| APRIL NEWSLETTER |
With the legislative session in full swing, we’re making progress on key bills, protecting consumers, and tackling tough budget decisions. Plus, we’ve got some great events coming up in the district—we hope to see you there!
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| LEGISLATIVE UPDATE |
I’m proud to share some exciting updates on the work we’re doing at the Capitol to improve housing access, protect consumer rights, and ensure a responsible state budget.
AB 253 — My bill to help streamline small housing developments and home remodels—has officially passed the Assembly and is now headed to the Senate! This legislation allows property owners to use licensed third-party professionals for permit reviews, cutting through red tape and helping get homes built faster.
AB 446 — Protects consumers from surveillance pricing, passed its first committee hearing, and is advancing to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. This bill prohibits businesses from using your personal data to adjust prices based on your individual profile, because fair pricing should be a right, not a privilege.
As members of the Assembly Budget Committee, we’re continuing our department-by-department review to ensure we have the facts and context needed to responsibly balance a difficult budget without disrupting the vital services and infrastructure Californians rely on every day.
We’ve got more work ahead, but I’m committed to fighting for smart, equitable solutions that move California forward!
| CAPITOL HAPPENINGS |
Top Left: Celebrating Purim with the LGBTQ+ and Jewish Caucuses at the 2nd Annual Drag Purim event. Top Right: Ag Day, or Agricultural Day, at the Capitol was a blast—especially getting to meet Assemblymember Heather Hadwick’s adorable Highland cows! Bottom Left: Spoke at Equality California's press conference on this year's legislative priorities—fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, especially for our transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex communities, remains more important than ever. Bottom Right: Met with San Diego Meals on Wheels to talk about their work supporting seniors with nutritious meals and vital care.
| YOM HASHOAH HONOREE |
I also want to take a moment to recognize a powerful voice in our community. As part of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus’s Yom HaShoah commemoration later this month, we are honoring Gerald Szames—a Holocaust survivor who has dedicated his life to educating others and ensuring we never forget. Gerald’s story is a reminder of both the horrors of the past and the resilience of the human spirit. We’re proud to lift up his voice at the Capitol, and honor his courage.
View Gerald’s Journey here.
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| OUT IN THE COMMUNITY |
Now, if you’re in the district, I’d love to see you at one of our community meetings on Wednesday, April 16th, as I have a one-week district recess to reconnect with constituents.
We’ll start the day virtually with the Kearny Mesa Planning Group from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Zoom.
Then I’ll be at the Tierrasanta Community Council at the Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124, at 6 p.m., followed by the Linda Vista Town Council at the San Diego Bahá’í Faith-Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr, San Diego, CA 92111 at 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the 40th Annual Linda Vista Multicultural Fair & Parade on Saturday, April 26th! The event takes place on Linda Vista Road, between Comstock and Ulric Streets, and the parade kicks off at 11 a.m. It’s one of the best celebrations of culture and community in San Diego. Looking forward to May, I hope you can join me at the San Diego Humane Society’s Walk for Animals, or at Old Town’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.
| IN THE NEWS |
California lawmakers make first moves to improve housing affordability
Battle over trans athletes' participation in girls' sports goes to California Capitol
San Diego celebrates Arts, Culture & Creativity Month in San Ysidro
| CLOSE OUT |
As always, I want to thank you for your support. I'm grateful to be your representative and work on these issues and more. One of the best ways to stay informed is to follow my social media accounts on Facebook, BlueSky, Threads, and Instagram where you can know in real time what developments are happening or what I'm working on every day.
And if you need assistance, please know that my district office staff is available and ready to serve or answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to the contact information at the end of this email, and a staff member will connect with you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Ward
Assemblymember, 78th District