July Newsletter 2026
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you’re doing well and that your month is starting off on a positive note. It’s a privilege to serve our community in the California State Senate. Each day, my team and I focus on staying connected with residents, addressing the concerns that come forward, and advancing efforts that help build stronger, healthier communities for all families.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
I wanted to provide a quick update on my work in the Legislature. I’m proud to share a snapshot of several bills from my legislative package that are continuing to move forward:
- SB 1049 – Denied Claims
Establishes basic fairness and transparency for providers and ensures patients’ care is not disrupted by sudden reimbursement challenges by allowing a uniform right for providers to submit a corrected claim within 90 days following a plan’s latest action and prohibiting plans from rejecting those corrected claims based on filing deadlines. - SB1067 – Math Assessments
Addresses California’s math achievement crisis by requiring annual K-2 assessments to identify students early and provide evidence-based intervention when it matters most. By getting students on track early, the bill will help more students build the foundational math skills they’ll need for long-term success in school, work, and life. - Click here for more information on SB 1067
- SB 1094 – Prescription Drugs: Biosimilars
Encourages the use of lower cost biosimilars by 1) allowing pharmacists to substitute a biologic with a biosimilar unless the prescribing provider has indicated “Do Not Substitute,” and 2) allowing health plans to switch enrollees to generics or biosimilars when covered by the plan and available to the enrollee at the same or lower cost. This bill aims to bring health care costs down and reduce health insurance premiums and cost-sharing for patients.
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.
NASA Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr.
I had the honor of welcoming NASA Astronaut Victor Glover, Jr. to the Senate Floor. Born in Pomona, raised in Ontario, CA and an alumnus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Glover’s California roots run deep as he reaches for the stars. As the pilot of the Artemis II crew, he is helping lead the next chapter of human space exploration, taking humanity farther from Earth than we have ever traveled before. His journey is a powerful reminder of what is possible when we invest in science, innovation, and the next generation of explorers. His leadership, dedication, and historic achievements continue to inspire people around the world and show that there are no limits to what we can accomplish.
German Bundestag Delegation
I, along with members of the Senate Budget Committee, had the pleasure of welcoming the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag Delegation to the State Capitol. We exchanged perspectives on legislative priorities, committee work, and the fiscal challenges facing governments today. Our discussion highlighted the importance of thoughtful budgeting, collaboration, and creating policies that meet the needs of our communities. I appreciated the opportunity to share insights from California and learn from Germany’s approach to public service and governance.
Kappa League Mentorship Program
I had the pleasure of welcoming members of the Kappa League and Guide Right Program of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to the Senate Floor. The Kappa League is a nationally recognized youth leadership and mentorship program that helps young men develop the skills, confidence, and character needed to succeed in school, their careers, and their communities. Programs like Kappa League are helping prepare the next generation of leaders to make a positive impact across California.
Juneteenth Celebration at the State Capitol
I had a wonderful time alongside my colleagues from the California Legislative Black Caucus hosting our Juneteenth Celebration at the State Capitol. We were thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Goapele as our special guest artist. Her soulful performance brought unmatched energy to the Capitol steps.
In Memory of Dr. Harold K. Brown
(Photo credit: San Diego History Center)
I had the honor of adjourning the Senate in memory of Dr. Harold K. Brown, a pioneering civil rights leader, educator, and advocate whose lifelong commitment to justice and opportunity transformed countless lives.
After arriving in San Diego on a basketball scholarship to San Diego State College, Dr. Brown became a campus trailblazer, later founding SDSU's Afro-American Studies program and serving as its first director. He recruited the department's inaugural faculty, including Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber, helping expand educational opportunities for Black students and future generations.
Throughout his remarkable career as an educator, banker, Peace Corps leader, and community advocate, Dr. Brown championed economic empowerment and equity. His enduring legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the institutions he helped build, and the family he cherished.
DISTRICT UPDATE
Perfect Attendance Ceremony at SeaWorld San Diego!
Last month, we held our 12th Annual Perfect Attendance Ceremony at SeaWorld San Diego. Nearly 1,000 students from 38 schools across five school districts – San Diego Unified, Lemon Grove, La Mesa-Spring Valley, Grossmont Union, Cajon Valley – all achieved perfect attendance.
This year, we awarded one school with the highest percentage of students achieving perfect attendance. With 15.12% of enrolled students with perfect attendance, we are proud to congratulate Rancho Elementary School in the La Mesa Spring Valley School District! Thank you to our amazing partners for another remarkable event!
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.
LGBTQ+ Community Leader
This Pride Month, we are proud to honor Alexis Villanueva, President and CEO of City Heights Community Development Corporation, for her leadership and dedication to the City Heights community. A lifelong resident of City Heights, Alexis has championed equitable development, economic opportunity, and community partnerships, becoming the first woman of color to lead the organization in its 43-year history.
Under her leadership, City Heights CDC has broken ground on a $98 million affordable housing development, helped shape local housing policy through community-driven planning, and led flood relief efforts for residents and small businesses. Her impact has earned regional recognition, including the San Diego Business Journal's 2024 Rising Star Award, making her a deserving recipient of this year's Pride Month Community Leader honor.
Let’s continue to showcase the beauty and diversity of our district together! The next category is for Hispanic Heritage Month in September!
Nomination Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Hispanic Heritage Month Community Leader Award: This award honors one outstanding community leader. The community 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.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
College Prep Middle School Promotion Ceremony
I had the privilege of delivering the promotion speech and celebrating the achievements of an incredible group of students. College Prep Middle School has built a culture of excellence, and that is reflected in the recent recognition as a California Blue Ribbon School and California Distinguished School. Those honors are not given lightly. They are earned through dedication, high standards, innovation, strong academic achievement, and a commitment to helping every student succeed.
Cooper Family Foundation Juneteenth Event
It was a pleasure to join the Cooper Family Juneteenth Celebration, the longest-running Juneteenth celebration in San Diego. This annual tradition brings our community together to celebrate freedom, honor the resilience of those who came before us, and reflect on the work that still lies ahead. Thank you to the Cooper family for the invitation and the opportunity to speak. I’m grateful to be part of such a meaningful and inspiring celebration.
Bradley Court Expansion
Congratulations to Generations Healthcare on the groundbreaking of the Bradley Court Behavioral Health Campus expansion. This milestone reflects the commitment to expanding access to behavioral health services and strengthening care for individuals and families throughout East County.
Conservation Corps of California 50th Anniversary
Since 1976, more than 127,000 Corpsmembers have served in the CCC, contributing over 86 million hours of service in natural resource and energy conservation, emergency response, and more across California and the nation. We have a strong partnership with the CCC San Diego corpsmembers and I was happy my district was one of the of stops on the 50th Anniversary Golden State Bus Tour!
East County Economic Development Council
My staff joined the East County Economic Development Council’s Annual meeting at Grossmont College to honor outgoing board chair Bryan Shull! Thank you for your contributions to maintaining the East County EDC’s strong presence in the region.
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
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.
The San Diego History Center, located right here in Senate District 39, is a place that many residents are thankful for, including myself. This Center preserves the stories of our region, from the people who lived here to the events that shaped us. Their work helps us understand the path that led us here and the lessons that guide us to where we go next. Honoring history means learning from it and making choices that reflect our shared values.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Each month, I will spotlight a dedicated member of our team whose work helps us better serve our community every day.
Leticia has served as a scheduler in the Assembly, the Senate, and for the Lieutenant Governor. With over 10 years of experience, Leticia has enjoyed serving under Senator Weber Pierson, M.D., since October 2023, transitioning with her from the Assembly to the Senate.
As a scheduler, Leticia enjoys greeting visitors, responding to emails, and handling phone calls to help manage the high volume of meeting requests for Dr. Weber Pierson.
Leticia earned an Associate degree in Speech Communication, a Bachelor of Science in Business Communication, and a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling. She is also a published author, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the founder of two non-profit organizations, and has previously hosted both radio and television programs.
Leticia enjoys traveling with her husband Don of 23 years.
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
#RethinkTheDrink
As a physician, I’m proud to share this month’s Health Spotlight, highlighting the importance of making informed beverage choices to support long-term health and help prevent chronic disease.
Many popular drinks—including sodas, sweetened teas, energy drinks, and flavored coffee beverages—contain surprising amounts of added sugar, increasing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.
Many of these beverages contain more added sugar than a person should consume in an entire day, yet that information isn’t always easy to find when ordering. That’s why I introduced SB 869, legislation that would require chain restaurants to clearly identify beverages with excessive amounts of added sugar on their menus. By making nutrition information more visible, we can empower Californians to make informed choices for themselves and their families. Click here to learn more about SB 869 and how you can support this effort.
Closing Message
As we move into a new month, I encourage you to make time for the people, places, and moments that help you recharge. In the midst of busy schedules and constant demands, even a few moments of reflection can bring greater perspective and peace. As Jon Kabat-Zinn reminds us, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” While we can’t control everything life brings our way, we can choose how we respond, with patience, resilience, and compassion for ourselves and those around us.
It is an honor to serve as your State Senator, and I remain grateful for the trust you place in me. Your ideas, experiences, and voices help shape the work we do each day on behalf of our communities. Please continue to stay engaged, share what matters most to you, and know that my office is always here to listen, assist, and advocate for 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.