Dear Neighbors,

This has been a challenging year for us all. The deadly coronavirus pandemic, which has taken the lives of over 17,500 Californians, has forced us to change how we work, travel, and live our daily lives. We've watched our friends lose jobs, beloved neighborhood businesses shutter, and witnessed the impact of isolation on our youth, high-risk community members, and seniors. Wildfires of historic proportions have polluted our air and scorched our land, and more extreme weather looms on the horizon. We mourned the loss of a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice, and watched aghast as confirmation of her replacement superseded critical action and federal aid on behalf of the American people.

In the midst of the confusion and uncertainty, it has been heartening to see people from across this country turn out to vote in what will likely be one of the most important elections of our time. Californians from all walks of life mailed or turned in their ballots, a record number doing so early; we let our voices be heard.

This year, we had the opportunity to support a Californian on the Presidential ticket, something that hasn't happened in over 30 years. That a young Black girl who bussed across town in an effort to integrate her local public school could grow up to hold one of the highest offices in the land is a testament to the evolution of this nation, and to the progress achieved through the tireless work of those who came before us.

Now, together as a nation, we can rebuild what was lost these past four years and strive for a safer, more equitable country rooted in our founding principles: life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for all people. And as a state, we can continue to work on legislation that will ensure gains for all Californians, including bills focused on housing, police reform, wildfire protection, broadband access, and climate change.

As the leader of the State Senate, I look forward to working collaboratively with President-Elect Joe Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and the new federal administration. Together with the Governor and state Assembly, California will continue to lead the nation in progressive social, environmental, and economic policy.

A new day has dawned, and I'm grateful to be enjoying it alongside you.

Toni Atkins Senator, 39th District