It's December! And while I know we are all eager to turn the page on 2020, I also know this last month of the year will be a busy one, with holiday traditions—both old and reimagined for the times we are in—and with all the work that is going on to prepare for the year ahead.

In the California State Senate, we began preparing for the 2021 session of the Legislature even before we wrapped up the last one! Our top priority, of course, is continuing to help Californians through this pandemic and to ensure that our economy recovers and grows. And we are looking forward to working on those critical issues with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris once they take office in January.

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I was six years old when a diverse crowd of drag queens rioted for queer rights at the Stonewall Inn and seven when the first gay pride parade marched through New York City. I was 15 years old when Harvey Milk was elected in San Francisco and 16 when he was killed. Despite the tumult and devastation, watching these headlines unfold from my little corner of the countryside in southwest Virginia inspired me. They gave me hope that I too could make a difference.

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"It's a simple act of kindness."

That's how Michelle Harvey describes her group of super-volunteers known as the San Diego Face Mask Sewing Group. At a time when we are all being asked to remain vigilant and protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, Michelle has inspired nearly 2,000 volunteers to literally lend a hand and sew 60,000 masks.

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As we've come to expect in 2020, the holidays this year will be different. Due to the continued presence of COVID-19, and the increase in positive cases in San Diego County, we need to remain steadfast in following the necessary health precautions. We must wear our masks when in public and around others, wash our hands thoroughly, maintain six feet of physical space from those outside our homes, and avoid gathering with people we do not live with.

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During Transgender Awareness Week, San Diego's LGBTQ+ community members and allies honored the trans people who have been violently killed as a result of their gender identity by placing five altars throughout the area. At the time of this publication, 39 trans people have been killed in the U.S. this year – that have been reported – making 2020 the deadliest year on record for the trans community. We must stop this hate.

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