Ever since we lost our national treasure, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I have been touched and moved by the tributes that have come her way: the flowers from ordinary citizens that have piled up outside the Supreme Court. The stories from fellow judges and clerks about her diligence and compassion in approaching the law. The people lined up for hours just to pay their respects. Social media has also been filled with posts in her honor—including some of my favorites, the ones pointing out that the best way for us to pay tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg is to vote. One of the reasons it is so important for us to vote is to counter the misinformation and intimidation that we are seeing deployed against people who are simply seeking to exercise this most basic right.

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Veterans Village of San Diego's annual Stand Down event is one of the yearly programs I most look forward to, because it offers veterans who are struggling with homelessness a chance to access services, connect with others, get a reprieve from the challenges they face each day, and find a path towards getting out of homelessness.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the donation drive and Stand Down have been truncated and modified so that all involved can stay safe. While we typically collect in-kind donations for a few weeks, this year we are asking all who are able to donate "skivvies" for Stand Down during one day – Friday, October 9 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off information is detailed below. VVSD is seeking donations of new men's and women's underwear, and men's shoes, sweatpants, sweatshirts, jeans, and outerwear. VVSD does not need women's clothing (aside from underwear) at this time.

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The COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty has created significant challenges for workers and businesses struggling to make their monthly rent and mortgage payments. If you're experiencing a financial hardship due to the pandemic and are worried that you may lose your home, the COVID-19 Tenant Relief and Housing Act could protect you. To see if this law applies to your situation, visit HousingIsKey.com—a new website with guidance, forms, and helpful resources for homeowners, tenants, and landlords navigating their options during this difficult moment.

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Last October, I had the honor of serving as Acting Governor while Governor Gavin Newsom and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis were both out of the state. One of the actions I took was in partnership with the Acting First Dog, Joey, who wanted to make sure other pets were as lucky as he is.

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With over 8,000 fires and more than 3.6 million acres burned, there can be no mistaking that California is experiencing a wildfire season of unprecedented proportions. Since mid-August, over 18,200 California firefighters have been deployed to the front lines to battle the blazes threatening our homes and businesses, and polluting our air. Working under dangerous conditions with little rest or time with loved ones, these brave responders put themselves in harm's way to protect us all. Some, like San Diego's own Charles Morton, have tragically lost their lives. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the San Diego area firefighters, law enforcement and first responders who have worked tirelessly and traveled so far from home to keep Californians safe. Thank you also to the brave Conservation Corps and CDCR fire crews, as well as our state and federal partners, for their hard work to limit the impacts of this historic wildfire season.

For a long time, achievements made by the LGBTQ community were not recognized or celebrated, let alone included in history books. I am grateful that I have witnessed a shift in that attitude in my lifetime. Now, each October, we take a month to honor the vast contributions our LGBTQ siblings have made to society. This year, I would like to highlight the work San Diego's own Lambda Archives is doing to record our milestones, document our struggles, and catalogue our progress. Their diligent work will ensure we are not overlooked or forgotten. This LGBTQ History Month, I encourage you to check out their digital collection at LambdaArchives.org.