A couple of weeks ago I was waiting on the tarmac at the former Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento to welcome President Biden, who was on his way to tour some of the areas affected by our state's latest series of devastating wildfires.

While I was waiting, I couldn't help also thinking of other fires and other Presidential visits, including when President Bush came to San Diego County, back when we experienced some of the earliest of what have now become alarmingly commonplace disasters.

Read more

When President Joe Biden visited California last month to see firsthand the damage recent wildfires had ravaged on our state, I had the unique privilege of being able to talk to him briefly about what it means to all of us, as Californians, to have his support. I thanked him for coming to California, and for responding so quickly to our requests for emergency declaration and relief, and for his leadership in recognizing climate change as the challenge of a generation.

Read more

(Waves crash over the tracks in Orange County on September 17. Photo courtesy Tony Prince)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This photo says a million. Tony Prince, who is originally from San Diego and now lives in Orange County, captured this photo of a tide crashing over the tracks in San Clemente on September 17, as a major swell and high tide combined to stop a Metrolink train heading southbound in its tracks.

Read more

(I presented a Senate Resolution to Kensington Café owner Lauren Passero and her staff)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous impact on our small businesses, especially restaurants. They are vital components of a neighborhood's character and community, and as California builds back, it's important we remember the vital role they play in our region.

Read more

The FDA has authorized a third Pfizer shot for a select group of fully vaccinated people. "Fully vaccinated" means a person has received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The California Department of Public Health issued the following guidelines for eligibility:

Read more

New Cancer Center Opens in Hillcrest

There's a brand new resource in District in the battle against cancer. The Prebys Cancer Center, located on the campus of Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, is now open in Hillcrest. This state-of-the-art medical center is able to serve patients in central and south San Diego County, and is part of Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, a clinically integrated cancer care program that treats patients throughout San Diego County.

Team Toni was able to take a tour of the facility last month. The $59 million facility is the second of two regional cancer hubs located in the 39th Senate District and is part of the partnership between Scripps Health and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This new center will offer a wide variety of patient-focused treatment with state-of-the-art amenities and support services. One of the key architectural highlights: each floor of the garage offers entry into the center, so cancer patients do not have to wait for elevators.

AIDS Walk

Team Toni was honored to participate in the 32nd Annual AIDS Walk on September 25 to pay tribute to those who we have lost, and support those who are living with HIV/AIDS. Every year that I walk, I take a quiet moment to honor those I have lost, including my brother-in-law, my cousin and so many friends in San Diego.

This event remains the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in San Diego County, supporting treatment and research and 11 local HIV service organizations. It's important to remember the high risk that COVID-19 poses to those with weakened immune systems. And, it reminds us that HIV education continues to be vital.

That is why at the state level, we are committed to providing necessary funds to support our LGBTQ community.  This year's budget includes a $13 million general fund allocation to the Department of Public Health (DPH) to support prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections. With effective education and treatment to combat HIV, and efforts to prevent its spread, we can help save more lives, and instill more hope for future generations.

Clairemont Family Day

I can't tell you how much I have missed being able to join neighbors in the District at our annual  community events, many of which had to take a pause last year, due to the pandemic.

That's why it was wonderful to see so many of you at the 32nd annual Clairemont Family Day. This event was filled with great food, music, conversations and important facts on disaster preparedness. I am so proud of how resilient our community groups have been. And I'm grateful to all of you for ensuring that we can gather safely, for good causes.