I'm grateful for the incredible work our teachers do each day, often going above and beyond to support their students in and out of the classroom. In this newsletter, you'll find stories highlighting just a few of the amazing educators making a difference in our community.
To all our teachers: Thank you! Your impact is immeasurable, and your dedication does not go unnoticed.
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.
Mothers make the world go round. We sacrifice everything to make sure our children are happy. It is not an easy job, but it is one of the most rewarding. To all of our mothers, I hope you are appreciated. You are our superheroes! Happy Mother's Day to all of our mothers in AD 77!
My Bill on Density Bonus Passes Assembly Floor
AB 87 passed the Assembly Floor with 75 votes in support!
I'm thrilled to share that my bill, AB 87, has passed the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support and is moving on to the Senate.
This legislation ensures that California's Density Bonus Law is used as intended: to build affordable homes, not luxury hotels. AB 87 would stop this misuse by clarifying that Density Bonus concessions are exclusively for residential projects.
UC Regent Vice Chair Stops By Sacramento
We were honored to welcome UC Regent Vice Chair Maria Anguiano to Sacramento as she championed the power of higher education! Her dedication to expanding access and opportunity for all California students is inspiring.
15th Annual Pacific Beach Graffiti Cleanup
Team Tasha rolled up our sleeves with the Pacific Beach Town Council for their 15th Annual Graffiti Cleanup — and wow, what a turnout!
Over 1,000 graffiti tags were mapped and tackled by incredible volunteers determined to restore Pacific Beach's (PB) charm. This event keeps growing each year, with more neighbors coming together to keep our community vibrant and beautiful.
Big thanks to everyone who showed up and showed love for PB!
Linda Litteral: Healing Through Arts
I am proud to celebrate Linda Litteral, a powerhouse in our creative community, who was recently awarded a grant for her inspiring initiative: Healing Through Arts.
Based out of Space 4 Art, a vibrant live-work artist community, Linda is using the power of art to uplift and empower incarcerated women.
Through hands-on creative expression, she's bringing healing, hope, and connection to women in a local detention facility — developing curriculum that will impact over 400 women and their counselors.
Learn more about her work here.
San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife
Team Tasha had the chance to tour San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife.
Established in 1972, Project Wildlife gives injured and sick wild animals a second chance — treating and releasing them back into their natural habitats. This location cares for many animals like hummingbirds, cottontails, possums, and more.
Thank you to Leah, Julianna, and Juliana's daughter for the tour of the Project Wildlife Facility, and Tory, the snake – an animal ambassador who was found in a hubcap. While she cannot be released back into the wild, she helps educate others about wildlife conservation.
Maddie Menker
This Teacher Appreciation Month, we're thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Maddie Menker, Carlsbad Unified School District's (CUSD) District Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Menker is a proud CUSD alum turned first-grade teacher at Calavera Hills Elementary. She is the heart of her classroom and a champion for every student. She creates a nurturing, high-expectations learning environment where kids feel safe to grow, explore, and thrive.
From pioneering innovative math strategies like Building Fact Fluency to mentoring fellow educators and leading districtwide initiatives, Mrs. Menker's impact reaches far beyond her classroom walls.
She's not only shaping young minds today—she's walking the same halls she once did as a student, now inspiring the next generation with the same passion that once inspired her.
Thank you, Mrs. Menker, for your unwavering dedication to our students, staff, and community. You make CUSD proud!
Allison Schmitt
We're proud to recognize Allison Schmitt, a passionate and dedicated 5th-grade teacher at Solana Pacific School in the Solana Beach School District!
With 14 years of teaching experience, Allison brings her whole self to the classroom daily. Her love for project-based learning, digital literacy, music, and diversity shines through in everything she does.
At the core of her teaching is a commitment to connection. As Allison beautifully puts it:
"No matter where they come from or where they are going, they will always have a safe space to return to in my classroom."
Her classroom is more than a place to learn—it's a home base for her students to grow, be seen, and be celebrated.
Thank you, Allison, for your incredible work and the lives you touch daily!
Jennifer Oakes
We proudly honor Jennifer Oakes, a passionate and deeply committed educator who has spent the last 21 years shaping minds and hearts in San Diego Unified School District.
Currently teaching 11th grade Theory of Knowledge and AVID, as well as 12th grade Government and Economics, Ms. Oakes brings a rare blend of intellect, empathy, and purpose to everything she does.
She doesn't just teach—she connects. As Principal Francisca Del Carmen beautifully shared:
"One of the best aspects of Ms. Oakes is how much she genuinely cares about our students. She really gets to know her students as individuals. She models and teaches empathy; she is committed to the values of diversity both in her relationships with students and in the way she teaches the subject matter."
Jennifer's open-mindedness, dedication, and spirit of service aren't just inspirational—they're transformative. She's helping shape not just scholars, but compassionate, thoughtful citizens.
Thank you, Ms. Oakes, for your extraordinary impact. You are the heart of what makes our schools great.
Teacher of the Year: Brooke Klein
We're proud to celebrate Brooke Klein, a dedicated 2nd-grade teacher at Paul Ecke Central who has spent the past 7+ years lighting up her classroom with compassion, excellence, and purpose.
Brooke creates a positive, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Her classroom is a place where diverse voices are celebrated and curiosity thrives.
She's more than an exceptional educator—she's a mentor, advocate, and leader. Whether she's serving as the TOE Union Rep, contributing to the Report Card Committee, or helping lead innovation across the district, Brooke's voice is one of thoughtful guidance and unwavering support.
With her signature warmth and open-door approach, Brooke is the kind of teacher -and colleague - who makes a lasting impact. We're incredibly proud to honor her this week and always.
Thank you, Brooke, for everything you do!
| ASIAN AMERICAN & NATIVE HAWAIIAN HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT |
Jason Paguio
During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, I'm proud to spotlight an extraordinary leader, Jason Paguio, President & CEO of the Asian Business Association.
Jason's dedication to uplifting AAPI communities is unmatched. Whether championing small businesses, empowering voters, or developing the next generation of AAPI leaders, Jason brings heart, strategy, and purpose to every effort.
Appointed by Governor Newsom and Mayor Gloria, Jason's work spans advocacy, policy, and leadership development — all rooted in a deep commitment to equity and economic mobility. His accolades, including "CEO of the Year" and "Minority Small Business Champion," speak to the impact he's making every single day.
Thank you, Jason, for your leadership and vision. You remind us of the power of representation and the importance of lifting others as we lead.
Learn About the Impact of Microplastics on Your Health
Join me on Thursday, May 29th, from 6:00–7:00 PM for a free, informative webinar about the hidden dangers of plastic microbeads—tiny particles found in many personal care products that can harm both our bodies and our environment.
As I work on legislation this year to ban the sale of these harmful products in California, I want to empower you with the knowledge to protect yourself and make informed choices. We'll cover how to identify microbeads and what you can do to support this important effort.
RSVP here or call my District Office at (858) 481-7704. A Zoom link will be sent upon registration.
Let's work together to keep our communities—and our planet—healthy and safe!
Public Service Career & Resource Fair
Assemblymember Tasha Boerner invites you to "Ignite Your Path: a Public Service Career & Resource Fair" on Friday, June 6th, from 10 am – 2 pm at MiraCosta College's San Elijo Campus. Discover your future at the Ignite Your Path Fair, a dynamic job and resource fair designed to connect students and the local community with meaningful career opportunities and entrepreneurial support. This event will feature over 25 exhibitors, including state agencies, County of San Diego departments, local legislative offices, small business resource partners, and career service organizations. Be sure to RSVP here!
Spring Bike Rodeos
The City of Coronado, Coronado Unified School District, and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition are hosting three bike safety clinics this May. These three clinics will take place across Coronado and on different dates to ensure everyone will be safely equipped, learn the rules of the road, register your bike, and win fun prizes!
Cyclovia Encinitas
Cyclovia Encinitas is back on Sunday, May 18th, from 10 am – 2 pm. The event will take place in Downtown Encinitas on Coast Highway 101 between D Street and I Street. Grab your friends, family, and your bikes! It is a car-free day!
Wildfire Resources
We have witnessed the devastation affecting our fellow Californians in Los Angeles. As outreach efforts from people across our state are underway, this serves as a sobering reminder that emergencies can strike at any time. Please be prepared, sign up for alerts, and check on your neighbors. If you are able, consider extending a helping hand to those affected by the wildfires in LA.
CalKids - Children's College Savings Program
It is back-to-school season, and it is important to think about how you are saving for your child's future! CalKIDS was created to provide Californian children greater access to higher education institutions. Newborns and eligible low-income public school students may receive up to $1,500 in a CalKIDS account. This can help jumpstart your child's savings for college and career training!
Outdoors for All Initiative
California has three passes available to families to access our state's parks. Going outdoors could not be easier! Let's unplug from our digital devices and enjoy some fresh air.
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.
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.
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.
From washers, toilets, and sprinkler systems to HVAC systems, commercial appliances, and more, there's probably a rebate out there you could take advantage of.
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.
