You've probably heard the old weather-related expression "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." I think we can all agree March 2020 came in like a stampede. One year later, while there are positive signs emerging, we are still facing the pandemic that has cost our nation more than half a million lives, including 50,000 of our family members, friends, and neighbors here in California. In addition to the lives we have lost, other lives have been put on hold, small businesses, families, and individuals are struggling, and many dreams and opportunities have been delayed and denied. But as tired and frustrated as we all are, we have to keep going. There is still more work for us to do, and more precautions for us to take, if we are to finally make it past the lion and put COVID-19 behind us.

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Each March, we honor the achievements women have made, applaud the "firsts" who have blazed a new trail, and take note of the ceilings that still need to be shattered. It's a moment to champion our progress and recognize where we still need to nudge the needle of gender parity.

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Each year, in honor of Women's History Month, the California Legislative Women's Caucus hosts a "Woman of the Year" celebration to commemorate outstanding women from every Senate and Assembly district. Due to COVID, we are announcing our winners virtually, and it is my extreme honor to name Dr. Margaret Leinen, Director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as my honoree for the 39^th Senate District. It is fitting as this year I am introducing Senate Bill 1, the Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation Act. The Bill would help protect against loss of life, economic harm, and environmental damage, and provide the resources that our communities need to navigate what research is telling us could be the next big climate disaster. I listen to scientists, and asked Dr. Leinen to give us a State of the Science update in her words." - Toni

By Dr. Margaret Leinen
Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego
Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences and Dean of the School of Marine Sciences at UC San Diego

While there may be uncertainty about exactly how much sea level will rise, scientists know even the minimum is a big threat to California's coastal communities.

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Nearly 8 million people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in California, and that number continues to rise. I applaud the collaboration between the State, the County, the City, our health care partners and private partners. The issue is and continues to be one of supply to meet the need of the demand.

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The life's work of farm worker and community organizer César Chávez is one that continues to impact our daily lives, and this month, we honor his legacy with a state holiday. Chávez, along with Dolores Huerta, another California labor and civil rights leader, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union) to fight for the underrepresented, underserved populations of farm workers who make it possible for California to be the fruit basket of the world. On March 31, we remember César Chávez's legacy of service, education and environmentalism, as well as the continued fight for justice for farm workers and laborers across this country, who are still so often denied fair treatment and livable wages. 

I was so pleased to join CITI, Citi Salutes, and San Diego City College to launch the Veterans helping Veterans Earned Income Tax Credit Program in San Diego. This virtual event connects two issues that are very dear to my heart: our military community and the CalEITC. One of my proudest achievements to date as an elected official was creating a state Earned Income Tax Credit to supplement the federal EITC. There's no better place than our region for a veteran peer-to-peer program, which trains our vets to help other vets in preparing their taxes and assisting with financial coaching. For more information, contact Shana Carr, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Manager at City College scarr@sdccd.edu or by calling 619-388-3110.  For more information on CalEITC, visit CalEITC4me.org.

Congratulations to The Thursday Club of Point Loma. It was my pleasure to recognize them on their Centennial Anniversary. The Thursday Club Centennial President, Shelley Benoit, is pictured, proudly holding the group's Senate Certificate of Recognition. For 100 years, this women's group has been dedicated to philanthropy and continues to give back to our communities, despite being unable to meet in person. I appreciate all of you!