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Happy New Year, everyone! Sometimes January is a month that feels like a Monday, but there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the air in 2022.
It's a new year, new laws are taking effect that help people into homes, jobs, and debt-free higher education. With the once-a-decade redistricting almost complete, many of my colleagues and I will welcome new communities and new constituents to represent. And in Sacramento we're moving into a new—and temporary—workspace while the East Wing of the Capitol, where so much good has been accomplished for the people of California, is replaced by a safer and more accessible building. Please know, wherever my office is, my door is always open to the people of the 39th Senate District!
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(At the "T1" groundbreaking with City Councilmember and San Diego Airport Authority Board Member Marni Von Wilpert and California State Transportation Secretary David S. Kim) |
The new year is starting with forward progress on two major infrastructure projects in San Diego.
Last month, I joined the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, California State Transportation Secretary David S. Kim, as well as regional and federal leaders, for the groundbreaking of the new Terminal 1, or "T1" as it's called, nearly a decade in the making.
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New Ocean Simulator to Help Us Better Understand Climate Change
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California is now the home to one of the most exciting new tools in the effort to better understand our climate as it changes. Just recently, UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography brought online its groundbreaking new ocean simulator, the Scripps Ocean Atmosphere Research Simulator, or SOARS.
SOARS is the culmination of countless hours of development and input from multiple experts and will serve as the focal point of novel scientific discoveries for decades to come. The simulator is made up of a massive tank capable of holding thousands of gallons of seawater and is capable of generating hurricane force winds. These conditions can be closely controlled and monitored, allowing researchers to study the interactions of wind, water, and sea life like never before.
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Historic Funding to Create More Equity in Parks and Outdoor Spaces
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(Photo Courtesy Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Secretary) |
Our outdoor spaces – in San Diego and throughout the state of California – received a boost in the amount of $548 million in grants as part of the 2021 State Budget in December. About $25 million of that will be put to use in San Diego County and the City of San Diego to ensure that there is "access for all," ensuring equity in providing parks and outdoor spaces for everyone in our communities.
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California Competes Tax Credits Application Period Opens Jan. 3
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With the new year comes a new opportunity for businesses that are interested in applying for tax credits and grants. On Monday, January 3, the California Competes Tax Credits and the California Competes Grants Program application period opens, with $140 million available tax credits and $120 million in grant funding.
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Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Visionary civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with so many champions of equity that we owe gratitude to for advancing the pursuit of racial, social, and economic justice, are foremost in our minds as the Senate begins this next year of our legislative session. Protecting the rights of all Californians – regardless of who you are, where you come from, or who you love – remains a top priority.
Deanna Spehn Day
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(Team Toni Staff joins County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, former Senator Christine Kehoe and Deanna's husband Richard in celebrating Deanna Spehn Day)
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December 7, 2021, was a special day in San Diego County, as we celebrated the first honorary "Deanna Spehn Day."
I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Deanna for years and deeply appreciate her decades of commitment to our community, and her endless knowledge of policy and history. Deanna has been a tireless advocate at the city and state government level, and is a well-known and well-respected member of our community. Deanna served as policy director for former Senator Christine Kehoe and helped establish the San Diego River Conservancy, and later joined my staff and has worked with me in my roles as Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tempore. She has been integral in my work on climate legislation, transportation issues, workers' rights, agricultural issues, and open spaces. Our region truly is better because of Deanna's service and dedication. Thank you to County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer for recognizing Deanna's work with a proclamation in her honor, and congratulations Deanna.
Thank You, Andrea Tevlin
It was my privilege to honor Andrea Tevlin, who retired from her role as the Independent Budget Analyst in November. Andrea wasn't elected to this role, but she agreed to take on a role that had never existed before – to provide transparency and trust during a difficult time in our City's history.
The transition from the City Manager form of government to Strong Mayor form was synonymous with Andrea Tevlin's arrival in San Diego and the creation of a permanent Office of the Independent Budget Analyst. I was serving as a City Councilmember at the time, and Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, which was responsible for setting up the IBA's office and recruiting the first ever IBA.
She exceeded the anticipations of what we envisioned for the IBA role and San Diego is in a stronger place because of her leadership. I wish you all the best in retirement Andrea!
Team Toni Holiday Toy Donations
Team Toni was honored to kickoff #TransAwarenessWeek by attending the San Diego LGBT Center's Transgender Pride Flag Raising Ceremony! This is an important week each year to celebrate our trans siblings while spreading awareness of the issues they face & continuing the fight for Trans Rights.
What were the top-performing social posts from 2020? Here's a look.
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