As Veterans Day approaches, it is important to honor the incredible people who serve our nation selflessly.
We are deeply grateful for our veterans and their families for their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedom. Your service and sacrifices are truly appreciated, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans.
Wishing you a joyous and meaningful Veterans Day!
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.
Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Feliz Dia De Los Muertos! I was happy to participate in Encinitas' 11th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration! There was live mariachi music, vibrant ballet folklorico performances, Aztec dancers who blessed the gathering and ofrendas, and much more! It was a beautiful celebration brought on by Encinitas Friends of the Arts to honor the rich cultural heritage of Latinos.
50th Anniversary State Parks Oceanography Program
In California, the ocean plays a central role in our way of life, economy, and climate. Along the San Diego coastline, we have seen firsthand the effects of the climate crisis and the devastation sea level rise brings to our communities.
UC San Diego (UCSD) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Scripps) have been doing the research needed to protect our homes and save lives. For 50 years, their State Parks Oceanography Program has been at the forefront of research to prevent the risk of fatalities, injuries, and millions of dollars in damage to vital infrastructure. Since AB 66 was signed into law, $2.5 million has gone to support scientists at La Jolla's Scripps Institution of Oceanography to look into the signs before cliff failure and make strides towards a bluff collapse warning system to ensure we protect people and their families in the future.
I am so proud of the work of the State Parks Oceanography Program and to stand alongside UCSD and Scripps to celebrate their work.
Tour of the San Diego River
The San Diego River has a rich history and immense ecological value to the region. It travels more than 50 miles from mile-high mountains to the ocean! Team Tasha was happy to join Rob Hutsel, the San Diego River Park Foundation President and Environmental Hero Awardee, for a river tour! The San Diego River Mouth is adjacent to Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, which is part of AD 77!
Environmental Hero Awards
I was so happy to recognize local heroes for my 2024 Environmental Hero Awards. It is one of my favorite events every year. It is an opportunity to learn more about our community members' local efforts to create a more sustainable future.
Congratulations again to our following honorees:
- Rob Hutsel from San Diego River Park Foundation;
- Melissa Ward from Windward Sciences;
- Tara Hammond from Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation;
- Phillip Musegaas from San Diego Coastkeeper;
- Fay Crevoshay from WILDCOAST;
- Mario Ordoñez-Calderon from Un Mar De Colores;
- Jason Anderson from Cleantech;
- Charlotte Sach from Torrey Pines High School;
- Trisha Vasanadu from Canyon Crest Academy; and
- Daniel Vinegrad from Coronado High School.
Happy Birthday to my Chief of Staff, Annie Pham!
Happy Birthday to the best Chief of Staff, Annie Pham! You are our rock, help us grow, and bring us all closer!
Assembly District 77: Winter Internship Program
My office is accepting applications for our Winter 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, Robson Winter, at Robson.Winter@asm.ca.gov with the subject line "AD77 Winter Internship Application: [Last Name]."
Applications will be accepted year-round. Please share this opportunity with anyone you think may make a good fit!
Claim your Payment from California's Gas Settlement
If you purchased gas in Southern California between February 20, 2015, and November 10, 2015, you can submit a claim to get your money back. This comes after California reached a $50 million settlement with gas companies in July. You can submit a claim by visiting www.calgaslitigation.com.
Assistance with 2024-2025 Property Taxes
Need assistance with your residential property taxes? The State Controllers' Office's (SCO) Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program allows homeowners who are seniors and disabled to apply for a deferred payment of property taxes on their principal residence. Applications are available now through February 10, 2025. For more information and how to apply, visit www.ptp.sco.ca.gov.
California E-Bike Incentive Project
E-bikes do not only reduce pollution and congestion, but they are a sustainable and environmentally conscious mode of transportation. The California E-Bike Incentive Project is providing individuals and families up to $2,000 of point-of-sale incentives to support the purchase of a new e-bike! You can learn more about the program and who is eligible by visiting California E-Bike Incentive Project.
CalFresh Benefits for College Students
Students attending a higher education institution, such as a college, university, trade school, or technical school, can be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Students must be 18-49 and attend school more than half-time. If students qualify, they will be sent an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like any other debit card at the grocery store. If students have questions about what is considered half-time, they should check in with their school.
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!
REAL ID Deadline: May 7, 2025
By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. To apply, gather one proof of identity and two proofs of California Residency, complete the application at California Department of Motor Vehicles, and visit a DMV office. Be REAL ID ready!
Earthquake Preparedness
Earthquakes are destructive and unpredictable. With recent earthquakes hitting Southern California, it is important to always be prepared for the big one! Remember to sign up for the ShakeAlert system to be alerted seconds before an earthquake and make sure you have your emergency kit ready!
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.
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.