As June begins, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an issue that is intensifying throughout our state and our nation, and to highlight the hope that lies in the work California is doing to address it.

The Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling that is anticipated in the weeks ahead carries with it the potential to overrule the abortion protections of Roe v. Wade—a right that many have never lived without. And one that other states are poised to strip away soon after the fall of Roe.

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Last week, I joined Speaker Anthony Rendon, Governor Gavin Newsom, and our legislative colleagues to discuss steps we are taking in the wake of the shooting deaths of innocent people in Uvalde, Buffalo, Orange County, San Diego and Poway. Below are my thoughts, which I conveyed during the press conference and in a statement:

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As a young girl, I dreamt about one day owning a home of my own—a dream I never thought would be possible. My parents worked hard at full-time jobs their whole lives, but for our family, renting was the only option. So I was deeply proud when, at 31, I was able to finally buy a 950-square-foot home in San Diego. Every Californian should have the opportunity to feel that sense of pride.

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Although San Diego's LGBTQ+ Pride events are traditionally held in July, June is nationally recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, commemorating the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in June 1969, which sparked the "gay liberation" movement.

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Last month, Governor Newsom released his May revisions to the January budget proposal and they were encouraging. Some, like funding for reproductive health care, are parallel to the path charted in the Senate's budget plan. Others, as happens every year, will require more discussion and negotiation.

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For more than 150 years, communities have gathered on Juneteenth to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation and the day many finally learned about the ratification of the 13^th Amendment, which freed millions of enslaved African Americans and ended one ugly chapter in our country's history. Last year, President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday, emphasizing its importance and our continued efforts to fight systemic racism. This Juneteenth, I encourage everyone to educate themselves on the history of this momentous day and consider participating in one of the many events being hosted around the San Diego region.

My father, Jim, was one of the hardest working people I have ever known. He served in the Navy during World War II, and went on to work as a miner and in construction, even helping to build a bridge over the New River in Virginia. On Father's Day, my thoughts will be of him.

This June, let's celebrate all of the amazing dads, stepdads, uncles, grandfathers, fathers-in-law, brothers, friends, and other father figures in our lives who give us all love and compassion. To those we honor, thank you for all you do for your loved ones. Happy Father's Day!

It was moving to welcome home 84 veterans who visited Washington D.C. with Honor Flight San Diego, including nine who fought in WWII. Every opportunity we have to celebrate these heroes and hear their stories should be cherished. The afternoon was made even more special because I was able to bring my twin sister, Tenia, who is a Navy veteran.

Thank you to all the volunteers who attended Planned Parenthood Pacific Southwest's training—your dedication is crucial to our fight to expand access to reproductive health services. And, congratulations to PPSW on the opening of their new center in Kearny Mesa! With this facility, the clinic will be able to provide high-quality medical care to even more patients and families. 

On May 18, Team Toni wished Werner Cahn a very happy 102^nd birthday! Werner escaped Nazi-occupied Europe in the '40s and headed for Southern California where he settled in La Jolla with his late wife, Helene.

For 50 years, Home Start has worked tirelessly to help the most vulnerable children and families in San Diego build a better future for themselves. Team Toni was thrilled to join their anniversary celebration last month.

Congratulations to the San Diego LGBT Center on the opening of their newly renovated community spaces!

Congratulations to the students of Crawford High School who, with the help of artist Linda Litteral and Space 4 Art, finished their healing-art installation project.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who attended the Pacific Beach Town Council's 12^th annual Graffiti Clean-up! Team Toni was glad we could lend a hand.

Team Toni laced up our sneakers and got our steps in at the Clearity Foundation's Teal Revolution Walk on May 22^nd to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.