March 2024 Newsletter

__SALUTATION__

Hello, Assembly District 78! I'm your representative Chris Ward and I want to bring you up to date on everything coming up in the month of March.

This year, my office has put together a strong legislative package that includes bills in housing, education, public safety and more important policy areas. Here are a couple that I would like to highlight for you:

AB 1858 - The Safe and Prepared Schools Act
Last week, I held a press conference to announce AB 1858: The Safe and Prepared Schools Act. Active shooter drills are a sad reality for California students today. These drills run the gamut from teachers and students walking through locking classroom doors and turning off lights, to realistic “mock” drills with actors portraying an active shooter coming onto the school’s campus with fake weapons and simulated victims. When it comes to fire drills, we are not filling the halls with smoke and turning up the thermostat. And with requirements for parental notification, we can end the confusion if the event is a drill or an actual emergency. We should not be subjecting our children to unnecessary trauma, and set clear standards for California schools on how to move forward with these drills while ensuring students and staff have easy access to mental health resources.

AB 3024 - The Stop Hate Littering Act
You may remember last year there was at least eight instances of anti-semitic flyers being widely distributed in San Diego neighborhoods. These forms of extreme propaganda have rapidly become the preferred tactic of hate groups because it maximizes personal impact, while allowing them to avoid accountability. The Stop Hate Littering Act, AB 3024, will protect individuals from the distribution of hateful propaganda in the form of flyers, posters, or symbols with the intent to terrorize vulnerable communities. My office will be holding a press conference in San Diego to announce more details on Friday. You can tune in on Friday at 9 AM on my official Facebook page for more details.

Recently, the federal government announced relief funding for San Diego County residents and businesses who were affected by this year’s flooding in January. Disaster CalFresh is for anyone who lived or worked in San Diego County and:

• Was impacted during Jan. 21 through Feb. 19, 2024.
• Could not work or get paid because of the disaster.
• Had their home or workplace damaged.
• Had disaster-related costs (including food loss, shelter, and evacuation costs).

Apply below before the deadline on March 15, 2024.

We have a few opportunities for nominations that YOU can participate in:

Do you know an outstanding teacher who makes a positive impact in the lives of students every day? How about a neighbor or friend who is a nurse committed to exceptional care for their patients? Whether it's inspiring academic success, introducing a new passion, or pushing their students to go above and beyond, I'd love to hear their story. Nominate your favorite teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week, or Nurse for Nurse Appreciate Week, both of which are in early May. 

Submit your nominations below before April 5, 2024.

We are calling all 4^th and 11^th grade students! I am pleased to present my inaugural 78th Assembly District Civics Competition. This competition will highlight the creative thoughts and community participation within our district. Submissions are now open until Monday, April 1, 2024.

Fourth graders are invited to participate in the contest by picking one or more of the California State Symbols to feature in an art piece. Eleventh graders can nominate someone who lives in the 78th district for a Community Hero recognition, along with an essay explaining why they deserve to be honored. To participate, students, parents, and teachers can find instructions on my website below. Yes, there are prizes at stake!

From hidden gems, to well-known hot spots, to innovative new startups and community-minded entrepreneurs: My office is again accepting nominations for the annual Small Business of the Year! Whether it’s a coffee shop, restaurant, salon, or dry cleaner, I want to hear about all the amazing small businesses we have in Assembly District 78.

Submit your nomination below before April 15, 2024.

We all know how challenging housing costs are on most of our families, but many do not know resources available to help. On Wednesday, March 20 at 5pm our office will be hosting an online Affordable Housing Webinar that will be able to provide attendees with advice on renters’ rights, finding affordable local for-sale homes and rentals, as well as local grants and the California Dream For All program which provides California residents with 20% down to purchase their home. If you’re interested in learning more, please register below to attend.

From top to bottom: Left to right: Top left: Taking part in the San Diego River Park Foundation’s concrete pouring at a site to help connect San Diegans with the river and local conservation efforts. Top right: Speaking at the press conference for the Safe and Prepared Schools Act. Bottom left: Recording an episode of the Father Joes Villages “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” podcast. Bottom right: Assembly District 78 staff volunteer with Meals on Wheels to deliver food to senior citizens.

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 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 segment, and a staff member will connect with you as soon as possible. I wish you, your family and your neighbors a Happy Spring.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Ward
Assemblymember, 78th District