Summer sure is coming to a tough close this year. Parts of California are once again on fire, and many of our neighbors in the state have had to flee with only what they can load into their cars as smoke and flames endanger their homes and their communities. We have tragically lost many American service members and Afghan allies to new violence in a 20 year-old war, and refugees from that war now face an uncertain future—a future that depends on whether the rest of us are willing to tap into our faith and our humanity to help. And this is all on top of a rise in COVID cases across the nation, despite best efforts to convince the holdouts who still refuse vaccines and masks.
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Pure Water Phase 1 Project Celebrated
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Senator Atkins, Congressman Scott Peters (D-San Diego), EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, California State Water Resources Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel |
Cheers to the future! This photo is one I will always cherish – the raising of our water glasses to commemorate the kickoff of Phase 1 of the City of San Diego's Pure Water project at the North City Treatment Facility. Last month, I joined Mayor Todd Gloria, Congressmember Scott Peters, the Environmental Public Agency's Administrator Michael S. Regan, and California State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquival to celebrate the largest infrastructure project in San Diego history. Once complete, the project will provide one-half of our city's water a clean, reliable, recycled supply of water by 2035.
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Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine
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Flashback to when I received my vaccine in April |
With the FDA's full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, there is no better time to get vaccinated than today. For weeks, we have seen COVID cases rising at a distressing rate among the unvaccinated. However, those who are vaccinated remain largely protected from the long-term harmful effects of this virus.
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Don't Miss out on Stimulus Checks, Cal EITC and COVID-19 Assistance
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Payments are expected to begin this month for Californians who are eligible for the Golden State Stimulus II.
Those eligible may be qualified to receive as much as $1,100 if they made $75,000 dollars or less during the 2020 tax year. This payment is possible through our California Earned Income Tax Credit program (Cal EITC), which I am proud to have created when I was Speaker of the Assembly. This year's state budget includes an additional $8.1 billion in tax cuts in the form of the CalEITC funding and Golden State Stimulus programs.
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Celebrating California's Hispanic Heritage
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The 2020 Census data is out, and the numbers quantify something we have known for a long time – California would not be California without the many diverse communities that make up its Latinx population, and the cultural and historic impacts they have had on our state. The data showed that in the last decade, California's Hispanic population became the largest ethnic group in our state, now making up 40 percent of the total population. Similar growth was seen in the County of San Diego, where the population grew to 34 percent.
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Celebrating Balboa Park's New International Cottages
Celebrating nine new houses within Balboa Park's House of Pacific Relations International Cottages on August 28 was another highlight of the month. These brand new additions to the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages demonstrate a spirit of understanding, tolerance and goodwill among the many multicultural and ethnic groups represented in our San Diego community.
Two years ago, I secured $400,000 as part of the state budget for this project, to help create permanent spaces for the following nations and cultures: Chamorro, Colombia, India, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Palestine, Peru, the Philippines, and Turkey. By opening the doors to these cottages, we further open a world of compassion and inclusion.
There is also more to come for Balboa Park. This year, I collaborated with Assemblymember Chris Ward to secure a $3.7 million investment in Casa Del Prado as part of the 2021-22 state budget. And I look forward to working with Mayor Todd Gloria on planned renovations to restore our iconic Botanical Building, which was funded in 2019 through an $8 million budget allocation.
Ride MTS Free in September
This month, San Diegans and visitors have a rare opportunity to get around San Diego on public transit for free! The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is offering free rides throughout the month of September. This also applies to riders of the North County Transit District (NCTD) on the Breeze and Sprinter.
For a "ticket to ride," simply download "PRONTO," the new MTS fare collection system, or getting a new card at the Transit Store or ticket machine. The PRONTO payment system is replacing the former Compass Card and Compass Cloud option.
Team Toni had the opportunity to take a ride on the new Mid-Coast Extension of Trolley Blue Line on August 24, along with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Mayor Todd Gloria, County Supervisor Chair Nathan Fletcher, and representatives and transportation advocates from the region. Once open, the Blue Line extension will allow a rider to go from the U.S./Mexico border to La Jolla. I can't wait!
To take advantage of the free transit, visit RidePronto.com or call (619) 595-5636.
A Career of Service: Thank You Ed
Ed Vodrazka and his family pose for a smile upon receiving a Senate Resolution.
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After 45 years of a stellar career as a peace officer/lifeguard with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Ed Vodrazka has retired from his position, and #TeamToni staff was there to deliver a special resolution to honor Ed's years of service.
Ed made his way to Torrey Pines State Beach in 2002 and served in many vital roles, including district lead Emergency Medical Services (EMS) instructor, automatic external defibrillator coordinator, hiring coordinator, lifeguard training instructor, and interpretation instructor. In his role as an EMS educator with California State Parks, Ed taught more than 1,000 ocean lifeguards. He was named EMS Educator of the Year in July 2021 by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority. Beyond his service as a lifeguard, Ed has taught Emergency Medical Technician courses for San Diego Miramar College, maintained licensure as a registered nurse, and authored a nonfiction book recounting heroic rescues by California lifeguards.
Congratulations Ed, on your long and distinguished record of professional service and your outstanding civic leadership! Wishing you and your family the very best.
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