The Toni Times | November 2022
 |
Happy November!
I want to start this note by thanking our San Diego Padres for such an amazing season. You gave us a lot to cheer about and reminded us of one of the many reasons we love San Diego. Can’t wait for Spring Training!
This November, we honor and celebrate three important days.
First is Election Day on Tuesday, November 8, the culmination of the voting that will have occurred for the 2022 election. With our constitutional rights under attack and damage being done to the institutions that preserve our nation, this is a hugely important election. My ballot has already been sent back, and I hope yours has too!
Next, on Friday, November 11, we once again honor all the veterans who have worn our nation’s uniforms. I am so proud to represent so many veterans and active duty personnel—and their families. And I will always work to ensure that our veterans get the services they need, and the benefits that they have earned. There’s some more information about Veterans Day a little later in the newsletter.
Finally, on Thursday, November 24, we have the opportunity to gather with family and friends to celebrate our blessings on Thanksgiving. Something I know that we are all blessed by is the hard work of our farmers and farmworkers, grocery workers, and restaurant and service workers who make Thanksgiving possible for so many. Thank you all very much!
Of course, as we count our blessings this Thanksgiving, we also have to remember all those Californians who don’t have homes to call their own. Fixing this must remain a priority in all of our communities throughout California. While homelessness and affordable housing have been in a state of crisis for years, that doesn’t mean give up—it means work harder and work together.
The unique opportunities to celebrate abound this month – getting to choose our own leaders and the laws that govern us; honoring those who put their lives on the line to serve our country; and being thankful, even in difficult circumstances. November is a pretty big deal, so we should do it proud—Vote. Thank a vet. Count blessings. And go ahead and have some whipped cream on the pie!
Thanks for reading,
Toni
 |
Mark your calendar, Election Day is November 8. Or, rather, Election “deadline” is November 8 — you can vote early by returning your ballot by mail or at a drop box, or you can vote in person at locations throughout the region. You can even track the status of your ballot at https://wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.
Participating in our democracy has never been easier, so please take the opportunity to make sure your voice is heard this month. Every vote matters! For more information about how and where to vote, and for other information, visit SDvote.com.
 |
Coming from a military family, Veterans Day is particularly meaningful to me. My father, two brothers, twin sister, brother-in-law, two uncles, two cousins, two nephews, and grandfather all served in the Armed Forces.
As a Senator representing a district with strong ties to the military, serving veterans in our community is a true honor, and among my highest priorities. This year, I had the opportunity to author SB 1041, which will make permanent the sales tax exemption for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and other qualifying organizations that provide financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Armed Forces, their family members, and survivors. This bill received bipartisan support in both houses, and has been signed into law by the Governor.
I’m also pleased that my colleagues and I were able to make substantial investments in the state budget that will directly benefit our military and veteran communities. Those include:
- A $100 million augmentation to the Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Program;
- $50 million to establish the California Veteran Health Initiative, which will provide a comprehensive, coordinated approach to addressing veteran suicide;
- And $40 million in 2022-23, and $41.3 million annually thereafter, to increase the number of military-staffed fire crews from 10 to 14, and to make crews available year-round for both wildfire activities and fuel reduction efforts.
While the traditional San Diego Veterans Day Parade will not be held this year, San Diegans still have many other opportunities to honor veterans and service members at Fleet Week activities, which are scheduled from November 3 through November 12.
One event to mark on your calendar is the Veterans Day Boat Parade on November 11. The parade will navigate through the San Diego Bay starting at noon. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the parade from the shore of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and Coronado Tidelands Park. For more information on Fleet Week activities visit: fleetweeksandiego.org
The USS Midway Museum also is hosting a Veterans Day Salute to Service Festival with live music, kids’ activities, contests, and free food and drink samples. The event is free for all active, reserve, and National Guard members; veterans; and their families. For details click here.
To our veterans, current members of the military, and their families: Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you make for our country.
 |
November also is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, and honors the rich cultures and traditions of the Native tribes that were here long before California became a state. The peoples indigenous to what we now call San Diego County, including The Kumeyaay, have lived here for more than 10,000 years.
Last year, I was honored to take part in the opening of Iipay ~ Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok, the Land of the First People exhibit in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. To learn more about the exhibit and The Kumeyaay, click here. While we pay special tribute to Native American heritage this month, let’s remember to recognize their history and be diligent in our commitment to meaningfully engage with Tribal communities all year long.
 |
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stopped by to ride the rails, witness the bustling LOSSAN corridor in action, and learn more about the work SANDAG is doing in partnership with local leaders to move the tracks safely off the Del Mar bluffs.
|
|
It was humbling to stand shoulder to shoulder with such a remarkable group of health care advocates, united in our shared fight for reproductive freedom. Thank you, Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson (Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest), Cynthia Jovanov (California Association of Nurse Practitioners), Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Shannon Hovis (NARAL Pro-Choice California), and Norma Chavez-Peterson (ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties) for joining me to celebrate all the Legislative Women’s Caucus was able to accomplish this year to protect and expand access to critical abortion services and reproductive care.
|
|
I borrowed some of California State Librarian Greg Lucas’ time to check out the Oak Park and San Carlos Libraries, just two of the San Diego libraries that received funding in the 2022-23 state budget.
|
|
For 20 years, Your Safe Place has given survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and more one central location to access an array of trauma-informed services and professionals. I was grateful for the opportunity to thank this Family Justice Center for their decades of service to our community.
|
|
Congratulations to Mayor Mary Salas on 31 years of work in public service, including eight years as Mayor of Chula Vista. Mayor Salas’ record has earned her the admiration and respect of all who have had the privilege of working with her.
|
|
Honorary Team Toni member Tyson and his humans had a “doggone pawsome” time celebrating the San Diego Humane Society’s legacy of caring for domestic and wild animals, and inspiring a more compassionate world at their 36th annual Fur Ball!
|
|
With spectacular folk dancing and music, delicious Turkish food, and impressive crafts, the House of Turkey’s Lawn Program was an incredible way to celebrate Turkish Culture.
|
|
The work Community HousingWorks does to create more affordable housing communities for families in San Diego is invaluable. I was happy to celebrate their achievements and our continued partnership at their annual DreamBuilder Gala.
|
|
On National Coming Out Day, Team Toni joined San Diego Loyal midfielder Collin Martin and Qualcomm for an inspiring discussion on the Power of Authenticity. Four years ago, Collin made history when he became the first active male professional soccer player to come out as a gay man.
|
|
Zero8Hundred’s first annual Veterans Town Hall was an opportunity for military members and spouses to talk about their experiences transitioning back into civilian life. To learn more about their work, visit zero8hundred.org/how-it-works.
|
|
As we continue to fight for everyone’s right to reproductive health care, Team Toni and advocates from across the region were thrilled to welcome Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s Executive Director, Kelley Robinson, to our city. Together, we will ensure women from California and across the country can access the essential health care they need.
|
|
Living Out Loud: The Pink Gala was a fabulous celebration of Stepping Stone of San Diego, and a bittersweet moment to honor Cheryl Houk who is retiring after serving as its Executive Director for 25 years. Cheryl, you’ll be missed!
|
|
Team Toni stopped by the Burlingame Neighborhood Association’s annual block party to catch up with neighbors and share some of the work the Legislature was able to accomplish this year for our district.
|
|
Thank you to the folks at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance for taking time to walk Team Toni through the incredible work happening at the Beckman Center for Conservation Research. From one group of animal lovers to another, it was a “hoot”!
|
Social Media Corner |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |