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California is an earthquake hotspot. It can be nerve-wracking to think when the next big one will strike, but Earthquake Preparedness Month reminds us that if we are ready for an emergency, we can act.
Many resources are available to strengthen your and your loved ones' response in an earthquake emergency. The California Department of Public Health lists resources you should have in your emergency kit. I recommend downloading the My Shake App to prepare you to drop, cover, and hold on seconds before an earthquake.
Remember to stay ready!
Cheers,
Assemblymember Tasha Boerner
Assemblymember, 77th District
P.S. My office is available every day to talk with you about your concerns or help connect you with resources. You can reach us at (858) 481-7704 or Assemblymember.Boerner@assembly.ca.gov.
AD77 Visits the Capitol
Community members traveled up to Sacramento to visit the Capitol. I rarely have guests from the district visit, but it was great seeing William Morrison and his daughter Bryn. William currently serves on my District Advisory Council on Housing.
Assembly Bill 2043 Receives Bipartisan Support
My bill, Assembly Bill 2043, received bipartisan and unanimous support in the Assembly Health Committee. This legislation would require Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans to reimburse public transit operators for non-medical and non-emergency medical transportation services.
California Youth Service Corps
It was inspiring to hear the stories of California Service Corps members and their dedication to public service. #TeamTasha recently attended a California Service Corps Recruitment Press Conference. California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation! If you know someone interested, visit the California Service Corps website for more information.
Encinitas Rising Stars
From left to right: Angela Aguirre, Jina Moon, Blake Harris, Kaede Ward, and Marley Wexler.
#TeamTasha attended the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Rising Stars Ceremony. Congratulations to all the students who are recognized!
San Dieguito Academy
Congratulations to the San Dieguito Academy's music department for performing at the National Band and Orchestra Festival! The school was invited to participate and perform in one of the nation's most prestigious venues. Students also explored New York City, visited museums, attended Broadway shows, and played alongside Edward R. Murrow High School's music department in Brooklyn. Congratulations again to San Dieguito Academy's Music Director, Jeremy Wuertz, and band members!
2nd Annual People of the Port Career Fair
The Port of San Diego, in partnership with the San Diego Working Waterfront and Port tenants, is hosting its second annual People of the Port Career Fair on Tuesday, April 16th. People will get the opportunity to learn about and apply for various jobs and careers along the San Diego Bay waterfront. Thirty businesses are expected to participate. Free parking will be available for attendees at B Street Pier.
Assembly District 77: Internship Program
My office is now accepting applications for our Internship Program, located at my District Office in Solana Beach. The internship is open to all individuals with an interest in learning more about state government and public service while building professional skills.
Interns will work as unpaid volunteers with flexible part-time hours. This role requires a three-month commitment, with flexible part-time hours and flexible start/end dates.
If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to Field Representative Mariah Kallhoff at Mariah.Kallhoff@asm.ca.gov with the subject line "AD77 Internship Application: [Last Name]."
Applications will be accepted year-round. Please share this opportunity with anyone you think may make a good fit!
Northbound I-5 Full Closure
Beginning on Monday, April 15 at 11:30 p.m. Caltrans and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Build North Coast Corridor (NCC) Crew will fully close northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) from Carlsbad Village Drive to State Route 78 (SR 78). Crews will resume the placement of an overhead sign structure spanning all lanes.
Northbound motorists must exit at Carlsbad Village Drive and detour using Carlsbad Village Drive to El Camino Real. Motorists can still enter northbound I-5 from Vista Way or SR 78. Signs will be placed on the road to help guide motorists going on the detour.
All lanes along I-5 are expected to reopen on Tuesday, April 16 at 4:30am.
Mental Health Apps for Families
There are two free mental health apps available to all children, youth, young adults, and families in California. BrightLife Kids and Soluna are two free apps to help families raise happy, healthy young minds. BrightLife Kids is for families whose children are 0-12 years old, and Soluna is for teens and young adults between ages 13-25.
Tax Deadline Extended - June 17th
The tax deadline has been extended for individuals and small businesses affected by the January storms. For more information on the extension, please visit the California Office of Emergency Services website.
Free Tax Preparation
Home Start is providing free tax preparation for federal and state taxes if people make $64,000 or less. For more information on this service, or to make an appointment, please call (619) 229-3660.
Claim Your California Earned Income Tax Credit
The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) offers financial support for low-income, working Californians. It has boosted the incomes of hundreds of thousands of families since it began. If you were self-employed or have an Individual Tax ID Number, you can now qualify for the CalEITC.
To find out if you qualify for the CalEITC, Young Child Tax Credit, or Foster Youth Tax Credit, visit the Franchise Tax Board's website for more information.
IRS Free File Program
The IRS is collaborating with tax preparation and filing software companies to make filing for taxes easier for you. There are two ways taxpayers can prepare and file their federal income tax online. Remember to file your taxes before the April 15th deadline.
California Student Financial Aid Deadline Extended
California's financial aid priority deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year has been extended. Governor Newsom signed AB 1887 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes extending the financial aid deadline to May 2, 2024. Students should still complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application before May 2nd to be considered for the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship. Visit the California Student Aid Commission for a list of financial aid programs.
Sun Bucks
The federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, SUN Bucks, provides $40 a month per child for three months to cover lunches while school is out of session. Families not signed up for CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal must submit an Alternative Income Form to their children's school to receive benefits.
U.S. Small Business Administration Business Recovery Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center, located in National City, for businesses that were impacted by the storms and flooding in early January. SBA staff will be on site Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm to help business owners access key recovery services and low-interest loans.
For more information, please visit SBA.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.
Metrolink Discount for EBT Cardholders
NEW DISCOUNT: California EBT Cardholders qualify for 50% off any Metrolink ticket or pass. Travel to school, work and anywhere else you need to be for less when you #takethetrain.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program
Need help on your water bills? The San Diego County Water Authority is partnering with the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee of San Diego County and Campesinos Unidos, Inc. to help spread awareness of the federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program!
The program will pay up to $2,000 in water or wastewater bills for qualified, low-income households, including renters.
Click here to find your local assistance provider and how to contact them!
CA Department of Consumer Affairs Licensed Business Search Tool
Look for the license! Don't jeopardize your safety, money, or peace of mind - use DCA's free online search tool to double-check.
Rebates Available for Water-Saving Upgrades
California residents and business owners can do their part to help the state conserve water by switching to more water-efficient appliances, and there are many rebates available to help with these upgrades.
If you don't need to replace any appliances right now, you can help out by replacing turf and other retrofitting projects - click the link below to learn more about rebates and ways you can be more water wise.
