I've shared with you before how proud I am to come from a military family and to represent a district with such a strong military presence. That's especially true every May, when we proudly pause to remember all those who gave their lives serving in our nation's military. There is an old expression, "All Gave Some. Some Gave All." That is so appropriate in honoring those who died wearing the uniform, and so poignant today as we watch the soldiers and residents of Ukraine fight—with so many people giving their own "last full measure of devotion," as Abraham Lincoln once said.

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Linda Rogers is a retired registered nurse who practiced in New York and California for nearly 20 years. She lives in San Diego.

I was a nursing student at the Roosevelt Hospital School of Nursing in the early 1970s when I saw firsthand how not having access to safe abortions can deeply impact women. Women came in with fevers and sick due to botched procedures. Suffering from infection and pain. They were from all different backgrounds and walks of life – rich to poor, young to middle-aged, all ethnicities. The day I saw a woman die of an infection due to a back-alley abortion has haunted me for the rest of my life, and ignited a lifelong desire to always stand up for women's rights and reproductive freedom.

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Each May, we recognize small businesses and celebrate the industry of the over 4 million mom-and-pop shops that call our state home and make our communities so unique. Small businesses are a critical piece of California's robust economy, employ nearly half of California's private sector workers, and make up over 95 percent of businesses here in San Diego. California small businesses are leaders working to shape the future of their fields and have helped propel our state to the status of the fifth largest economy in the world. That's why we sought to help businesses bounce back with $1.5 billion in small business and non-profit grants, and $400 million in additional support and tax credits in the 2021-2022 state budget. During these challenging times, I remain committed to helping both small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed for years to come.

For more than two decades, the San Diego River Conservancy (SDRC) has protected nearly 90 percent of our San Diego River watershed, as well as managed and restored the natural habitat along the river. The Conservancy also has protected the extensive historic sites in the area – safeguarding the vital ecosystems and cultural heritage sites along the San Diego River.

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Last Month, Justice Patricia Guerrero was sworn in as a California Supreme Court Justice, taking her place on the bench and in California history as the first Latina to serve on our state's highest court.

Justice Guerrero's appointment is an inspiration to women of color within the legal community and to all Californians looking to break barriers through a combination of hard work, tenacity, and perseverance. We live in the most diverse state in the nation and it is important that the benches of our courts reflect that—and that they reflect us.

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Although I lost my mom, Betty Davis Atkins, in 1994, hardly a day goes by that I don't think about her. She was a remarkable woman who endured many hardships — she raised four children, cared for my father, worked her fingers to the bone as a seamstress, and kept our house running. Like so many mothers, she was the heart and soul of our family. On May 8^th, I'll be thinking of her and all that she gave to me — a work ethic, a love of reading, and the directive to be kind in this world.

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Jen and I danced the night away at the Diversionary Theatre Disco Ball on April 2! It was a groovy way to celebrate the third-oldest LGBTQ+ theater in the U.S. and to honor our friend, Christine Kehoe.

Opening Day at Petco Park was a grand slam! With a new season underway, it's the Padres' Time To Shine!

For 59 years, San Diego women and families have counted on the wide array of incredible health care services provided by Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. It was a pleasure to join their CEO and President, Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson, (on left) and their many supporters in celebration of the organization's legacy.

On April 15, I had the honor of swearing in Dr. Darshana Patel to the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. Dr. Patel is a trusted leader and a tireless advocate for quality education in California. I have no doubt she will be an excellent addition to the Commission.

In honor of Earth Day, Assemblymember Chris Ward and I joined the California State Parks Foundation and a group of dedicated volunteers on April 16 for a beach cleanup at Silver Strand State Beach.

Jen and I are huge women's soccer fans—our first date was actually at a San Diego Spirit season opener! We are beyond excited that a new team has made San Diego their home. We'll be cheering on the San Diego Wave this season.

It was great to be back in-person for the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair and Parade for the first time since 2019! The rich diversity in this community (there are over 27 languages spoken in the neighborhood!) plays a huge role in making San Diego so great.