May Newsletter -2026

Dear Neighbor,

Greetings, and I hope you are having a wonderful month. Serving our community in the California State Senate is a responsibility I hold with great pride. My team and I remain focused on listening closely, acting on your priorities, and advancing initiatives that uplift our neighborhoods and families.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

I wanted to share a quick update on my legislative work. May 1 marked the deadline for bills to move out of policy committees in their house of origin. Here’s a snapshot of a few bills in my legislative package:

• SB 898 – Connected Consumer Products
  Requires manufacturers to clearly disclose, at the point of sale, how long a consumer can rely on a connected product to receive necessary updates and support, and to provide notice at least six months before and on the date of the product’s “end of life” (EOL), when technical support and updates will no longer be provided.
• SB 945 - School Curriculum: CPR and AEDs
  This bill would require the Instructional Quality Commission, when the physical education framework is next revised, to consider including content on the importance, performance, and use of CPR and AEDs in that framework.
• SB 950 – Alzheimer’s Medication Coverage
  Will ensure medically necessary treatments and medications for Alzheimer’s are covered without step therapy requirements.
• SB 977 - Healthy Kid’s Meals
  Requires a chain restaurant that sells children’s meals to offer at least one healthy meal that meets minimum nutrition standards and would require that chain restaurant to train its employees on how to comply with those healthy meal requirements.

I’ll keep you updated as these bills move through the legislature, including key hearings and updates. You can also visit my website to view my full bill package by clicking here.

District Update

Lupus Awareness Symposium

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 5:30pm-6:30pm, I will host a virtual Lupus Awareness Symposium titled, “Lupus Unveiled: Bridging the Gap Between Science, Policy, and Patient Advocacy.”

Lupus is a complex, often "invisible" autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women and communities of color. This webinar aims to bridge the gap between clinical breakthroughs and the lived experience. By combining world-class research regarding the viral triggers of Lupus with the powerful narrative of a global icon and national policy insights, we will provide attendees with both cutting-edge medical knowledge and a profound sense of community.

RSVP to receive the zoom link today! https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/Lupus-Webinar

Community Recognitions Program

2026 Senior of the Year

Senior of the Year, Rosamond Trujillo-Belvins

Rosamond Trujillo-Blevins is a community volunteer and communications professional with experience in outreach, newsletter production, and organizational leadership throughout East County San Diego. She has helped lead community engagement efforts and managed communications reaching thousands of local residents.

Originally from Española, New Mexico, Rosamond comes from a family with deep roots in public service and small business. Her paternal grandfather established the Chimayo Trading Post in 1917, which remains family-owned today. 

Let’s showcase the beauty and diversity of our district together! The next categories are for LGBTQ+ Community Leader and small business owner in recognition of Pride Month. 

Nomination Deadline: May 29, 2026

• LGBTQ+ Community Leader: This award honors one outstanding community leader who identifies as LGBTQ+. Leader must reside in the 39th Senate District.
• LGBTQ+ Small Business: This award honors one small business owner who identifies as LGBTQ+. The small business must be located in the district.

View all of the categories and submit your nominations here today: Community Recognition 2026 | Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.

Spring Valley Day

My team was out at Spring Valley Day to share resources to the community and presented certificates of recognition to the hard-working volunteers who were a part of the day’s planning committee! 

Save the Date: 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. More information and RSVP link forthcoming. 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

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORUNITIES

Minerva Scholarship

The Minerva Scholarship, established by the Women in California Leadership Foundation, supports the advancement of women across California. Through this program, we provide financial assistance to individuals who identify as women or girls, helping them pursue and achieve their applications. 

Apply today at www.wicl.us. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2026. 

The Frederick M. Roberts College Scholarship

Named in honor of California’s first African American state legislator, the Frederick M. Roberts Scholarship program was established to increase college access and provide guided support to deserving California students in pursuit of their academic goals.

A long tradition of the California Legislative Black Caucus Policy Institute, this scholarship program is the continued commitment to direct investment in California’s youth.

Apply today at www.cablackcaucus.org/scholarships/

Internship Opportunity

Looking for a paid, hands-on internship in public service? My office is seeking motivated individuals to join my district office team in San Diego. Interns will gain experience supporting constituent services, assisting with events, and learning the legislative process firsthand. 

This in-person role offers $20/hour, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to work alongside staff dedicated to strengthening California communities. Apply today by clicking here.

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.

Throughout SD39, there are countless places to be thankful for, and this month we are shining a light on Normal Heights. As one of San Diego’s most welcoming and creative neighborhoods, it is filled with local shops, great food, and a strong sense of community. 

Home to the Adams Avenue Street Fair, the region’s largest free two‑day music festival, it reflects the energy and spirit of its people. I am proud to celebrate the residents and small businesses that make Normal Heights so special.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Each month, I will spotlight a dedicated member of our team whose work helps us better serve our community every day.

Elizabeth Bojorquez, Legislative Director (Capitol Office) 

Elizabeth Bojorquez serves as Legislative Director for the Senator in the Capitol Office, a role she has held since June 2022. She brings over 12 years of legislative experience, including work in the State Senate, State Assembly, and private‑sector advocacy. Elizabeth oversees the Senator’s legislative package and staffs the Senator on several key issue areas, including labor, privacy, energy, utilities, and communications. 

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Economy, with a minor in Public Policy, from UC Berkeley. In her free time, she enjoys biking, listening to reggaeton, and learning to cook new dishes.

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

Little Habits, Healthier Spaces 

Creating a healthier home starts with simple, everyday choices. Changing your air filters regularly, keeping your space clean, and reducing dust and allergens can improve air quality.

Opening windows when you can, using non-toxic products, and bringing in plants can bring a natural boost to where you live. Small changes at home can lead to cleaner air, better health, and a more comfortable space for you and your family.

Closing Message

As we look toward the work ahead, I hope you’ll find moments to pause, reconnect with yourself, and offer patience and understanding to the people around you. We must remember that the “every breath is an opportunity to start anew.” In times of constant movement, choosing to slow down and be present can be a powerful act. When we lead with empathy and intention, we create stronger, more resilient communities.

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 involved, 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.