Upcoming Events in the District!

Dear Neighbors, 

As your State Senator, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to keep you informed about the work being done on your behalf at the Capitol and throughout our district. We have several upcoming events and opportunities for engagement. I encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and stay connected with our office!

As Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Social Determinants of Health, I invite you to attend the Committee’s upcoming hearing on Wednesday, October 1, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the Fowler Family Ballroom, SDSU Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, 5250 55th St, San Diego, CA 92182. To help us prepare, we are asking all invitees, please click here to RSVP and confirm your attendance. 

This hearing will examine how Social Determinants of Health—such as housing, nutrition, transportation, and community environment—directly impact children’s health and educational outcomes.

Featured Speakers will include:

• Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Surgeon General of California (2019–2022)
• Dr. Rodney Hood, physician and past President, National Medical Association
• Dr. Vickie Mays, Professor of Psychology and Health Services, UCLA
• Sohil Sud, Director, California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative
• Dr. Adisa Alkebulan, Associate Professor of Africana Studies, San Diego State University
• Dominique Donette, Director of Government Affairs, EdVoice
• Maritza Garcia, Program Manager, Environmental Health Coalition

We hope you will attend this hearing, which will highlight critical issues facing children and families across our communities.

I invite you to join me for an upcoming Community Town Hall at Crawford High School (4191 Colts Way, San Diego, CA 92115) from 6pm-7:30pm to discuss how the newly passed California state budget aligns with our shared values and fiscal realities. The evening will begin with a budget presentation where I’ll share highlights from this year’s California budget—from education and housing to health and wildfires, I’ll talk about what our state has funded while facing a $12 billion deficit. 

Following the presentation, we’ll open the floor for a town hall discussion where I’ll take your questions and hear your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and your families.

Your voice plays a vital role in how I advocate for our district in Sacramento. I hope you’ll join us for this important conversation. 

Please RSVP your attendance here: WWW.SENATE.CA.GOV/7010/TOWNHALL

Or by scanning the QR Code:

As part of my office’s Community Recognitions Program, you are invited to nominate a community leader and a small business owner of Hispanic, Filipino, or Native American heritage for special recognition. Honorees will be selected for their outstanding contributions to our community. The community leader must reside in Senate District 39, and the small business must be located within the district.

We will select one community leader honoree and one small business honoree from the nominations received. Your participation helps us uplift and celebrate the individuals and businesses that reflect the strength, resilience, and diversity of Senate District 39.

• Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15): Nominations due by October 8, 2025
• Filipino American History Month (October): Nominations due by October 22, 2025
• Native American Heritage Month (November): Nominations due by November 12, 2025

Nominees may be recognized for their impact in areas such as:

• Cultural Contributions: Individuals who have preserved, celebrated, or advanced Hispanic, Filipino, or Native American heritage, traditions, and culture.
• Professional Achievements: Those who have excelled in their fields and serve as role models within their communities.
• Community Impact: Individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, advocacy, or dedication to improving their communities.
• Arts and Entertainment: Creators and performers who have shared the richness of Hispanic, Filipino, or Native American stories and talent.

How to Nominate:
All nominations can be submitted online use this link: Community Recognition | Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.
Please include a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments or a short biography.

Thank you for your continued support!

In recognition of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, we hosted a powerful and informative webinar on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, exploring the impact of Sickle Cell Disease, current challenges in care, and the promising future of gene therapy as a transformative treatment.

You can now view the full webinar recording here: https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/video/sickle-cell-disease-awareness-webinar

Whether you're a healthcare provider, patient advocate, or simply want to learn more, this conversation offers valuable insights and hope for the future of sickle cell care.

Featured Speakers Included:

• Special Guest: London Knight – Fashion Model, Sickle Cell Advocate, San Diego Native
• Moderator: Mary Brown – President & CEO, San Diego Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
• Dr. Jenny Kim – Rady Children’s Hospital
• Dr. Srila Gopal – UC San Diego Adult Sickle Cell Program
• Dr. Osbourne Blake and Dr. Resa R. Caivano – Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Sickle Cell Center
• And more!

Let’s continue raising awareness, advancing research, and supporting those living with Sickle Cell Disease.