| MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER |
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This May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—an opportunity to honor the rich history, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities across California and the nation. As we reflect on the diversity that strengthens our state, we're also pushing forward on legislation that builds a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
From streamlining homebuilding and protecting consumers from surveillance pricing to supporting sustainable recreation, I'm proud to share updates on bills that are advancing through the Legislature and addressing the real needs of Californians.
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| LEGISLATIVE UPDATE |
I'm excited to share progress on several key bills I've authored to make California more fair, more efficient, and more affordable. Whether it's helping homeowners build faster, protecting consumers from data-driven price discrimination, or supporting sustainable outdoor recreation, these bills tackle real problems with practical solutions. Here's where they stand:
AB 253 — Streamlines small housing developments and home remodels and is now in the Senate awaiting action. This legislation allows property owners to use licensed third-party professionals for permitting reviews, which will cut through bureaucratic barriers and result in homes being built faster.
AB 446 — Protects consumers from surveillance pricing and is now in the Senate. 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.
AB 518 — Streamlines the permitting process for Low Impact Camping Areas and commercially available campgrounds that are approved by and comply with all local government requirements.
Additionally, Governor Newsom just released his May Revision, which addresses a projected $12 billion deficit while protecting vital investments in education, housing, and our environment. The plan uses targeted cuts, fund shifts, and reserve drawdowns to balance the budget, keeping California on track to support working families and long-term priorities. In the coming weeks, I'll be working with my colleagues to make sure our shared values aren't left behind and that the final budget reflects California's deep commitment to equity and opportunity.
| CAPITOL HAPPENINGS |
Top Left: Yom HaShoah Capitol event: Gerald Szames, Holocaust survivor and San Diego resident, honored on Monday, April 28, pictured on the Assembly Floor. Top Right: Met with Disneyland's new President Thomas Mazloum in the State's Capitol. Bottom Left: San Diego County Fair CEO Carlene Moore visited the Capitol with the Western Fairs Association to discuss the important role fairs play in supporting local economies and communities. Bottom Right: Welcomed the inspiring young women from Women of Color Roar for a tour of the Assembly floor, where we talked about leadership, civic engagement, and the power of representation.
| COMMUNITY PILLARS |
Teachers of the Year:
Congratulations to our four outstanding Assembly District 78 Teachers of the Year! Get to know these amazing educators by clicking on the videos below.
Kimberly Morris
Computer Science Teacher - Patrick Henry High School
Major December Garcia
AFJROTC Teacher - Mira Mesa High School
Morgan Urias
2nd and 5th Grade Teacher - Holmes and Bay Park Elementary
James Cooney
Math, Computer Science, and Robotics Teacher
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Small Businesses of the Year:
Congratulations to our five small businesses of the year! Check out this year's awardees!
Nurse of the Year:
Congratulations to our Assembly District 78 Nurse of the Year, Ms. Vania Domingues! Vania works at Rady Children's Hospital as a pediatric intensive care nurse. Check out the video to hear her story!
AAPI Heritage Month Honoree:
This AAPI Heritage Month I'm proud to honor Teresa Stivers, current CEO of Walden Family Services. To learn more about the amazing work she does for our district and all of San Diego, be sure to watch the video!
| OUT IN THE COMMUNITY |
Top Left: Received a behind the scenes tour at Sony San Diego Studios on how they create the sound effects in their games.Top Right: Kicked off a tour with the City of San Diego and the Port of San Diego to showcase San Diego’s incredible filming locations for industry professionals. Bottom Left: Launched the Walk for Animals with the San Diego Humane Society. Bottom Right: Held a resource booth at the 40th Anniversary of the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair & Parade.
| IN THE NEWS |
California Doesn't Know the Cost to Bring State Workers Back to Offices
California Assembly passes bill banning unfair surveillance pricing
| 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. I wish you, your family, and your neighbors all the best.
Christopher M. Ward
Assemblymember, 78th District