Ten years ago, when I became Speaker of the Assembly succeeding my friend John A. Pérez of Los Angeles, he told me the Speakership was like buying a boat: your happiest day is when you buy the boat; your second happiest day is when you sell the boat.  Well, in February I "sold the boat" when I stepped down as President pro Tem of the Senate. And I'm kidding about the boat part, because I loved every minute. Having the ability to serve others is an amazing joy and privilege, and to be in a position like leader of the State Senate to do so much good for so many people was a truly amazing honor, one I owe to both my colleagues in the Senate and the people who elected me to represent them in the 39^th Senate District.

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Each March, Women's History Month presents us with an opportunity to celebrate and uplift women. It's a chance to champion the progress we've made towards gender equality, and acknowledge the ceilings we still need to shatter.

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I can't let Women's History Month pass without mentioning a true leader and inspiration we lost last month, my dear friend Jeri Dilno. Jeri was a trailblazing activist for the LGBTQ+ community, a civic leader, and a community treasure. Her optimism, quick wit, and wicked smarts will be deeply missed by us all. She is truly a part of LGBTQ+ and women's history, and it's my hope that we celebrate her legacy through the causes she dedicated her life to and the impact she had on our community.

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Cast Your Ballot by March 5^th

California's primary election is just a few days away on March 5^th! All registered voters have received a ballot in the mail, which can be returned by mail (postmarked by March 5^th), or dropped off at a ballot drop box. You can also vote in person at a vote center – remember to check their hours before you go! For more information on voting and elections, visit sdvote.com. Every vote matters!  

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The California Department of Aging is surveying mid-life and older adults who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The data gathered in this survey will help the Department of Aging understand the experiences and needs of mid-life and older LGBTQIA+ Californians. If you fit this demographic, fill out the survey by March 31, 2024: aging.ca.gov/Survey_of_LGBTQIA/.

California has designated March 31 as César Chávez Day, a state holiday and day of service to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader who was born on that day in 1927. Chávez, along with Delores Huerta, co-founded the union which later became the United Farm Workers. They shined a light on the exploitation, deplorable conditions, and meager pay of farmworkers, and fought for them to be treated with the same dignity, respect, and protection as workers in any other industry. Chávez devoted his life to promoting the values of social justice, education, service to others, non-violence, and respect for the environment. César Chávez Day provides an opportunity to reflect and recommit ourselves to living by the values to which he devoted his life.

Angela de Joseph and her team of volunteers have done a marvelous job producing the Women of Color ROAR Breakfast for the past six years, and have recognized inspirational women throughout California and across the United States. I was truly honored to receive a special tribute from them last month.

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