After Election Day, the clock will start ticking on another hugely important matter of public policy: the 2020 U.S. Census. Most Americans don't realize just how important the Census is to effective governing. It paints a picture of America - who we are, what we look like, and what our needs are - and that picture is a key factor in determining the distribution of political power and resources in our country.

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In 2012, voters approved Proposition 39 which has generated millions of dollars for clean-energy projects in our schools during the first five years.

Since those five years ended in 2018, it's a good time to let you know how much funding from the program has gone to local schools. Throughout San Diego County, more than $117 million has been invested from Prop. 39, resulting in an estimated $10.2 million in annual energy-cost savings and allowing school districts to invest more in educational priorities rather than paying energy bills.

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Veterans Day carries considerable weight for me, given my family's deep involvement in the U.S. Armed Forces. My father, two brothers, sister, brother-in-law, uncles, cousins and two nephews have served in the many branches of the Armed Forces. So you see, service to country runs deep in my family.

That's partly why serving veterans is such a high priority for me as a legislator. For example, I'm proud to have worked closely with then-Assembly Speaker John Perez while I was Majority Leader in support of the legislation that placed Proposition 41 on the June 2014 ballot.

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Operation Gobble, 2017

I love autumn - not only because it's when our legislative session is over and I get to return home to reconnect with my communities, but also because it means Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Thanksgiving is wonderful thanks to the four Fs: friends, family, football and food! And it's wonderful because it gives us an opportunity to reflect on all we have to be grateful for. I'm thankful to be in a position to support and empower others, and there are two ways I do that.

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I have always believed in the importance of a healthful meal. Sadly, obtaining fresh food is a challenge for many families living in disadvantaged communities who may not have access to food retailers, or may not have the budget to pay for healthy options for meat products, produce and other essential groceries.

That's why I was happy to learn about the launch of the SDCEats Farm to Family Fair on November 7 from noon to 3 p.m. at San Diego Continuing Education's Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Blvd. in the Mountain View neighborhood of San Diego.

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

Recently, a constituent - a local physician - who had been unable to log in to the California CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) website contacted my office for help after having no luck with the website's help desk. We connected with the Attorney General's office, which oversees the website, and successfully got the doctor's account working again.

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