The Toni Times | May 2023
Welcome to May! Closer to summer and closer to all the amazing things summer in San Diego has to offer.
May is the month when we honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while wearing the uniforms of our nation’s military. As someone who is proud to come from a military family and to represent an amazing military district, Memorial Day is one of the most special and significant days of the year for me. It is a unique holiday. Memorial Day calls for the deepest solemnity in honor of those who gave their all to protect and defend the rest of us; it also presents many opportunities for joy and celebration—the kinds of freedoms those service members were willing to sacrifice for so their families, friends, and neighbors could lead safe and happy lives. Rest well, fallen heroes.
In the Capitol, we’re awaiting the governor’s annual May Budget Revision, which will help give us a better forecast to use in finalizing the state budget by June, and Senate Democrats also have introduced our “Protect Our Progress” budget plan. One of the budget items I am most interested in is full funding for is the California Dream for All Program. That’s the program I proposed last year to allow California to partner with first time homebuyers to expand homeownership and be another tool to chip away at California’s housing shortage. The challenge is the program is so popular, and needful, that the first round of funding was utilized in just two weeks. There is $200 million in previously allocated funding that needs to get out the door, and new funding that my colleagues and I will be advocating to be included in the final budget. There is more information on the California Dream for All Program, as well as our Senate budget plan, later in the newsletter.
Another one of my priorities is continuing to press forward with my bills that are working their way through the committee process. One of those bills, Senate Bill 447, which passed its first hearing on a 10-3 vote, ends the current ban on travel to states that had passed anti-LGBTQ legislation, and replaces it with a new program to promote inclusion and respect in those same states. As someone who grew up gay in the South, I saw first-hand how much a difference personal connection made in changing or opening minds and hearts. I think more and more of us are tired of the polarization, and looking for opportunities to support folks and connect with one another, person to person. That’s exactly what the BRIDGE Project – Building and Reinforcing Inclusive, Diverse, Gender-Supportive Equality – seeks to do.
If service members are willing to lay down their lives for people they don’t even know, shame on us if we don’t get to know each other and find common ground.
Thank you for reading.
The legislative session is in full swing and over the past few months. I have introduced several bills aimed at making housing more affordable and accessible, expanding abortion access, and increasing the accountability that local government bodies have over Sheriff’s Departments. These are bills that could help Californians in a number of ways, and I’m proud to share more about each of them below.
SB 450
After hearing from constituents and Californians across the state, I introduced Senate Bill 450 to modify SB 9, the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, and make it even more accessible for homeowners who wish to use it. The HOME Act, which was signed into law in 2021, widened access to housing for California working families by streamlining a homeowner’s ability to build a duplex or split their current residential lot, allowing for a maximum of four units on a single-family parcel.
These new changes to the law would add an ‘application shot clock,’ requiring local governments to either approve or deny an application for a new unit or a lot split within 60 days, and would require the local government to provide homeowners with a reason and a remedy if their application is denied. These changes also would align SB 9 with the existing ADU law, and make it easier for homeowners to navigate the application process. The proposed changes also would ensure that local governments are consistent in their zoning, subdivision, and design standards, so that no overly-burdensome requirements can be foisted upon homeowners, and would give the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Housing Law Unit accountability and enforcement authority over the law.
SB 519
Senate Bill 519 would promote safety in county detention facilities and ensure more transparent oversight of the Sheriff’s Departments that oversees them. Last year, in response to urging by members of San Diego’s legislative delegation, the State Auditor examined the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and deaths of persons in custody, and released findings that reported the department had systemic issues with its policies and practices that undermined its ability to ensure the health and safety of those in custody.
From 2006 through 2020, 185 people died in San Diego County’s jails – the highest death rate per capita in California. While the Auditor recommended that the department take steps to prevent similar future deaths, address deficiencies, and increase public transparency, ongoing concerns remain.
In response, I have introduced SB 519, legislation that would give local county Boards of Supervisors the authority to establish a Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation if their Sheriff’s Department is unresponsive in addressing problems with county detention facilities. It would also ensure that full reports of investigations relating to in-custody deaths are publicly accessible in order to help prevent and reduce future deaths. The bill also expands the mission of the Board of State and Community Corrections to further promote legal and safe conditions for youth, inmates, and staff in local detention facilities.
I also am proud to be authoring two bills related to expanding and protecting abortion access in California.
SB 385 would expand training for physicians assistants to allow them to perform first trimester abortions under their scope of practice. It was approved on April 10 by the Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development in a 10-3 vote, and by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 9-2 vote on April 18.
SB 487 would strengthen protections for California healthcare providers who offer abortion care services and gender-affirming care. It was heard and approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 8-2 vote on March 28, and by the Senate Health Committee in a 9-2 vote on April 19.
Speaking of abortion rights…
The Supreme Court recently decided to preserve access to the critical abortion medication mifepristone while the legal battle over FDA approval of the pill continues – this is encouraging, but not a sign to become complacent. As I said in a recent statement, I am hopeful that science will prevail, and a drug that has been used safely and effectively in the U.S. for more than 22 years will continue to be available nationwide. California is taking action to prepare, just as we did before the Dobbs decision, and has secured a stockpile of the abortion medication misoprostol. With reproductive rights under attack, we must, and will, continue the fight to protect them and access to abortion care.
You can read more about California’s efforts here.
Despite recent challenges, California’s economy remains strong and secure – and to that end, Senate Democrats recently announced the “Protect Our Progress” budget plan, centered around responsible investments and actions. The plan cuts taxes for small businesses, continues to support California’s world-class schools, and bolsters funding to tackle our homelessness crisis.
As long as Californians continue to rely on our responsible, common-sense approach to budgeting, we will make it through these challenging times together – that’s why the “Protect Our Progress” plan doesn’t draw from the Rainy Day Fund, and even expands it, building our state’s reserves to over $38.1 billion, while making no cuts to core programs.
To learn more about the “Protect our Progress” budget, click here.
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The California Dream for All program is off to an incredible and inspiring start – during the first two weeks of it being launched, more than 2,400 first-time homebuyers were helped with their down payments. That rapid response, and resulting use of the $300 million in funding appropriated, is a testament to just how critical this program is for California families – especially those who historically have faced systemic barriers to home ownership – and the need to continue to fund the program.
California Dream for All, a program I introduced as a way to help first-time homebuyers and address our state’s pervasive housing crisis, was created as part of the Budget Act of 2022. While that budget appropriated $500 million for the program, the remaining $200 million has not yet been released.
I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor to release the additional $200 million, and work to secure more state funding and explore additional private sector options to bolster the program and help even more families achieve the dream of home ownership.
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This month, we celebrate the contributions of our Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities here in San Diego and throughout California. We also stand with our AAPI community against the alarming and hateful acts that continue to impact our neighbors, and commit ourselves to working toward a future for AAPI communities that is free from hate, and inclusive and equitable for all.
Celebrating Small Businesses
This month, Team Toni is celebrating and recognizing the over 4 million mom and pop businesses that call California home and employ nearly half of our private sector workers. Did you know: Over 95% of businesses in San Diego are small businesses – so shop small this month!
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We loved watching our San Diego State Aztecs during March Madness and their underdog run to the NCAA Championship game against the UConn Huskies. Even though they didn’t cut down the nets at the end of the game, we are so proud of our San Diego student athletes – only the fourth 5-seed and first Mountain West Conference team to make it to the National Championship!
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It was an honor to present my 2023 Woman Making Herstory, Dr. Toluwalaṣé “Laṣé” Ajayi, with a Senate Resolution, and celebrate this year’s inspiring Women of Senate District 39 for their contributions to our community! Visit my website to learn more about these incredible women: sd39.senate.ca.gov/2023/woman-district
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I was thrilled to join the San Diego LGBT Community Center for the grand opening of the Hillcrest Youth Center! We owe it to our LGBTQ youth to provide safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces like the HYC where they can receive support and services, connect with their peers, and be their authentic selves.
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The San Diego Food Bank does incredible work throughout San Diego, providing food and essential supplies like diapers and period products to community members in need. I was grateful for the opportunity to tour their facility and learn more about everything they’re doing for San Diegans.
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Since opening their doors 50 years ago, the Fleet Science Center has created transformational moments of inspiration, connecting 26 million people to the power of science. It was great to celebrate their 50th anniversary—and so exciting to meet Katya Echazarreta, a Citizen Astronaut!
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Historically, due to cultural and structural barriers - including social stigma and language - AAPI individuals are less likely to seek mental health services than any other racial or ethnic group. I was grateful for the opportunity to attend a community meeting focused on addressing these issues.
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The Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center will help educate the next generation of caregivers and healthcare leaders, provide opportunities for cutting-edge research, and help more San Diegans access quality care. Thank you to The Conrad Prebys Foundation for their generous support of this project!
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It was a pleasure to meet with the Environmental Health Coalition’s new Executive Director, Jose Franco Garcia, and cofounder and previous Executive Director Diane Takvorian— important partners in our work on environmental justice, climate change, and environmental health.
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The work done by In Home Support Services home care providers is critical for tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities. I was grateful for the opportunity to join the UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 and speak to members about addressing the growing demand.
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I was honored to receive the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Director’s Award alongside many other well-deserving individuals and organizations who protect the health and safety of all San Diegans!
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The late Dr. Charles Bell, Jr. was one of the leading African American mathematicians of the 21st Century, and San Diego State University’s first African American tenured professor - teaching there for nearly 20 years. Team Toni celebrated with community as their East Commons were re-named in his honor.
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Team Toni had a BALL at the San Diego Natural History Museum celebrating Diversionary Theatre, the third oldest LGBTQIA+ theatre in the country.
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