June Newsletter -2026
Dear Neighbor,
I hope this message finds you well and that your month is off to a great start. It is an honor to represent our community in the California State Senate. Every day, my office is committed to engaging with residents, responding to the issues that matter most, and working to support stronger, healthier communities for all of our families.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
I wanted to share a brief update on my legislative work. May 29 marked an important milestone in the legislative process, as it was the deadline for Senate bills to be voted on and advance to the Assembly. I’m proud to share a snapshot of several bills from my legislative package that are continuing to move forward:
- SB 874 – Behavioral Health Treatment Oversight
Strengthens oversight and standardization of behavioral health treatment services in Medi-Cal. The bill requires background checks for certain providers, establishes a stakeholder workgroup to review service delivery, and directs the Department of Health Care Services to issue clinical guidance and report to the Legislature on utilization and program integrity. - SB 983 –San Diego Unified Port District: Job Order Contracting: Pilot Program.
Authorizes the Port of San Diego to utilize job-order-contracting (“JOC”) for their repair, remodeling, and repetitive work. The ability to utilize this contracting method will promote efficiency and flexibility in completing necessary maintenance projects. This bill establishes a pilot program allowing the Port to use this procurement method, and sunsets the program in January 2037. - SB 999 - Franchise Tax Board: Reporting Requirements
Delays the annual publication date of the Health Care Minimum Essential Coverage Individual Mandate Report from March to June 1 so that three additional months of data can be collected to capture more complete information. - SB 1037 – Health Care Coverage: Rate Review
Updates health plan and health insurance premium rate review requirements by incorporating information from the Office of Health Care Affordability and focusing on affordability for Californians.
I’ll continue sharing updates as these bills progress through the Legislature, including important hearings and key developments. You can also view my full legislative package by visiting my website here.
HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO
As the Senator representing the Clairemont community where the Islamic Center of San Diego is located, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad and Mansour Kaziha, who gave their lives protecting children. Our hearts are with the Muslim community, the Clairemont community, and everyone grieving after this horrific act of violence. This is an unimaginable tragedy, and the entire region is mourning alongside those directly impacted.
Violence and hate have no place in our communities, our places of worship, our schools, and nowhere in our society.
This tragedy once again raises serious concerns about gun violence and hate in this country. This is a reminder of the consequences of harmful rhetoric across the nation and hate towards others. These incidents are typically driven by hate-based ideologies and religious extremism.
As a physician, I am trained to pay attention to vital signs. I do tests, I check vitals. The tests show that hate in this country has become a malignant cancer that is spreading dangerously throughout our communities. This is not a right or left issue, not a Democrat or Republican issue, this is a human issue.
We all have a responsibility to be mindful of what we say and how we speak about one another, from the highest office in the land to our own homes and everyday conversations. We must learn to have respect for all religions, all cultures, and live in a compassionate world.
Regardless of race, political affiliation, or religion, we need healing. We are human beings, and these senseless shootings must stop. This is not who we are, and we must do better.
DISTRICT UPDATE
Community Recognitions Program
I am proud to uplift the constituents and businesses in my district through our special Community Recognitions Program. I invite you to engage with our office and nominate outstanding residents to be recognized for their contributions.
AANHPI Small Business Honoree
In recognition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are proud to honor Izola Bakery as our Small Business of the Month. Known for its exceptional breads, pastries, and welcoming atmosphere, Izola has become a beloved destination in the community.
Beyond its outstanding food, Izola is committed to creating opportunity, with nearly half of its workforce made up of second-chance employees. Through its dedication to both people and community, Izola exemplifies the positive impact small businesses can make every day.
AANHPI Community Leader Honoree
We are proud to honor Tracy Badua as our AANHPI Community Leader Honoree. A Filipino American author and attorney based in San Diego, Tracy has earned national recognition for her books for young readers, which blend creativity, humor, and heart.
Tracy’s work has received numerous accolades, including the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Sid Fleischman Humor Award, the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California Award, and multiple Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections. Through her storytelling and dedication to inspiring young people, Tracy continues to make a lasting impact on readers and communities across the country.
2026 SD 39 Nonprofit of the Year
I am proud to recognize the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Upsilon Chapter as Senate District 39 Nonprofit of the Year. Through their unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, scholarship, and community service, they have made a lasting impact on students, families, and neighborhoods throughout our district. Their tireless dedication to uplifting others, supporting academic achievement, and creating opportunities for future generations reflects the very best of community leadership and service. District 39 is stronger because of their continued work, compassion, and commitment to empowering those they serve.
Let’s continue to showcase the beauty and diversity of our district together! The next category is for Youth Leader of the Year.
Nomination Deadline - June 30, 2026:
Youth Leader of the Year: This award honors one outstanding youth leader who is under the age of 18. The youth leader must reside in Senate District 39.
View all of the categories and submit your nominations here today: Community Recognition 2026 | Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.
Adjournment in Memory: Alwin Benjamin Holman
Born in Alton, Illinois, Mr. Holman answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II before making San Diego his home for more than 80 years.
Before joining the San Diego Fire Department, he had a career as a mail carrier. In 1951, he decided to begin his firefighting career with the San Diego Fire Department, at a time when segregation still defined where Black firefighters could serve. African American firefighters were confined to a single station, but Mr. Holman would change that.
He became one of the first Black firefighters assigned outside of Station 19, integrating Fire Station 14 and breaking a long-standing color barrier. Mr. Holman lived a full life, reaching the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of courage, dignity, and change.
Mr. Holman was preceded by his beloved wife of 71 years, Ruby, in 2020, followed by his son, Alwin Darryl Holman, in 2021, and his grandson, Demetrius Holman. Ben is survived by his daughter, Kyra Randall; his granddaughter, Aryka Randall, who provided devoted care for him over the last six years; and several other cherished family members.
DISTRICT EVENTS
Annual Backpack Giveaway Event
Please save the date for our upcoming Annual Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair that will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Please note the earlier start time of 8am!
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 8am-10am
Location: The O'Farrell Charter School
6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
First come, first served backpacks stuffed with school supplies
RSVP: sd39.senate.ca.gov/backpack-giveaway-2026
In case you missed it, we recently hosted Lupus Unveiled: Bridging the Gap Between Science, Policy & Patient Advocacy to connect cutting-edge research, public policy, and powerful lived experiences. Lupus is a complex, often “invisible” autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women and communities of color.
If you missed the live discussion, you can still watch the webinar recording. Bridging these health disparities is vital for education and advocacy. Click here to watch the session and learn how we can better support those affected by lupus.
SIGHTS OF SENATE DISTRICT 39
To showcase the character and vibrancy of Senate District 39, each newsletter will spotlight a neighborhood, city, or place that helps make SD39 such a great community to call home.
SD39 is home to many places to be thankful for, and the Bancroft Ranch House is one of them. Preserved by the Spring Valley Historical Society, this historic adobe offers a vivid look at early San Diego life, from the families who settled the area to the traditions that helped shape our region. Visiting the site gives us a chance to connect with the roots of our community and appreciate the stories that continue to influence who we are today. Historic places like this help us reflect on our past, understand our present, and build a future that honors those who came before.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Each month, I will spotlight a dedicated member of our team whose work helps us better serve our community every day.
Moana has served as a District Representative for Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. since May 2021 and brings more than 30 years of community service experience, including work in both the State Assembly and State Senate. Her portfolio includes senior affairs, higher education, tribal affairs, LGBTQ+ advocacy, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the Employment Development Department (EDD). Alongside the District Director, she also helps lead the office’s largest annual event, the Turkey Giveaway and Health Fair, which welcomes more than 2,000 constituents each year.
A San Diego native, Moana earned her associate degree from Grossmont College and both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Point Loma Nazarene University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at San Diego State University. Coming from a military family, Moana values discipline and service and remains deeply involved in the community as a nonprofit president, youth mentor, and advocate for Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities across San Diego County. If you see her in the community, be sure to say “Aloha” or give her a shaka!
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
Reducing Added Sugar, Improving Your Health
As a physician, I’m proud to share this month’s Health Spotlight, emphasizing the importance of reducing added sugar to support long term health and prevent chronic disease. High levels of added sugar, particularly from sodas, sweetened teas, flavored coffees, and other sugary beverages, are closely linked to rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease, conditions affecting both children and adults at increasing rates.
Many of these drinks contain more added sugar than an individual should consume in an entire day, making it challenging for families to make informed choices without clear information. To help address this, I have introduced SB 869, which would require chain restaurants to clearly label high–added sugar beverages on their menus so families can better understand what they are consuming; you can learn more about SB 869 and support efforts to ensure families have the clear information they need to make healthy choices by clicking here.
Closing Message
As we look toward the work ahead, I hope you will find moments to pause, reconnect with yourself, and extend patience and understanding to those around you. The reminder to “Observe the world without judgement; and you will see clearly” offers meaningful guidance in times of constant movement. Choosing to slow down and be present can bring clarity and help us approach each day with compassion. When we lead with empathy and intention, we strengthen the bonds that make our communities more resilient and supportive.
Serving as your State Senator is a responsibility I hold with deep appreciation. The progress we make is shaped by your participation, your stories, your concerns, and your ideas. I encourage you to stay engaged, reach out when something matters to you, and know that my office is always ready to listen and support you.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, you can contact my office: Phone: (619) 688-6700 - District Office: 7575 Metropolitan Dr. Suite #100, San Diego, CA 92108.