September Newsletter
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you’re having a great start to the month. It is an honor to represent our community in the California State Senate, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working on behalf of the families, workers, and communities across our district. Throughout this legislative year, my team and I have remained focused on listening to our community, addressing the issues that matter most, and advancing policies that strengthen our neighborhoods and improve the health and well-being of Californians.
The legislative session officially came to a close on August 31, marking the end of another busy year at the State Capitol. With the Legislature now in recess until January, this is an important time to reflect on the work we accomplished together and begin preparing for the year ahead. While the legislative calendar may have slowed down, my work for our community continues. My team and I will remain engaged, accessible, and focused on the priorities that matter most to you. If you have questions about legislation, need assistance navigating a state agency, or would like to share an issue that is important to you, please don’t hesitate to contact my office in San Diego or Sacramento. We are here to serve you.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
With the legislative session now concluded, I’m proud to share my bills that have made it through the Legislature and are now on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. These measures reflect our continued focus on improving health outcomes, supporting California’s students, and making sure our state’s policies work for every family and every community.
Below are the bills I authored that have reached this important final step in the legislative process:
- SB 344 - City of San Diego: mixed-use development project
This bill would provide that a specified City of San Diego environmental impact report for a mixed-use development project, known as the Midway Rising project, is deemed sufficient, adequate, and complete for full compliance with CEQA and that any approval of the project may rely conclusively on that report for compliance with CEQA.
- SB 503 – Health care services: artificial intelligence
Requires developers and deployers of clinical decision support systems to identify tools that have a risk of biased impacts, proactively mitigate those risks, and requires deployers to monitor these systems once deployed across their patient populations.
- SB 849 - Physicians and surgeons: sexual misconduct and offenses
Clarifies and prevents a physician or surgeon from seeking reinstatement if their license was surrendered while a Board accusation was pending against them due to an act of sexual misconduct or exploitation involving a current or former patient.
- SB 869 – Sugar Labeling on Menus
Requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations to display a clear and conspicuous added sugar icon and accompanying text next to standard menu beverage items that contain high levels of added sugar on the menu. Click here for more information on SB 869
- SB 874 - Medi-Cal: behavioral health treatment: stakeholder feedback
Strengthens oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment (BHT) by requiring criminal background checks for BHT provider employees who interact with patients and requiring Department of Health Care Services to engage stakeholders in improving BHT coverage and billing policies. (BHT services include Applied Behavioral Analysis for children with autism.)
- SB 945 -School curriculum: cardiopulmonary resuscitation: automated external defibrillators
Would request that the Instructional Quality Commission consider adding CPR and AED training as part of the Physical Educational Framework. This would ensure that school districts that do not require health, teach students about the importance of CPR and AEDs in life threatening situations.
- SB 950 - Health care coverage: dementia
Ensures timely access to FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for Californians with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
- SB 958 - California Environmental Quality Act: environmental impacts: building height
This bill, for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), provides that building height is not a significant impact on the environment for specified non-industrial infill projects.
- SB 977 -Chain restaurants: children’s meals
Requires large chain restaurants of 20 or more locations to offer at least one children’s meal that meets expert nutrition standards if they already offer a kids’ meal menu or kids’ meal option.
- SB 983 -San Diego Unified Port District: job order contracting: pilot program
Authorizes the San Diego Port District to use the Job Order Contracting (JOC) method for their maintenance projects.
- SB 999 - Franchise Tax Board: reporting requirements
Provides more complete information for the public and policymakers by revising the publication date of a Franchise Tax Board report on the health insurance mandate and tax reconciliations of state health insurance subsidies.
- SB 1037 - Health care coverage: rate review
Provides more transparency on unaffordable health insurance rate increases and increases pressure on plans to meet lower health care cost‑growth targets. SB 1037 requires the California Department of Managed Health Care and the California Department of Insurance to evaluate, as part of rate review, whether a plan’s or insurer’s rates meet the Affordable Care Act’s affordability standard.
- SB 1049 - Health care claims reimbursement
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
Lowers health care costs by promoting the use of effective and safe lower cost biosimilar treatments when they are available.
DISTRICT UPDATE
14th Annual Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair
I hosted our Annual Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair at O’Farrell Charter School, providing students in our community with backpacks and school supplies to help them start the new school year prepared and ready to succeed. It was wonderful to see families come together and help make sure our students have the tools they need for a strong start to the year.
View highlights from the event: 2026 Backpack Giveaway & Family Resource Fair | Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.
Young Legislators Program
The Young Legislators Program (YLP) is an educational program sponsored by the Office of Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. of the 39th Senate District. The goal of the program is to equip our youth with the skills and knowledge to consider a career in government or public service, and an opportunity to learn about the state legislative process, current events, leadership development, financial literacy, and more.
The Young Legislators will meet from October 2026 through June 2027, on the 4th Wednesdays (except, November and December 2026 when we meet on the 3rd Wednesday due to holidays) from 5pm-7pm at our California State District Office in San Diego.
Selection Criteria:
- Open to high school students who live or attend school in the 39th Senate District.
- Must submit official high school transcript.
- Must complete application form including short essays.
- Must be able to commit to the scheduled sessions.
Apply TODAY! You must submit your application by Wednesday, September 30, 2026 to be considered. https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/young-legislators-program-2026-2027
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 and businesses to be recognized for their contributions.
Let’s continue to showcase the beauty and diversity of our district together! For Filipino American Heritage Month, we are recognizing an outstanding community leader and outstanding businesses in Senate District 39. The nomination deadline is September 30, 2026.
You can view all of the categories and submit your nominations by clicking here: Community Recognition 2026 | Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.
There Ought to be a Law
Each year, I look forward to receiving legislative bill ideas from my constituents! Starting September 1, 2026, my office will begin accepting submissions for ideas that could become statewide legislation. Your experiences and ideas help shape the work we do in the California State Senate.
For more information, please visit: There Ought To Be A Law | Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.
UPCOMING EVENT
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease and I are hosting an in-depth conversation about the unique experiences of Black women during perimenopause and menopause.
Date: Monday, Sept 21
Time: 11:30-1:30PM
Location: Southeastern Live Well Center
5101 Market Street
San Diego, CA 92114
Free parking available on-site
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/menopause-chronic-disease-risk-and-black-womens-health-tickets-1997640182561
2026 California Student Mock Election
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., in partnership with California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, is encouraging middle and high schools across California to participate in the 2026 California Student Mock Election.
The Student Mock Election gives students an opportunity to experience the democratic process firsthand by casting their votes for “real” ballot measures and candidates. Their votes will be counted and compared with those of students from schools across California, helping young people understand the importance of elections and the power of their vote.
Key Dates:
- Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Mock Election: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Schools, educators, and students interested in participating can learn more and access resources at California Student Mock Election.
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.
Across SD39, there’s no shortage of places to be thankful for — and North Park is definitely one of them. North Park is one of San Diego’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. Known for its creative energy, it offers eclectic restaurants, craft breweries, boutiques, and galleries. It’s a thriving community where you can hear great live music, pick up fresh fruit at the farmers markets, and live among a mix of historic homes and modern apartments. North Park blends art, culture, and local pride, creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Each month, I will spotlight a dedicated member of our team whose work helps us better serve our community every day. This month, I am spotlighting our 2026 summer intern Christian Okafor, who recently completed his internship with our district office.
Christian Okafor
Christian is a graduate of Helix High School with a 4.82 GPA. He brought enthusiasm, dedication, and a fresh perspective to our office this summer. We are grateful for the time he spent with our team and for the energy and perspective he brought to our work and to serving our community.
Christian will now take those experiences with him to Yale University, where he will begin his studies this fall on a full-ride scholarship. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and excited to see where his hard work and determination take him.
Congratulations, Christian, and thank you for being part of our team. We wish you the very best at Yale and in all that comes next!
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
What’s Really in Your Kid’s Drink?
From sports drinks and lemonade to sweetened teas, fruit drinks and soda, sugary beverages can add up quickly for kids. On average, children consume more than 30 gallons of sugary drinks each year, enough to fill a bathtub, and as much as 140 teaspoons of added sugar each week. That’s the equivalent of about 280 gummy bears. Too much added sugar can put children at greater risk for obesity, cavities, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Making healthier drink choices today can help kids build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
For more health resources, visit the Grossmont Healthcare District's Health & Wellness Library.
Closing Message
As we turn the page into a new month, I am reminded that progress does not always happen all at once. Sometimes, it begins with a single idea, a difficult conversation, or simply the decision to keep moving forward. The challenges before us may not always have easy answers, but that should never stop us from believing that better is possible.
Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Those words are a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful accomplishments begin as ideas that once seemed out of reach. Whether we are working to strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, or build a better future for the next generation, lasting change happens when we refuse to give up on what is possible.
It is an honor to serve as your State Senator, and I am grateful for the trust you place in me to represent our communities in Sacramento. Your voices, experiences, and ideas continue to shape the work we do. As we enter this new month, I encourage you to stay engaged, stay hopeful, and continue sharing what matters to you. My office is here to listen and to serve as a resource for you and your family.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, you can contact our office: Phone: 619-688-6700. District Office: 7575 Metropolitan Dr. Suite #100, San Diego, CA 92108.