The cost of living keeps rising, and we all feel it. I've heard your concerns about skyrocketing utility rates, and as Chair of the Assembly Communications & Conveyance Committee, I have also seen the burden of high broadband costs.
That's why I introduced ACA 9, ensuring the California Public Utilities Commission prioritizes affordable utility rates for all Californians. I've also introduced AB 353, which would make broadband internet more accessible and affordable for our most vulnerable Californians.
No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.
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.
California Agriculture Day
California recently celebrated Agriculture Day at the Capitol! This annual event brings together legislators, farmers, and ranchers to highlight the incredible work that feeds our state—and the world. From farm to table, California leads the way! Grateful for the hardworking agricultural community that keeps us growing!
AB 399 Blue Carbon Passes Assembly Natural Resources
Thrilled to share that my Tasha B. Special, AB 399, has officially passed Assembly Natural Resources!
AB 399 will ensure that the state actively safeguards the unique biodiversity of our marine life despite development.
Meeting with City of Encinitas Mayor
It was a pleasure to meet City of Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers! I'm excited to collaborate and look forward to working together to champion Encinitas' priorities in Sacramento—let's get to work!
Discover Pacific Beach Annual Business Awards
Team Tasha had a fantastic time at the Discover Pacific Beach (PB) Annual Business Awards, celebrating the incredible small businesses that make Pacific Beach thrive!
It was great connecting with San Diego Council President Joe La Cava, Discover PB Board President Randall Engstrom, and so many passionate local business owners.
A huge congratulations to this year's winners:
- Best New Business: Nico's Fish Market
- Best Design & Improvement: Hideaway
- Heart of PB Business: Duck Dive
Your hard work and dedication make PB an even better place to live, work, and visit!
Recognizing Katrina Waidelich at Carlsbad High School
Shout-out to Carlsbad High School's own Katrina Waidelich for her incredible dedication to students! Team Tasha had the honor of visiting to recognize her unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and empowering environment for Carlsbad High School students. Thank you, Katrina, for making a difference daily and putting your community first!
Dr. Cynthia Burzell, Ph.D.: Business & Entrepreneurship
My Women of Impact honoree in Business & Entrepreneurship is Dr. Cynthia Burzell.
Cynthia Burzell holds a Ph.D. in Marine and Medical Microbiology. She discovered novel chemicals in the coral reef that inhibit bacterial and fungal colonization, leading to sustainable alternatives to harmful biocides. She founded Aequor, Inc., a small business that provides innovative water treatment solutions. Her small business was marked by success when NASA became its first customer, as Aequor's water treatment was the only product that ensured safe life support systems for long-duration space missions.
Dr. Burzell is leading a Department of Defense contract to improve filtration systems for removing PFAS and microplastics from drinking water and a Department of Energy grant focused on improving biofuel algae cultivation. She also mentors high school girls interested in careers in STEM and interns from local community colleges.
Congratulations to Dr. Burzell!
Jessica Hanson York: Arts & Culture
My next Women of Impact honoree is Jessica Hanson York in the category of Arts & Culture!
Jessica Hanson York is the Executive Director of Mingei International Museum, a folk art, craft, and design museum in San Diego's Balboa Park. York has been leading diverse facets of the museum's operations for over 14 years, including fundraising, marketing & communications, visitor experience, membership, digital strategy, community engagement, and institutional design. She fundraised over $50 million to renovate the museum's facility and implemented the visible changes today. She has spent 10 years in public broadcasting, leading marketing efforts to successfully launch The New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego. York has served as a Consultant with the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and other local nonprofit institutions.
Congratulations to Jessica Hanson York!
Stephanie Zuniga: Young Leader
Congratulations to one of our Women of Impact Young Leaders, Stephanie Zuniga!
Stephanie Zuniga is a student at e3 Civic High in Downtown San Diego. As a first-generation college-bound student, she has had to overcome numerous obstacles to carve a path to success. She discovered her passion for STEAM fields in elementary school while participating in the first LEGO League Robotics Competition. Her love has followed her to high school as the Captain of the school robotics team.
Zuniga also serves as the Associated Student Body Senior Council President. She is an active member of the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Club. Zuniga is on the board of MANA de San Diego, a nonprofit supporting Latinas striving to attain higher education. She volunteers for local community events and plans to attend a community college before transferring to a four-year institution.
AD 77 is incredibly proud of you! We look forward to your continued success!
Ciana Aurich: Young Leader
Congratulations to Ciana Aurich, one of our Women of Impact Young Leaders!
Ciana Aurich is a highly motivated high school junior actively involved in advocacy and volunteering. Despite her background and being raised by a single mother, she still finds a way to support her community. She is the Co-President of the Women Empowerment Club, which unites young women across campus to empower them on their academic journeys.
Aurich is a tutor and mentor to children at Solana Ranch Elementary School through the Study Buddies Program while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She wants to continue working with both organizations and advocate for an alcohol and drug-free environment in local elementary and middle schools as a Teen Presenter. She hopes to attend Duke University and pursue a career in medicine.
We are so proud of you! Keep it up!
Dr. Rebecca Rakow-Penner, MD & Ph.D.: Woman of the Year
Our 2025 Woman of the Year goes to Dr. Rebecca Rakow-Penner, MD, Ph.D.
Dr. Rebecca Rakow-Penner is improving women's healthcare in our community and across the globe. She is a tenured Associate Professor of Radiology and Bioengineering at UC San Diego (UCSD) and founder of the Women's Imaging Fellowship at UCSD. She and her team have developed novel imaging techniques that empower patients and their clinicians to detect early stages of cancer and evaluate responses to treatment of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including the National Cancer Institute MERIT and Clinician Educator awards.
Thank you for your lifesaving work! Congratulations!
Carrier of Last Resort
On Wednesday, as Chair of the Communications & Conveyance Committee, I oversaw an informational hearing on the state's longstanding commitment to universal telephone service.
During the hearing, we heard diverse perspectives on how reforms to the state's Carrier of Last Resort law and regulations could better meet today's consumers' needs, advance public safety, and encourage more widespread access to modern telecommunications services, such as mobile telephones and high-speed broadband.
Read more about it here.
California Proposes $15 Monthly Internet Plans
I am working on legislation this year that would require Internet Service Providers to offer our most vulnerable families a more inexpensive broadband internet plan. Read more about AB 353 here.
2025 Earth Day Art Contest
Is your child an artist? I would love for your child to submit artwork inspired by Earth Day. If your child's artwork is chosen, it will be showcased in my Capitol Office. This year's theme is "Our Power, Our Planet." Have any questions about the Earth Day Art Contest? Call my District Office (858) 481-7704, or visit my website.
Tax Filing for Eligible Families
On Tuesday, March 27th, April 7th, and April 14th from 11 am-5 pm, we will have two volunteers to assist you with income tax assistance. It is simple: see if you are eligible, book your appointment here, and be sure to have all the documents below (What You'll Need). Each appointment will last one hour. This is a friendly reminder that these volunteers can only assist you if you book an appointment. If you cannot make it to this event, please feel free to check out any local tax filing events.
California Service Corps
California is now recruiting 10,000 paid California Service Corps members to help their communities by tackling out state's most pressing challenges while providing service members with economic opportunities. Applications are now open for the College Corps, Youth Service Corps, and AmeriCorps California. Applications will be open for the California Climate Action Corps on May 1st. Good luck!
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.
Tax Season
The countdown is on—less than ONE month until the April 15 tax deadline!
If you're in one of 25 states, skip the accountant and file FREE with IRS Direct File. No fees and no stress—just simple, secure tax filing.
Don't wait—get it done today!
Cash for College
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are now open for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. If you or someone you know needs help completing these applications, there are several webinars available to assist you through this process. The financial aid deadline has been extended to April 2.
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.
