This is a difficult newsletter note to write. I am still reeling from the sudden loss of Deanna Spehn: community leader, colleague, and my friend. Since her passing on November 12, it has been so comforting for Deanna's beloved family and her countless friends and colleagues to hear the kind words and many stories that have been shared about Deanna—her brilliance, her love for her family and her work, and how much she gave to our community. There is more about our amazing Deanna later in the newsletter, I hope you'll take a look.

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Team Toni lost one of our beloved family members on November 12 with the passing of Deanna Spehn, who served as my District Policy Director.

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This election cycle, Californians elected a record number of women and members of the LGTBQ+ community to the California State Legislature. On December 5th, new and returning legislators will be sworn in for a new session and our state will officially be the first in the nation to have more than 10 percent LGBTQ+ representation in its state house—but that's just one of many firsts! Women are on track to hold at least 50 legislative seats statewide—a big increase from the 39 women legislators currently in the state Assembly and Senate. In the Senate alone, if Senator Melisa Hurtado is re-elected, 18 of the 40 seats will be held by women—that's 45 percent! Representation matters and I am excited about the new perspectives and lived experiences my incoming colleagues will bring to the Capitol. The election of the most diverse group of legislators in state history is an incredible example of the democratic process at work. When Californians come out to vote, great things can happen!

The Legislative Analyst's Office recently released its annual report on California's fiscal outlook for 2023-24, which indicates that our state is facing a $25 billion budget deficit in the year ahead and likely more challenging years beyond that. Fortunately, the California Legislature has been preparing for this possibility.

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In its 10th year, Covered California's open enrollment period is once again giving Californians the opportunity to sign up for high quality health insurance with the click of a button. If you or someone you know is looking for coverage in the new year, you have until open enrollment closes on January 31 to shop, compare plans, and sign up through Covered California for insurance that begins on February 1. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, almost 90 percent of members can also take advantage of financial help to lower their monthly premiums, including an estimated 79,000 people in San Diego. Check out your options for free at CoveredCA.com.

Thank you to the incredible folks at San Diego Zoo Safari Park for indulging the animal lovers in my office (myself, most of all) with a tour of the park and an introduction to Neville, the southern white rhino. I'm not 'lion' when I say I'm wild for all the Safari Park staff does to protect and care for animals, and educate humans on conservation, wildlife, and nature.

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