October Newsletter
Dear Neighbor,
As we enter October, I want to take a moment to thank you for the trust you place in me to represent our community in the California State Senate. Serving the people of Senate District 39 means staying connected to the concerns, needs, and priorities of the families and communities I represent. Throughout this year, my team and I have worked to turn those conversations into action by advancing policies that support healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and greater opportunities for Californians.
With the Legislature in recess until January, much of my focus shifts from the State Capitol back to our communities. This time gives us an opportunity to continue meeting with residents, hearing directly from you, and preparing for the work ahead in the new year.
Our work does not stop when the Legislature is out of session. My team and I remain available to assist with state agencies, answer questions about legislation, and hear about the issues affecting you and your family. Whether you reach out to our San Diego or Sacramento office, please know that we are here to serve you.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
This year, 14 of the 15 bills sent to the Governor’s desk were signed into law, turning months of collaboration, advocacy and legislative work into policies that will make a difference for Californians. These new laws address priorities ranging from health and education to consumer protections and stronger support for families and communities across our state.
Each of these measures reflects issues raised by the people and communities I serve and represents another step toward building a healthier, safer, and more equitable California.
Below are the bills I authored that the Governor signed into law this year:
- 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 notice next to standard menu beverages that contain high levels of added sugar, making California the first state in the nation to adopt this requirement. - 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 – Environmental impacts
Addresses what is considered a significant impact of a project on the environment if that impact is analyzed in a certified environmental impact report. - 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 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. - 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
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.
2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Community Leader Honoree
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to recognize Vicky Zien, founder of Anvil of Hope, for her dedication to students and families across San Diego. Through her leadership, Anvil of Hope has expanded academic, athletic, arts and enrichment opportunities for students at Paradise Hills Elementary, Bell Middle School and Morse High School. Programs have included mentoring, robotics, Ballet Folklórico, baseball, STEAM education, financial literacy, summer learning and leadership development.
Vicky’s work has also helped strengthen families through school pantry improvements, meals, holiday gifts and emotional wellness support. Her commitment is helping young people discover new passions, build confidence and gain access to opportunities that can shape their futures. We are pleased to honor Vicky for her service and lasting investment in our community.
Let’s continue to showcase the beauty and diversity of our district together! For Native American Heritage Month, we are recognizing an outstanding community leader and outstanding businesses in Senate District 39. The nomination deadline is October 31, 2026.
You can view all of the categories and submit your nominations by clicking here: Community Recognition 2026 | Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I’m grateful to receive the BlueSky Mental Health Innovator Award at Wellness Together, Inc.’s 10th Annual Conference. Their work to support student mental health continues to make a tremendous difference. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every student has the resources and support they need to thrive.
It was great to come together with the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease and members of our community for an important conversation about Black women’s experiences with perimenopause and menopause.
Access to trusted information and resources helps women better understand their health and feel empowered to advocate for the care they deserve. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this such a meaningful discussion.
I had a great visit with the team at CVS Pharmacy to see firsthand how they are helping make health care more accessible and convenient in our communities.
From immunizations and medication services to health monitoring, safe medication disposal and same-day delivery, pharmacists play an important role in helping patients stay healthy. Thank you to the local team for showing me how they are supporting patients and families every day.
Thank you to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter and the Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego for recognizing me with the Community Leadership Award! It was special to share this recognition with fellow community leaders. I appreciate all you do to uplift, serve, and strengthen our San Diego community.
Thank you to the Children’s Specialty Care Coalition for inviting me to speak! I had a great time connecting with the Coalition and discussing our shared commitment to improving health care for children across California.
I truly appreciate the incredible work CSCC continues to do to advocate for children with complex health needs and ensure families have access to the specialized care and support they need.
Our Young Legislators Program has officially wrapped up, and I could not be prouder of this incredible group of students! Throughout the program, our Young Legislators strengthened their leadership skills, learned about the legislative process and gained tools they can carry with them well beyond the program. Their curiosity, thoughtful questions and commitment to learning were inspiring to see. Congratulations to each of our Young Legislators for all they accomplished. I know their futures are bright, and I cannot wait to see where their leadership takes them next!
EL NIÑO
As we head into the rainy season, I want to make sure you and your family have the information you need to prepare for severe weather and stay safe. Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference when heavy rain, flooding or other dangerous conditions arrive.
One weather pattern we are preparing for is El Niño. El Niño happens when parts of the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual. In Southern California, that can bring heavier rain, flooding, mudslides, road closures and other weather-related disruptions.
Here are a few things you can do now:
- Make a plan. Know where you would go if you need to leave your home and make sure everyone in your household knows the plan.
- Build an emergency kit. Have at least three days of food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and pet supplies.
- Prepare your home. Clear gutters and drains, protect important documents and get sandbags ahead of time if your property is at risk of flooding.
- Stay informed. Sign up for emergency alerts and follow updates from local and state officials. You can find emergency alerts for your area at listoscalifornia.org/alerts.
Need sandbags? If you reside in San Diego County, the county has a list of sandbag locations throughout the region. Some locations provide both sand and bags, while others may provide bags only. Residents should check availability before heading out by visiting: alertsandiego.org/en-us/recovery/sandbags.
For residents in the City of San Diego, empty sandbags are available at several recreation centers while supplies last. The City currently limits them to 10 bags per household or business and does not provide the sand. For more information visit: sandiego.gov/storm-preparedness.
If you see a flooded road, turn around. Never drive or walk through floodwater. Stay away from rivers, creeks and storm channels, and move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.
Residents near the coast should also keep an eye on upcoming King Tides, which can create additional flooding risks in low-lying coastal areas. The first expected King Tide period in San Diego is October 26-28.
Business owners can prepare by protecting important records, identifying areas that may flood and making a plan for employees before severe weather arrives.
For more information and preparedness resources, visit sandiego.gov/elnino
Stay safe, stay informed and prepare early.
AwareCA App
Staying informed during an emergency can make a critical difference, especially when conditions are changing quickly.
I want to share AwareCA, a new statewide mobile app that can help San Diego County residents stay informed about emergency activity near them and in the communities they care about.
Developed by Intterra and recently shared by CAL FIRE as a resource for Californians, AwareCA provides information from participating public safety agencies and trusted emergency management partners.
With the app, residents can:
View emergency incidents near their location or other saved areas.
- Receive notifications about developing incidents and evacuations.
- Follow major incidents for updates.
- Access information provided by participating public safety agencies.
San Diego County residents can save locations that matter most, including their home, workplace, school or the neighborhoods where loved ones live.
Preparedness starts with knowing where to find reliable information. I encourage you to learn more about AwareCA and consider adding it to the tools you use to stay informed during an emergency.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Market Creek Plaza Town Hall
I invite community members to join me on October 8 for a town hall focused on the TCE contamination at Market Creek Plaza. Representatives from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and Market Creek Plaza will provide updates, answer questions and share information about the ongoing response. This is an opportunity for residents to hear directly from those involved and stay informed about an issue affecting the surrounding community.
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Lincoln High School Theater
4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Select Committee on the Social Determinants of Health Informational Hearing
On October 21, I will convene the Senate Select Committee on the Social Determinants of Health for an informational hearing examining the challenges families face in accessing nutritious food and the role policy can play in improving health outcomes. The Nutrition Gap: Policy, Access, and the Path Forward will bring together experts and community voices to discuss barriers to healthy food access and potential solutions to help build healthier communities across California.
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: County of San Diego Operations Center Hearing Chamber, Building 5520
5520 Overland Ave., San Diego, CA 92123
ICYMI: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WEBINAR
In response to the recent surge in ICE enforcement across the San Diego region, including near schools and college campuses, I hosted a Know Your Rights webinar with the California Attorney General’s Office, ACLU and Haitian Bridge Alliance.
Our goal was to make sure community members have clear, reliable information about their rights, available resources and what to do if they encounter immigration enforcement. No one should feel powerless or unsure of where to turn, and I remain committed to helping our communities stay informed, prepared and connected to trusted resources.
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.
There are so many great things to be thankful for in SD39, and today we’re celebrating La Mesa! From its vibrant small businesses and local restaurants to beautiful parks, community events, and welcoming neighborhoods, City of La Mesa truly has something for everyone.
It’s also especially meaningful to me as the city where I served as a City Councilmember and where both my District Director Chevelle and I call home.
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 district intern Libby Smith.
Libby Smith is the newest addition to the Weber Pierson team, beginning her internship in the District Office in late August. As District Office Intern, Libby assists the team with a variety of tasks including legislative hearing preparation, constituent correspondence, and community event organization and production.
In addition to being new to her role in the office, Libby is also new to living in San Diego, having moved here this summer after graduating college. Previously, Libby has lived in New York, Sydney, Los Angeles, and most recently, San Luis Obispo, where she earned her B.A. in Political Science and Master of Public Policy from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Libby is already obsessed with the San Diegan way of life and looks forward to settling into the community and continuing work for the people of Senate District 39 for many years to come.
Although there is much she is yet to explore, some of her favorite District 39 pastimes include picnicking at Sunset Cliffs, catching a show at Gallagher Square, and enjoying the best crab rangoons known to man at Liberty Station.
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, support survivors and encourage women to prioritize their health. Staying informed about your individual risk factors, keeping up with regular checkups and paying attention to changes in your breasts are important steps in protecting your health.
Together, we can continue spreading awareness, supporting those impacted by breast cancer and encouraging women to take an active role in their health.
Importance of Mammograms
Mammograms are an important tool for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes.
Women should talk with their health care provider about when to begin mammograms and how often they should be screened based on their age, family history and individual risk factors. If you notice a change in your breasts or something does not feel right, do not wait to speak with a health care professional.
For more health resources, visit the Grossmont Healthcare District's Health & Wellness Library.
Closing Message
Each new month gives us another chance to reflect on where we have been, recognize the work still ahead, and recommit ourselves to the future we want to build. Meaningful progress often comes through persistence, partnership, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when the path forward is not always clear.
As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” That spirit of working together is at the heart of public service. The strongest communities are built when people remain engaged, share their experiences, and continue working toward solutions that improve the lives of their neighbors and future generations.
Serving you in the State Senate is a responsibility I value deeply, and I appreciate every resident who takes the time to reach out, attend a community event, share an idea, or raise an issue that deserves attention. Your input helps guide the work my team and I do each day.
As we head into October, I hope you will continue staying connected with our office and with one another. Together, we can keep building healthier, stronger, and more vibrant communities throughout our region.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, my office is always here to help. You can contact us at 619-688-6700 or visit our District Office at 7575 Metropolitan Dr., Suite #100, San Diego, CA 92108.