__SALUTATION__

Californians should not have to struggle to keep the lights on. For years, utility companies have been making record profits over the allowed rate set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). We have seen the cost of gas and electricity increase yearly, and San Diegans already pay the second-highest utility rates in the nation.

I introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2666 and 2683 to lower utility rates for all Californians. AB 2666 will set clear expectations to ensure that the utility companies are not making excessive profits off the backs of hard-working Californians. AB 2683 will require the California Public Advocates Office to push for lower utility rates every time rate increases are proposed.

I will keep you updated as these bills move forward.

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.

Spotlighting the Women of Impact Honorees

A few weeks ago, I hosted Women of Impact to recognize women leaders in our district. Please join me in congratulating our honorees!

Gaby B. Love - Impact in Education: Gaby B. Love is a first-generation Mexican-American and daughter of migrant farmworkers. She is a long-time resident of North County and is the Outreach Specialist in School Relations & Diversity at MiraCosta College. After hours, Love devotes her time to her community, frequently volunteering with various organizations and advocating for her students.

Dana Bristol-Smith - Impact in Advocacy & Activism: Dana Bristol-Smith is the Founder of the Leap to Success Women's Leadership program, a project aimed at empowering domestic violence survivors. Her commitment to empowering women has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Woman of Dedication award from the Soroptimist International Oceanside Carlsbad Club and the Women in Leadership award from the East County Chamber of Commerce.

Patricia Frischer - Impact in Arts & Culture: She is the Founder and Coordinator of the San Diego Visual Arts Network, a nonprofit dedicated to funding the San Diego Art Prize. She played a crucial role in re-establishing the San Diego County Arts & Culture Commission and serves as the board chair of the North County Arts Network. She is also an advisor to the Encinitas Friends of the Arts, San Diego Arts Community, ArtsBusXpress, and Synergy Arts Foundation.

Denise Friedman - Impact in Community Service & Volunteerism: Denise Friedman is from Pacific Beach and has served nearly ten years as a volunteer and director for the Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC). She is the committee chair for the PBTC Annual Police & Emergency Services Appreciation Night (PAESAN) Community Barbecue. Friedman serves on the San Diego Police Foundation and is a Women in Blue committee member. She also is a member of the San Diego Nice Guys. She also serves as the PBTC liaison to the Mission Bay Parks Committee.

Dr. Ayana Boyd King - Impact in Health & Human Services: Dr. Ayana Boyd King is the youngest Chief of Staff of Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. During the pandemic, Dr. Boyd King was a clinician in the Intensive Care Unit and saved countless lives. Last year, she was suddenly paralyzed after contracting a viral infection. Since then, Dr. Boyd King has regained her strength and embarked on a health and wellness journey.

Staff Sergeant (SSgt.) Debora Rodriguez - Impact in the Military Community: SSgt. Rodriguez has dedicated her life to community service for the last 13 years, volunteering for various causes. Her most notable contributions include the Honor Guard Detail, volunteering at the Tri-City Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, and volunteering as an Administrative Director for the Devil Pups Program.

Dr. Danielle Haulsee - Impact in STEM: Dr. Danielle Haulsee is the Chief Science Officer at Hubbs-Seaworld Research Institute (HSWRI), specializing in fisheries, oceanography, and marine mammal ecology. She received her Ph.D. in 2017 from the University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. She is a member of the American Fisheries Society and The Oceanography Society and a contributing member of the Diversifying and Integrating Marine Education at Stations (DIMES) and Ecosystem Services Observation Network. She also mentors and promotes STEM education to underrepresented groups in her spare time.

Andrea Schlageter - Impact in Civic Engagement: Andrea Schlageter is the Chair of the Ocean Beach Planning Board, Secretary of the Point Loma Association, and the leader of the Community Planners Committee (CPC), a group that represents San Diego's forty-eight neighborhood planning groups at City Hall. She is the youngest person ever to lead the CPC.

Bella Villarin - Young Leader: For the last two years, Bella Villarin has served as the Days for Girls Club President at Coronado High School. Under her leadership, the organization has produced over 800 washable and reusable menstrual health products for women in Mexico, Nepal, and Kenya. In her spare time, she volunteers with Pro Kids First Tee of San Diego to mentor underserved youth in golf. She also enjoys volunteering for meal packaging events to feed those in need.

Caryn Blanton - Woman of the Year: Caryn Blanton is the Executive Director for Shoreline Community Services, a nonprofit focused on eliminating homelessness in San Diego's central beach area. Shoreline Community Services aims to provide our unhoused community with long-term solutions. A few years ago, she was honored with the Ellen Citrano Caring and Compassion Award.

Holi - The Festival of Colors

Over the weekend, #TeamTasha stopped by Holi, The Festival of Colors, to celebrate community, happiness, and fun. Thank you to the Sewal International San Diego Chapter for bringing our communities in San Diego together and hosting this beautiful cultural event.

Congratulations to Katalin Karikó from Scripps Oceanography!

#TeamTasha joined Scripps Oceanography in congratulating Katalin Karikó on receiving the Nierenberg Prize and Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking work with the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in 2021.

Taking on Textile Waste

#TeamTasha stopped by the Taking on Textile Waste event today, held at the #Solana Center in Encinitas, to recognize Isla Rindt, an extraordinary young lady and Girl Scout who inspired this community awareness event.

Stemming from her love of sewing and natural creativity, she began this project during the pandemic as she continued to learn more about the wastefulness in the textile industry. She showed us a new dress she had crafted from table linen and placemats. Thank you, Isla, for drawing awareness to textile waste!

Intern Spotlight

Adrian joined #TeamTasha on March 18th. This is his first state government internship. He is a native San Diegan and is currently enrolled at UC San Diego, majoring in Political Science with an emphasis on public policy. He realized his passion for lawmaking when he was a Tech Aide at Rady's Children's Hospital. He wants to learn more about health policy and how he can help constituents understand it. He is currently studying to reach his career goal: Healthcare Defense Attorney.

Major League Baseball Opening Day 2024

Baseball is as American as apple pie. Last week, my colleagues and I dressed up in support of our favorite baseball teams in recognition of House Resolution 80 celebrating Major League Baseball Opening Day. I'm excited to see what this season has in store for #AD77's San Diego Padres!

From left to right: Assemblymembers Josh Hoover, Heath Flora, Wendy Carrillo, and Greg Wallis.

Assembly District 77: Field Representative

#TeamTasha is seeking a Field Representative for the District Office in Solana Beach. As a Field Representative, you will play a critical role in #AD77, attending various community meetings and learning about state government.

If you are interested, please send a resume to my District Director, Janet Chin, at Janet.Chin@asm.ca.gov with the subject line "AD 77 Field Representative Application: [Name]".

For additional information on the job, visit the California State Assembly website.

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!

Tax Deadline - April 15th

Reminder: The tax deadline is coming up on Monday, April 15. Be sure to submit your 2023 taxes before the deadline.

Are you looking for more information on taxes? Visit the California Tax Service Center for additional resources.

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.

California Student Debt Financial Aid

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 2^nd to be considered for the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship. Visit the California Student Aid Commission for a list of financial aid programs.

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 15^th deadline.

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.