What a month! Only hours ago, the California State Senate finished reviewing hundreds of bills as our two-year legislative session came to an end. The end of session is always a crunch time, but this year it was even more complicated because of the measures we had to put in place to keep the public, legislators, and staff safe while doing the people's business.
The Senate announced in April that we would narrow our bill focus to the most pressing issues facing California, especially the pandemic and economic recovery. We also sought to find ways to address the great call for change spurred by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and too many others, passing several bills to help remove some of the stains of racism from our social fabric. We must keep the legislative momentum going for even more gains.
Read more
A Note from Kyra Greene, Center for Policy Initiatives, on the Final Days of the 2020 Census
|
The 2020 Census window is quickly coming to a close, with the deadline to respond September 30. It is imperative that everyone participate. I invited Kyra Greene, the Executive Director of the Center for Policy Initiatives (CPI), to explain why 2020 is one of the most crucial Census years in a generation. - Toni
Read more
Recent Updates from the DMV
|
Over the past several weeks, my district team has spoken to many constituents who are confused about what to do if their driver's license expires during the COVID-19 pandemic. I completely understand the frustration. With so many epidemic-related updates to navigate, it can be hard to keep information straight. Let me try to clear it up with this chart, which explains the most common license extension scenarios.
As you can see in the chart, many services can be handled from home through the DMV's Online Services Portal. And, of course, if you still have any questions, you can call my office at (619) 645-3133. We're always here to help you.
Why Wait? Register to Vote Today
|
One of America's most consequential elections will happen on November 3, 2020. As a nation, we will collectively decide our next President of the United States and other important local, state and federal issues that will shape our everyday lives. I encourage everyone to register to vote online by October 19, 2020. But you don't need to wait that long – you can register right now.
Due to COVID-19, our priority is to protect the health of all voters and poll workers. To that end, all registered, active voters will receive a ballot in the mail that they can return through the mail, drop off at their county registrar's office, or at a voting location.
Find more information about registering and voting on the San Diego Registrar of Voters' website.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15
|
September 15 marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which affords us an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the vast contributions Hispanic Americans make in our communities.
This year, National Hispanic Heritage Month takes on a uniquely poignant tone as we see how COVID-19 is impacting California's Latinx population at higher rates than any other group – some 59 percent of positive cases and 47 percent of deaths statewide. Many of those impacted are essential workers.
It is important that we recognize this truth and do all we can to safeguard our neighbors, and all who are vulnerable, from the threat of the virus.
District Office Working for You
|
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing, we haven't been able to see one another in person for many months. But that hasn't stopped my district team from staying connected with you. They have been calling, zooming, writing, and assisting thousands of our neighbors. I'm so proud of how they are meeting this moment with our constituents' needs top of mind.
Please remember to reach out to our team if you need help. Every call, every email, every meeting — every one of you — matters to Team Toni. We are honored to serve you.
Call us at: (619) 645-3133
Send us a message: https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/contact
Email me: senator.atkins@senate.ca.gov
|