The Toni Times | March 2023
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While the coming of Spring doesn’t have quite the same impact on me here in San Diego as it did in Southwestern Virginia, I’ve always felt a real sense of joy at this change of seasons.
The full moon we’ll see this month, before the official start of Spring, is called the Worm Moon, often said to be named by Native Americans for the signs of earthworm tracks on the warming ground—and in anticipation of the robins who will soon follow those tracks! That’s an excellent description for this time of hope and renewal. Other names for this moon have been said to include Death Moon, Chaste Moon, and Crust Moon, but all in all, I think I’m sticking with Worm Moon!
With March being Women’s History Month, get ready to see and hear about so many women whose brilliance, talent, and tenacity have shined as brightly as any moon. It is an honor to help share the stories of these women every year. Be on the lookout this month for a special e-message, where we will highlight our ‘Woman Making Herstory’ and celebrate our 2023 Women of the District. I’ll also be sharing their stories on social media throughout the month. I hope you’ll take a moment to get to know each of them, especially all the women leaders who are emerging, growing, and soaring. Which, is a pretty fitting description for Spring, as well.
March is said to “come in like a lion, and go out like a lamb.” The first half is certainly true in the Senate, where Senators have been busy putting together our bills, and our Senate Committees are undertaking the enormous task of analyzing and holding hearings on those bills. Unfortunately, in the Senate, March doesn’t so much go out like a lamb, but as a different, hungrier lion, requiring even more work. But that’s the important job we signed up for!
Spring is also a good chance for folks to get out and see people and attend more events in our community. Protecting the public health from COVID and its variants has kept many of us more cooped up and separate so long that it’s definitely had an effect on how we interact with each other. So when we go out in the world this March, let’s be kind, and also remember we don’t really know what others are going through. At the same time, no one has a right to be a bully, and no one deserves to be bullied. So be strong, know you have support and stand your ground. Just watch out for any little earthworms who might be passing by!
Thanks for reading.
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As climate change worsens, so too does the risk to life and property, wreaking havoc on California’s insurance market and dramatically driving up the cost of coverage. This has become especially challenging for residents in condominiums and homeowners association communities (HOAs) in high fire-risk areas who have been left with few reasonable coverage options.
It’s also an issue that is affecting individuals and families in the San Diego region – my office has been hearing from constituents impacted, and local media has been reporting on instances of coverage loss in Rancho Bernardo, Tierrasanta, Mira Mesa, and Scripps Ranch.
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I recently urged Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to take swift action to expand access to California’s insurance safety net, the California FAIR Plan, to these homeowners, because we have an obligation to help safeguard all communities against wildfire risks and other impacts of climate change. You can read the letter here.
This is just the first step—we will continue to explore every option to address this situation and protect our homes, homeowners, and economy.
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Starting next month, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will resume the annual Medi-Cal eligibility renewal process that was paused during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Follow these three steps to ensure your Medi-Cal Coverage continues:
- Confirm that Medi-Cal has your up-to-date contact information. Click here to find where you can update it online.
- Opt-in for updates about Medi-Cal renewals here.
- Look out for a renewal form from your county that will come via snail mail, fill it out and return it right away.
Visit the DHCS website for more information, and to sign up for email and text alerts.
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This month ends on César Chávez day, a holiday that we have recognized in California since 1995, but was only formally proclaimed a federal commemorative holiday nine years ago by President Obama.
California state offices and schools are closed so that we can reflect on the life and legacy of César Chávez, an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist.
Chávez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union) with another renowned Californian and labor leader, Dolores Huerta, to advocate for humane working and living conditions for migrant farmworkers in the 1960s. Today, as farmworkers continue to advocate for their rights across our country, Chávez’s legacy reminds us that change is possible when we work together.
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It was great to catch up with Margaret Iwanaga Penrose, President and CEO of the Union of Pan Asian Communities, and one of 2022’s Women of Senate District 39. Margaret and her team help ensure that youth and adults in the AAPI community receive the assistance and care they need—something that is especially important now given the horrific rise in anti-Asian hate across the nation.
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In celebration of Black History Month, the Broadway Heights Community Council unveiled the busts of Rosa Parks and California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. A much-deserved honor!
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I was thrilled to celebrate the San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s 152nd Anniversary with business and community leaders from around our region. A special congratulations to this year’s honorees - Kimberly Becker, President and CEO of San Diego International Airport; and Peter Seidler Chairman of the San Diego Padres!
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I joined Smart Justice California, my legislative colleagues, and Attorney General Rob Bonta recently for a meaningful conversation about California’s criminal justice system. I am committed to continue working toward restorative justice and holistic reform that will help people rehabilitate and heal, and ensure they have the resources they need to live full, healthy lives once they leave the system.
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On January 2, 2023, Justice Patricia Guerrero was sworn in as the 29th Chief Justice of California, making history as the first Latina to serve in this position. It was a pleasure to sit down recently and talk with her in San Diego, where she presided before being appointed to the California Supreme Court.
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It was an honor to pay tribute to my good friend, Mayor Karen Bass, as she received the “Woman of Distinction” award from Women of Color ROAR. She recently made history when she was sworn in as the first woman elected Mayor of Los Angeles. Congratulations to a true leader!
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Team Toni joined North Park Seniors to celebrate their fifth anniversary! North Park Seniors was San Diego’s first affordable housing developed for seniors that also provided programs for LGBTQ residents. It provides not only a home, but a safe and affirming community!
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