March Newsletter -2026

Dear Neighbor,

As we welcome a new month, I hope you and your family are doing well. Serving you in the California State Senate is a privilege I deeply value, and I remain dedicated to hearing your concerns, championing your priorities, and delivering meaningful results. Whether at the Capitol or here in the district, my team and I work each day to ensure your voices guide the decisions that shape our communities.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

I’m pleased to share a brief update on my legislative work underway. The deadline to introduce bills for the 2026 legislative year was on February 20th. Below are bills in my legislative package with substantive language:

• SB 503 – Bias in Healthcare Software

Will require certain artificial intelligence (AI) technology be identified, mitigated, and monitored for biased impacts when deployed in healthcare facilities.

• SB 849 – Physician Misconduct
  Expands current patient safety protections by requiring the Medical Board to automatically revoke the license of a physician or surgeon who had their license reinstated on or after January 1, 2020, after a finding of sexual misconduct with a patient.
• 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.
• SB 1049 – Denied Claim Reimbursement 
  Establishes a uniform right for healthcare providers to submit a corrected claim within 90 days following a plan’s latest action (such as a denial or overpayment notice).
• SB 1067 - Math Screening 
  Addresses the math achievement crisis in California by focusing attention where that crisis takes root—in the early grades. Beginning in the 2028–29 school year, the bill requires school districts to screen all K-2 students annually for early math difficulties and provide struggling students with timely, evidence-based intervention.
• SB 1199 – Co-Pay Accumulator
  Would ban health insurers and healthcare service plans from using “co-pay accumulator” programs, in which cost-sharing paid on behalf of a patient is not credited toward the patient’s deductible or maximum out-of-pocket cost-sharing obligation.

These bills will be referred to policy committees and set for hearing in the coming weeks. I have introduced several other bills that do not include substantive language, and those bills will be amended by March 25. 

I also introduced two resolutions that passed the Senate: 

• SCR 122 - A concurrent resolution recognizing February 2026 as the centennial anniversary of Black History Month. The measure encourages Californians to celebrate the accomplishments, talents, and contributions of African Americans and to honor their ongoing impact on education, economic opportunity, and social justice. It underscores the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring that all people are treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.
• SR 77 - A Senate resolution condemning the use of racist imagery in public discourse. The resolution responds to a recent social media post by President Donald J. Trump that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama using racist tropes. 

I will continue to keep you updated on legislation that I am moving through the Legislature.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS UPDATE

As Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I’m pleased to share updates on the work we’re advancing at the State Capitol. The Caucus is focused on policies that promote equity, expand opportunity, and strengthen communities across California. Just as important, we recognize individuals and businesses whose leadership and service reflect these same values in action. This section keeps you informed about both our legislative efforts and the community changemakers helping move our state forward. 

Announcing My Black History Month Honorees!

Unsung Hero, San Diego Fire-Rescue Captain Jason Shanley 

The Unsung Heroes Award, given annually during Black History Month, recognizes individuals whose bravery and contributions often go unnoticed. This award honors those who selflessly make a difference in their communities.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Captain Jason Shanley exemplifies this spirit as the Founder and President of HoMEwork San Diego; a groundbreaking initiative created through collaboration between local fire captain Jason Shanley and the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council. Recognizing the need for a paradigm shift in traditional job placement strategies for individuals returning from prison, Captain Shanley embarked on a mission to build a program that prioritizes support during employment rather than pre-employment readiness.

Black Business Brunch Honoree, FuelThyCells 

Strong local businesses help communities grow and flourish. Each year, in honor of Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Black Chamber of Commerce host the annual Black Business Brunch, where a business in each member’s district is recognized for its service and contributions to the community.

This year, FuelThyCells was selected as the 39th District honoree. I was proud to highlight this family-owned wellness business as our Black Business Brunch honoree. FuelThyCells was built from a deeply personal health journey that evolved into a mission to create a space where wellness feels approachable, familiar, and accessible. As San Diego’s first sea moss storefront, they offer plant-based wellness rooted in culture, education, and real-life application, helping community members prioritize their health in ways that feel authentic and sustainable

California Legislative Black Caucus Honors Congressman James Clyburn

California Legislative Black Caucus Presents Congressman James Clyburn with a Joint Members Resolution

The California Legislative Black Caucus proudly honored Congressman James Clyburn with a resolution recognizing his tireless advocacy and decades of leadership advancing equity, opportunity, and justice for all communities nationwide. His enduring commitment continues to inspire public servants and communities across the country.

DISTRICT UPDATE

Community Recognitions Program

I am proud to uplift the constituents and businesses in Senate District 39 through our special Community Recognitions Program. I invite you to engage with our office and nominate outstanding residents to be recognized for their contributions. Let’s showcase the beauty and diversity of our district together! The next categories are for Senior of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year. 

Nomination Deadline: March 31, 2026

• Senior of the Year: Celebrates seniors, 60 years or older, who show exceptional dedication to community service and public welfare.
• Nonprofit of the Year: Honors a nonprofit operating in SD39 that has a significant impact on the community. CalNonprofits organizes an annual luncheon in Sacramento to recognize the honorees. 

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

Annual Spring Literacy Book Giveaway Event

In partnership with Fay Elementary School and United Way of San Diego County, I was proud to host my annual Spring Literacy Book Giveaway event! Hundreds of books donated from the United Way of San Diego County’s partners, Amazon, Penguin Random House, and Barnes & Noble, were given to the Fay Elementary School students to promote literacy, encourage a love of reading, and support bilingual learning as part of National Reading Month in March.

 Upcoming Events

Tacos and Taxes

On March 14, 2026 from 9am – 1pm, we will host a free Tacos and Taxes event at the Jackie Robinson YMCA located at 151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102. Sign up for an appointment slot with a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) tax preparer today! 

Sign up here.

African American Leaders for Tomorrow Applications Now Open! 

The CLBC’s flagship summer youth program is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of its flagship summer youth program!

AALT is a transformative leadership development program designed to expose rising high school sophomores and juniors to the legislative process, civic engagement, public policy, financial literacy, and higher education pathways. Participants will engage in workshops, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences that help prepare them for future academic and professional success.

Click here to read about the program and submit your application today!
 

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.

This month we are highlighting Encanto. Encanto is the place where my story began. Going to school at Encanto Elementary is where my love for science first took root. Walking these streets still brings back memories that ground my work as a Senator and remind me who I serve.

Encanto has always been a vibrant community filled with culture, resilience, and pride. From its colorful murals and neighborhood gatherings, to the strong families and mentors who uplift the next generation, this is a place where possibility lives on every block. It is a community that teaches you the value of hard work, connection, and giving back.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

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

Kianna Walker, Legislative Aide (Capitol Office)

Kianna has served in the Senator’s office for the past year, where she supports the office’s legislative priorities by leading work on bills and resolutions, staffing the Senate Judiciary Committee, and collaborating with stakeholders, advocates, and legislative staff to move policy forward. She also meets regularly with constituents and community partners to ensure a wide range of perspectives are heard and truly values creating a welcoming space for everyone who engages with the office.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in International Security and Conflict Resolution, from San Diego State University. Kianna also previously served as an intern for San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and as a California State Senate Fellow in the office of Senator Susan Rubio, where she built a strong foundation in the legislative process and constituent services. She is also an alumna of the Humanities and International Studies Program (HISP) at C.K. McClatchy High School and a lifetime Girl Scout.

Outside of her legislative work, Kianna enjoys watching musicals and singing. A longtime musical theatre fan, her favorite production is Les Misérables, and she’s always happy to talk about her favorite songs and Broadway performers.

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

Small Changes, Big Impact

As a physician, I’m proud to share this month’s Health Spotlight, offering insights and resources to help our community stay healthy and informed. Small changes really do make a difference. You don’t have to overhaul your whole life to protect your heart — even tiny habits stack up over time. A quick 10‑minute walk boosts circulation and lowers stress. Swapping one sugary drink for water cuts down on added sugar that strains the heart. And getting real, consistent rest helps your body regulate blood pressure and inflammation. When these small choices become routine, they can meaningfully lower the risk of heart disease.

Closing Message

As we move forward in this work together, I invite you to pause, take stock, and offer care to yourself and the people in your orbit. As the saying reminds us, “Every day is an opportunity to make your corner of the world brighter.” Let’s continue to show up for one another with intention, empathy, and a steady sense of purpose.

Thank you for the trust you place in me to serve as your State Senator. Your engagement, advocacy, and partnership are essential to the work we do, and I encourage you to stay connected and reach out whenever you need assistance or have ideas to share. 

My office is here to serve you: Phone: (619) 688-6700 - District Office: 7575 Metropolitan Dr. Suite #100, San Diego, CA 92108.