September 29, 2017, was a momentous day for me professionally and personally - it was the day Governor Jerry Brown signed my bill, Senate Bill 2, the Building Homes and Jobs Act, creating a permanent, reliable source of funding for affordable housing. With the help of countless others, I had worked on that policy priority for seven years, and we finally got it across the finish line. It was exciting and extremely gratifying.

I couldn't wait for the revenue from SB 2 to begin flowing to local communities across the state to reduce homelessness and provide housing opportunities for struggling individuals and families.

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In 2017, the first year of the current two-year session, Governor Jerry Brown signed all 12 of my bills that were sent to him by the Legislature. This year, as I was beginning my tenure as Senate Leader, I carried six bills through the legislative process. Below is a rundown of those bills. With the exception of SB 945, which was enacted into law through the budget process, each has passed both houses of the Legislature and is on its way to the Governor for his signature.

SB 945: In 2016, Governor Brown signed my bill AB 1795, providing uninsured and underinsured Californians with expanded access to treatment for breast cancer and cervical cancer. SB 945 builds on AB 1795 by removing arbitrary time limits for care. Currently, the state Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program stops providing medical care for breast cancer after 18 months and cervical cancer after 24 months, regardless of medical need. SB 945 removes those limits and requires continuation of treatment as long as necessary. Funding for the expansion of cancer treatment resulting from the removal of these barriers was included in the new state budget that took effect on July 1, making it unnecessary for SB 945 to move forward.

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Fighting human trafficking and assisting trafficking survivors in their recovery is major priority for me, and that's why I'm pleased that in the final days of this year's legislative session, the Senate and the Assembly passed legislation that appropriates $10 million to provide services for survivors of human trafficking.

Human trafficking remains an extremely serious problem in San Diego and all of California, and survivors of this heinous crime need specialized assistance as they recover from their trauma. This budget funding will allow organizations and advocates dedicated to providing care to victims to continue their heroic work.

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Good news! Starting September 8, the Clairemont field office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be open on Saturdays. Hours will be from 8 to 5 p.m., and all services will be provided except for behind-the-wheel exams.

I strongly recommend that you make an appointment before visiting any DMV field office. And before making an appointment, please visit dmv.ca.gov to ensure that you're aware of the DMV's online services - many tasks can be completed online, such as a vehicle registration renewal or an address change.

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San Diego County is home to more small farms than any other county in the United States - so it's no surprise that there are 20 certified farmers' markets in just the 39^th Senate District alone!

Shopping at farmers' markets is a great way to support local business, enjoy some fresh air - and fresh produce! - and engage with your community. Below is a current list of nearby certified farmers' markets.

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My district staff is always available to help constituents navigate a complex web of state agencies.

Recently, a constituent contacted my office about the licensing for his business. His license had been updated at the federal level, and that information was sent to the state. However, the California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) was slow in updating his license at the state level, preventing him from conducting business. My staff contacted the BRE on his behalf, and a representative there was able to confirm that his license endorsement had been processed. The BRE contacted the constituent immediately with the update, allowing him to continue serving his clients.

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