__SALUTATION__
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every year on April 24th, thousands of individuals dress in denim to protest all of the myths associated with sexual assault, and this year marks the 25th anniversary.
In 1999, an Italian Supreme Court overturned a sexual assault conviction claiming that because the survivor wore tight jeans, she must've helped her rapist remove her jeans, therefore making it consensual. In response to the decision, the Italian parliament protested by wearing jeans to work. The protest caught international attention, and "Peace Over Violence" developed the campaign in response to the case and the activism surrounding it.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month reminds us to support survivors and ensure injustices like this never happen again. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, please know that there is help out there. Please visit the Denim Day website for resources.
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.
Bills to Lower Utility Rates Clear First Hurdle
My bills to lower utility rates have passed the Assembly Committee on Utilities & Energy. AB 2683 would require the California Public Advocates Office, an office funded by the state to advocate for consumers, to push for lower utility rates every time rate increases are proposed. AB 2666 would direct the California Public Utilities Commission to evaluate and determine whether or not customers' rates should be adjusted based on previous year's costs to run programs and profits made by utility companies, such as San Diego Gas & Electric.
AB 2564 Passes the Assembly Committee on Revenue & Taxation
I am happy to announce that #AB2564, also known as the Property Tax Postponement Fund, received unanimous bipartisan support from committee members in the Assembly Committee on Revenue & Taxation! AB 2564, also known as the Property Tax Postponement Fund, would allocate permanent funding to help eligible seniors and disabled Californians stay in their homes. Its next stop is in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
AB 2234 on e-Bike Safety Training Moves Forward
This week, I presented #AB2234 on E-Bike Safety Training to the Assembly Committee on Transportation. AB 2234 is an opt-in pilot program for San Diego County that would ban children under the age of 12 from riding e-bikes. If a child is cited with a violation (valued at $25), they can pay the fee or opt to take an online traffic class on e-bikes.
Thank you to Scott Chadwick, City Manager of the City of Carlsbad, for being my witness at the committee hearing.
Housing our Unhoused LGBTQ+ Youth
I am proud to be working with Equality California and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center to provide housing & resources for our unhoused LGBTQ+ youth. Thanks to the support of my colleagues on the Human Services Assembly Committee.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Parents
#AB2756 passed the Assembly Health Committee unanimously with bipartisan support. AB 2756 would establish a pilot program in San Diego County to help individuals rebuild their pelvic floor after pregnancy.
Denim Day
#TeamTasha showed our support for sexual assault survivors on Denim Day on Wednesday, April 24th. Denim Day is a symbol of protest against a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court, which blamed the survivor for her sexual assault. This year marks Denim Day's 25th anniversary.
Governor Newsom & Legislative Women's Caucus Press Conference
On April 9th, the Arizona Supreme Court ruling allowed an 1864 near-total abortion ban to take effect, meaning women in Arizona will soon be left without access to abortion care across the state. Governor Newsom and my legislative colleagues are working diligently to provide a safe haven for our neighbors who are in need of abortion access.
Fresco Cocina Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Congratulations to Fresco Cocina for their official ribbon-cutting ceremony! Fresco Cocina opened its doors almost two years ago but could not host their grand opening because of the pandemic. I am glad #TeamTasha was able to celebrate the success of opening their business with the owners and their team!
California State University San Marcos Tour
#TeamTasha went on a tour and briefing on CSU San Marcos' (CSUSM) Mental & Behavioral Health and Nursing programs and their School of Education. These programs focus on creating pipelines for students to graduate at accelerated speeds with certificates and specializations that prepare them to fill local workforce needs. CSUSM is a top university in the nation for social mobility, and we are so lucky to have them serving the communities of North County San Diego and the rest of San Diego at large.
Taste of Leucadia Food & Beverage Festival
Maya & I had a great time at the Taste of Leucadia Food and Beverage Festival! All proceeds go to creating more family-friendly events that celebrate the culture of the area!
Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! #TeamTasha is celebrating Earth Day with I Love a Clean San Diego by cleaning up trash and litter at Cardiff Seaside State Beach. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out today at Cardiff and across the county.
Assembly District 77: Scheduler/Legislative Assistant
My Capitol Office is accepting applications for a full-time Scheduler/Legislative Assistant. This individual will be in charge of scheduling meetings and events, arranging travel and travel-related reimbursements, tracking gifts and preparing FPPC reports, and assisting with daily office functions.
If you or someone you know is interested, please send your resume and cover letter to my Chief of Staff, Annie Pham, at Annie.Pham@asm.ca.gov with the subject line "AD77 Scheduler/Legislative Assistant Application: [Last Name]."
Oceanside Unified School District Early Childhood Education Workshop
Oceanside Unified School District (Oceanside USD) is hosting an Early Childhood Education Workshop for parents of students attending schools in Oceanside USD to prepare our children for academic success. Parents will receive a wealth of information on social-emotional play-based resources, kindergarten readiness information, and community & wellness information.
Free Document Shredding Event
The City of Encinitas is hosting a free document-shredding event next month. Individuals can dispose of up to two banker boxes per household and drop off household batteries and electronic waste (no hazardous waste or appliances).
The city requests individuals to bring their cans/bags, gloves, and shovels for mulch loading.
For additional information on the event, you can call (760) 633-2777 or email recycling@encinitasca.gov.
Assembly District 77: Fall 2024 Internship Program
My office is accepting applications for our Fall 2024 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 my Field Representative, Mariah Kallhoff, at Mariah.Kallhoff@asm.ca.gov with the subject line "AD77 Fall Internship Application: [Last Name]."
Applications will be accepted year-round. Please share this opportunity with anyone you think may make a good fit!
California Dream for All
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is accepting applications for Dream for All vouchers until Monday, April 29th. This initiative aims to assist households in California in realizing their dream of homeownership and building generational wealth. To see if you are eligible, visit the CalHFA website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
