The Toni Times | August 2023
Hello! My name is Pamela Ison, and I am the District Director for Senator Toni Atkins. Because the boss is celebrating her birthday today, Team Toni decided to give her the day off and take over the August newsletter ourselves. What we thought we’d do is tell you a little bit about the District Office and what we do, and our colleagues from the Capitol will chip in with an update on the budget and infrastructure bills that were signed in Sacramento since our last edition.
One of the best things about working for Senator Atkins is the strong emphasis she puts on the people and communities of the 39th Senate District. Even though she is the President pro Tempore of the Senate, one of the most important jobs in state government, she always believes—and always reminds us—that the people she represents come first. That was also true when she served as Speaker of the Assembly, and we’re all proud of the fact that the boss is only the third person in California’s almost 175 year history as a state to have served in both those leadership roles. Senator Atkins got her start in public service working as an aide to then-San Diego City Council member Christine Kehoe, and we believe that’s where her commitment to constituent service took root. Even the other day when the Senator was serving as Acting Governor and signed several bills into law, she reflected on the importance of working to help local governments serve their residents.
The 39th Senate District includes most of the City of San Diego, the cities of Coronado, Del Mar, and Solana Beach, and parts of unincorporated Rancho Santa Fe; and our office also serves areas of Lemon Grove, El Cajon, and La Mesa. It is home to diverse people and a dynamic economy. In the District Office, staff respond to constituent inquiries about legislation the Senator is authoring, problems they are facing with government agencies, and help support constituents in solving their issues.
We also take part in the community by attending local government meetings and representing the Senator at events and meetings throughout the district. Even with a twin sister, the boss can’t be in two places at the same time! Because she comes from a military family and there is such a large military presence in the district, that has been a special focus for Senator Atkins, including finding ways to help military families make ends meet and helping veterans cut through red tape to access the benefits they have earned. Some of our busiest times came during the peak of COVID, when so many people had questions and needed timely, accurate information during the pandemic. Later on, you’ll hear directly from members of our district staff about their roles. There is one big empty spot though, because our longtime colleague Deanna Spehn “Deannica Britannica” as we called her, passed away last year. Those of you who worked with Deanna over the years know what a loss that was for our office and for our entire community.
I hope you will enjoy learning more about our office. Happy Birthday, Boss! And remember—like everyone else in the 39th Senate District—if you need anything just let us know!
Thanks for reading,
Pam
Team Toni is fortunate to have many talented staff in the 39th Senate District serving constituents, and in honor of Senator Atkins’ birthday, we invited each of them to share what they love about their work:
Jason: The work that I’ve been able to do with the Pro Tem has enabled me to witness the positive impacts our work can have. Be it at a policy level or assisting an individual constituent, our work makes a difference in peoples lives! As Senator Atkins’ Deputy District Director, I’ve had the opportunity to work with local entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses, see cutting edge medical treatments like proton therapy studied at MD Anderson, and support local clinics that treat the most vulnerable members of my community. My favorite work is with our senior community here in San Diego, with whom I work professionally through our office but also volunteer with in my free time – Senator Atkins and the state have made great strides on planning and building communities that work for all ages, and I’ve been proud to be part of that work!
Jason Weisz is the Deputy District Director for the 39th Senate District.
Andi: If I had to choose one word to describe how I feel about working for Senator Atkins in San Diego, it would be: joy! From big public events like San Diego Pride to the smaller, everyday triumphs of helping constituents navigate state agencies to a positive outcome, the joy I get from this work can’t be overstated. I’ve always felt called to public service and I’m happy to say that this job fulfills that calling in the most meaningful, uplifting way.
Andi McNew is a District Representative for the 39th Senate District.
Cole: After spending time living away from San Diego, I’ve really valued the opportunity to redevelop my roots in the community that’s always been home. My role as a public servant has allowed me to establish a connection to the region that now feels stronger than ever due to the new friendships I have made, the community events I attend, and the constituents I am able to provide direct assistance to.
Cole Reed is a District Representative for the 39th Senate District.
Doug: Pro Tem Atkins has been a friend and partner for over three decades, so it is an honor and pleasure to work for someone whose values I share. One of my duties is to provide information for the Senator as she prepares to speak at events in her district. I enjoy hearing how she takes the outline I’ve provided then blends it with her personal stories, insight, humor, passion, and institutional knowledge to deliver an informative and inspirational message to her audience.
Doug Case is the District Communications Manager for the 39th Senate District.
Gonzalo: Growing up in California’s Central Coast and Central Valley, home to many rural communities, I learned firsthand why community engagement is so important. That’s why my favorite part of working for Senator Atkins is serving constituents and helping them earn the positive changes they want to see from their communities! I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than helping a neighbor or catching up with constituents. It’s truly a pleasure to serve all of the vibrant communities here in the 39th Senate District!
Gonzalo Rocha-Vazquez is a District Representative for the 39th Senate District.
Samantha: One of the things I love about my job is being someone that constituents can rely on to provide them information and assistance. Linking constituents to the services that will meet their needs, and being an essential link between communities and their representatives is incredibly meaningful! I find that being a resource for communities who reach out or are in crisis is one of the most direct ways to generate impact from a government role. Additionally, working alongside the District Office team is such a pleasure – having the support and camaraderie of my co-workers makes every situation feel manageable.
Samantha Brown is a District Representative for the 39th Senate District.
Toni: I have always been passionate about helping my community and chose a life in public service. Working in the Senator’s office provides me with an incredible opportunity to connect folks with the resources and support they need to overcome any of the challenges they may be facing. Whether I’m attending a neighborhood meeting, talking with advocates combating human trafficking and domestic violence, working to protect the rights of women and the LGBTQ community, or participating in a community cleanup – I know that I am making a difference by helping my community every day.
Toni Duran is a District Representative for the 39th Senate District.
Tylisa: Assisting constituents in our district with their Employment Development Department (EDD) concerns is a small, but very fulfilling part of my job. Working alongside the EDD Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs Office to get casework expedited so that constituents get the support they need is amazing – but the most rewarding feeling is when I receive a follow-up call from someone expressing how our office has impacted their life in a positive way!
Tylisa Suseberry is an Executive Assistant for the 39th Senate District.
Hi I’m Nick Hardeman, Senator Atkins Chief of Staff in Sacramento, happy to help our colleagues in San Diego give the boss a birthday break by sharing an update of what’s been going on in the Capitol since our last newsletter.
First, the 2023-2024 state budget negotiated by Senator Atkins, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Governor went into effect July 1st. As the boss has shared previously, even though this is a more difficult budget year than we’ve faced recently, years of responsible budgeting by legislative Democrats allowed us to move forward to protect our progress and avoid any harmful cuts.
I know Senator Atkins would want a big shout out to the Senate’s Budget Chair, Senator Nancy Skinner of Berkeley, and the entire Budget Committee for their non-stop work on this. Senator Skinner was also part of the Senate’s Infrastructure Working Group, along with Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire, Senator Monique Limon and Senators Ben Allen, Josh Becker, Anna Caballero, Lena Gonzalez, and Dave Min. Their work led to a final package of bills that improve California’s ability to streamline and build the infrastructure our state needs while continuing to lead on climate change and protecting the environment.
The package also included historic standards on workforce equity, and will benefit marginalized and disadvantaged communities by promoting access to jobs in federally-supported construction and manufacturing. I know Senator Atkins would want to thank Senators Maria Elena Durazo, Lena Gonzalez, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Dave Cortese for their leadership on this. Senator Josh Newman stepped up on streamlining transportation projects and Senator Angelique Ashby made sure mitigation and species protection measures remain in place. This was a team effort, and Senator Atkins is grateful to all her Senate colleagues for their collaborative spirit and commitment to get this accomplished.
Speaking of Senate colleagues, that’s the Senate’s leadership team pictured standing with Senator Atkins when she was Acting Governor in July, and signed several pieces of legislation for members of the Assembly. She was the first Senate President pro Tem to sign bills into law in almost 50 years and the first woman Pro Tem and LGBTQ+ Acting Governor to sign legislation. The last President pro Tem to sign bills was Senator Jim Mills, who also represented San Diego! In terms of the Senator’s own package of legislation, all of her bills passed their first hearings in the Assembly in July and are on track for passage before the Legislature adjourns in September.
Thanks for reading, and Happy Birthday Madam Pro Tem!
San Diego Pride week is one of my favorite annual events in the 39th Senate District. It’s an uplifting celebration of the resilience, diversity, and vibrancy of our LGBTQ+ community. From She Fest to the San Diego Pride Parade, each event is an opportunity to connect with members of the community and allies, and to recommit to the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination. Together, we’ll build a world where all can thrive! Happy Pride, San Diego!
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The San Diego Pride parade was a joyous celebration of love and inclusivity! It was incredible to see so many friends, supporters, members of the community, and allies at this lively event.
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Every year, I’m grateful to attend She Fest, which centers and uplifts LGBTQ+ women, nonbinary folx, and everyone who identifies with “she.”
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At the Spirit of Stonewall rally, we remember those whose shoulders we stand on in the continuing fight for equality for the LGBTQ+ community. It was an honor to attend and speak at this meaningful Pride event.
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As we celebrated Pride in San Diego, I was joined by local and statewide leaders to discuss my bill, SB 447, which would create the BRIDGE Project – Building and Reinforcing Inclusive, Diverse, Gender-supportive Equality – to open hearts and minds through a positive messaging campaign. Find more about SB 447 here: sd39.senate.ca.gov/sb447.
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Lighting up St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in rainbow colors is a beloved San Diego Pride Tradition. Team Toni was pleased to join San Diego faith leaders for this celebration in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Team Toni was happy to join the San Diego State University Pride Center to celebrate the raising of the Pride flag on campus!
Other News from Around the District
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It was great to see so many fellow San Diegans at Independence Day celebrations across the 39th Senate District! Thank you to the communities in Mission Hills, University City, and Rancho Bernardo for including me in your events.
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As I’ve learned while navigating the long term care system on behalf of loved ones, long term care facilities and their staff are critical to our families and communities. I was grateful for the opportunity to welcome the California Association of Health Professionals to San Diego for their annual conference!
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I enjoyed touring the San Diego Museum of Art and hearing about the future plans for expansion. The Museum of Art contributes so much cultural and artistic value to San Diego and the world, and inspires over 400,000 visitors annually!
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I attended the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Awards and Summer Celebration to recognize locally owned and operated small businesses that are making a difference in our communities. Congratulations to all the nominees!
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Cafe Madeleine is more than just a stop for excellent coffee and French cuisine, it’s a community-minded business that invests in people. During the height of the pandemic, Café Madeleine provided meals to 100+ seniors in need. It truly is a welcoming space for all San Diegans, and it was an honor to present a Senate Resolution to my small business of the year!
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It was inspirational to meet with CSU San Marcos President, Dr. Ellen J. Neufeldt, to discuss the university’s diverse student population and national leadership on social mobility.
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