication helps connect residents, workers, students, and visitors and improve quality of life throughout our county. Congratulations to SamTrans on 50 years of service—and here’s to the next 50 years.

I also want to recognize two other organizations for their significant milestones:

• The Forum at Rancho San Antonio’s 35^th Anniversary! Through its innovative owner-operated model and award-winning senior living programs, The Forum continues to set a standard for excellence and enrich the lives of residents, families, and the broader community.
• Stanford Teen Mobile Health’s 30^th Anniversary!  Through its mobile health services, the program has worked to remove barriers to care and connect underserved youth with the resources they need to lead healthier lives.
   

As a Stanford Law School alumnus who has made AI policy a major focus of my work in Sacramento, I wanted to share these great opportunities from my alma mater. Stanford Law’s AI Initiative is hosting a fall speaker series featuring experts tackling some of the biggest questions around AI, law, safety, business, and governance. We need to be constantly observant, and this is one forum that helps inform sound public policy. Check it out here!
 

Meeting our local, regional, and state energy goals would not be possible without the dedicated partnership of our incredible community choice aggregates (CCAs). Peninsula Clean Energy is now Westlight Energy, one of our local CCAs providing 100% clean energy to San Mateo County and Los Banos. Over the past decade, the team at Westlight Energy has helped consumers save $226 million and invested over $100 million back into our community through EV charging infrastructure, solar and storage projects, and large-scale electrification. I’ve covered the extensive home electrification rebates and discounts offered by Westlight Energy in previous features, but they also provide rebates for clean transportation! Eligible residents can receive $2,000 rebates on used EVs that can be combined with existing PG&E and BAAQMD funds for up to $18,000 off an electric vehicle purchase. Thank you to Westlight Energy for a decade of incredible accomplishments and doing the work to make electrification accessible, impactful, and affordable.

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

Sincerely,
Senator Josh Becker