Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With Thanksgiving around the corner, there's so much to be thankful for: During this legislative session, we've passed some important progressive policies - including legislation that regulates the medical-marijuana industry, improves life for homeless and current or former foster youth, protects wildlife, and battles climate change. I'm so thankful that I'm able to be part of this process and grateful to you, my constituents, for giving me this opportunity to serve.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- A Note from Toni
- A Landmark Year for Important Policy
- Governor Signs Nine of My Bills
- California's Climate Leadership
- Clean Cars for Californians
- Drought Update
- National Diabetes Month
- Covered California's Open Enrollment Period
- Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes
- San Diego Beer Week
- Around the District: All Business
- Around the District: Community Engaged
- Around the District: Education
- Around the District: Making a Difference
- Events & Office Hours Calendar
Warmly,
Toni G. Atkins
Speaker of the Assembly
78th Assembly District
Speaking at the signing of SB 350, the landmark climate-change legislation, at the beautiful Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.
A Landmark Year for Important Policy
“Landmark legislation” is a term that gets thrown around pretty easily in political circles, but many of the bills passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this year live up to that lofty description.
As Speaker, I led the Assembly in joining the Senate and the Governor to make transformative laws that will lead the nation in the fight against climate change, finally fix the state’s medical-marijuana industry, and protect the public from the spread of long-dormant disease. We passed legislation that seeks to close the pay gap between women and men, created a new way for communities to revitalize downtrodden neighborhoods, and gave terminally ill patients the option to end their lives on their own terms.
The Legislature also passed laws that reduce racial profiling in police stops, eliminate grand-jury secrecy after officer-involved shootings, and guard Californians’ digital records, as well as increase political participation by automatically registering people to vote when they get or renew a driver’s license, and protect marine wildlife from the harmful plastic “microbeads” found in many personal-hygiene products.
In addition to those headline grabbers, there were lots of bills that flew further under the radar yet still were close to my heart.
For instance, the Governor signed no fewer than 14 bills that will improve life for homeless and current or former foster youth. Among other fixes, these bills will reform the group-home system of foster care, provide more support for foster kids in K-12 schools, help foster youths get into college, prioritize homeless college students for onsite housing, and require greater oversight when it comes to administering psychotropic medications to foster youth.
Meanwhile, we created laws that will help crack down on companies engaged in what’s known as wage theft—illegally withholding pay that’s been rightfully earned by an employee—dramatically improve sex education in schools, and compel landlords to get rid of mold in renters’ homes.
We also required licensed pregnancy centers to inform clients that abortion and other family-planning services are available to them while also requiring unlicensed facilities to post notices saying they’re not licensed. That latter bill, the ReproFACT Act, is an important step toward continuing to ensure reproductive rights and choice in California.
But that isn’t all. Earlier this year, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León and I announced a package of 10 bills seeking justice and protection for California’s undocumented immigrants, recognizing that the state is stronger when we empower those who’ve been marginalized. Nine of the bills were signed by the governor, and the 10th was provided for in the budget.
For example, one bill that I co-authored allows immigrants who are victims of crime and helpful to the police and prosecution to live and work legally in the U.S. Another major piece of legislation, the Health for All Kids Act, expands medical coverage to California’s undocumented children.
The Legislature sent some environmental help to San Diego and the border region, too. In addition to my bill making the San Diego River Conservancy permanent (see the rundown on my bills that were signed by the Governor), other new laws will help rehabilitate the embattled Salton Sea and clean up a polluted river that flows into it from Mexico.
We also passed a handful of measures that will improve life for LGBT Californians. For example, one new law will put unmarried couples on equal footing with married couples when it comes to assisted reproduction, helping LGBT parents start their families with full rights. Another will limit how much money insurance companies can charge for prescription drugs for AIDS and HIV patients.
All of this is in addition to a successful budget process this past spring, when we created the state’s first-ever Earned Income Tax Credit to help 2 million working-poor Californians, invested heavily in public schools and higher education and dramatically expanded access to childcare and preschool.
Clearly, there were many successes among the 808 bills that the Governor signed—too many to mention here. However, we have unfinished business. I was happy to have helped start the conversation about how to fix the state’s vast network of decaying roads and bridges, but we haven’t yet reached a solution. Nor have we solved the funding shortfall in the Medi-Cal program or decided on a plan to increase funding for those who care for Californians with developmental disabilities. I am as committed as ever to doing my part to find sensible solutions to these issues.
Governor Signs Nine of My Bills
The Legislature sent 10 of my bills to the governor during the 2015 legislative session, and he signed all but one.
I’m very, very proud of what my staff and I were able to achieve this year. We helped save elephants and rhinos, boost San Diego’s economy, preserve the San Diego River watershed, reduce prison recidivism, guard disadvantaged communities from pollution, and protect domestic-violence victims. Here’s a list of my bills that were signed into law:
AB 96 closes loopholes that prevent the effective enforcement of existing California law prohibiting the sale of ivory. On average, 96 elephants per day are brutally killed for their ivory, translating to an average of more than 35,000 elephants per year. This type of species loss is unsustainable. African elephants are now being slaughtered faster than they are being born.
AB 226, the “Pacific to Plate” Act, makes it easier for communities to hold fishermen’s markets, similar to farmers markets. Pacific to Plate will help keep red tape from tangling up this boon to San Diego’s Blue Economy. By removing unnecessary barriers in state law, this law will help fishermen’s markets thrive in coastal communities throughout California.
AB 313 fills some holes left by last year’s SB 628, which allowed for creation of enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) to fund infrastructure projects and facilities. Among other fixes, it clarifies procedures that should be followed when replacing dwelling units that are removed or destroyed within a district.
AB 392 removes the sunset on the San Diego River Conservancy and extends the program indefinitely. During the past 13 years, the San Diego River Conservancy has established its value in the region, allocating $20 million in state funds for the watershed while leveraging millions of dollars more in federal, local, and private funds. Now it will be a permanent agency of the state.
AB 795 ratifies the tribal gaming compact negotiated between Governor Brown and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
AB 1056 aims to reduce recidivism by using Proposition 47 savings to help get former inmates into stable homes. Increasing numbers of formerly incarcerated individuals are returning to our communities as a result of prison-overcrowding directives and public-safety reforms. AB 1056 will help ensure that the Prop. 47 savings are used meaningfully, to help reduce recidivism, and enhance the safety of our communities.
AB 1071 requires the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to establish a Supplemental Environmental Project or policy to assist disadvantaged communities. Many communities, both rural and urban, across California are disproportionately impacted by pollution. Environmental Justice Supplemental Environmental Projects are a direct investment in these neighborhoods.
AB 1288 emerged from negotiations over climate-change legislation. It adds two more members to the state Air Resources Board and requires the new members to have worked in disadvantaged communities that have been overburdened by pollution. One will be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and the other by the Senate Rules Committee.
AB 1407 authorizes a court to direct a wireless telephone service provider to transfer billing rights and responsibilities to a requesting party in domestic-violence cases. Allowing victims to use their wireless number and access their contacts and other information stored in the phone is important to maintain a lifeline to life-saving resources and their support network.
Unfortunately, Governor Brown vetoed AB 437, which would have closed a loophole that has prevented small businesses from accessing research-and-development tax credits that they are eligible for, and would have allowed them to reinvest the funds back into their companies. The bill got caught in a net of other tax-credit bills vetoed by Governor because of outstanding health care-funding issues, but I’m confident that we can get it enacted in the future.
Also, we weren’t able to find a permanent source of funding for affordable housing. My bill AB 1335 would do that by charging a modest fee on certain real-estate transactions, excluding property sales. I remain hopeful that I can get the few more votes needed to get this important legislation to the governor for his signature.
California’s Climate Leadership
One of the greatest successes of this legislative session was the passage of SB 350, which cemented California’s role as one of the world’s climate leaders. This legislation sets the strongest energy-efficiency and renewable-energy goals in the country.
Rising sea levels will impact our homes, businesses, infrastructure, national security, and economy. That's why this bill is so important to our future. It sets the course for our state, the nation, and the world. There will come a time when climate-change deniers finally pull their heads out of the sand. When that day comes, they can look around and see that California will be in better shape because of our leadership in 2015.
I was happy to join Gov. Jerry Brown and Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon at Los Angeles’ iconic Griffith Observatory for the signing of what I think is truly historic climate-change legislation. California is leading in the development of clean-energy sources, and SB 350 represents another step in the right direction.
Clean Cars for Californians
“Landmark legislation” is a term that gets thrown around pretty easily in political circles, but many of the bills passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this year live up to that lofty description.
As Speaker, I led the Assembly in joining the Senate and the Governor to make transformative laws that will lead the nation in the fight against climate change, finally fix the state’s medical-marijuana industry, and protect the public from the spread of long-dormant disease. We passed legislation that seeks to close the pay gap between women and men, created a new way for communities to revitalize downtrodden neighborhoods, and gave terminally ill patients the option to end their lives on their own terms.
The Legislature also passed laws that reduce racial profiling in police stops, eliminate grand-jury secrecy after officer-involved shootings, and guard Californians’ digital records, as well as increase political participation by automatically registering people to vote when they get or renew a driver’s license, and protect marine wildlife from the harmful plastic “microbeads” found in many personal-hygiene products.
In addition to those headline grabbers, there were lots of bills that flew further under the radar yet still were close to my heart.
For instance, the Governor signed no fewer than 14 bills that will improve life for homeless and current or former foster youth. Among other fixes, these bills will reform the group-home system of foster care, provide more support for foster kids in K-12 schools, help foster youths get into college, prioritize homeless college students for onsite housing, and require greater oversight when it comes to administering psychotropic medications to foster youth.
Meanwhile, we created laws that will help crack down on companies engaged in what’s known as wage theft—illegally withholding pay that’s been rightfully earned by an employee—dramatically improve sex education in schools, and compel landlords to get rid of mold in renters’ homes.
We also required licensed pregnancy centers to inform clients that abortion and other family-planning services are available to them while also requiring unlicensed facilities to post notices saying they’re not licensed. That latter bill, the ReproFACT Act, is an important step toward continuing to ensure reproductive rights and choice in California.
But that isn’t all. Earlier this year, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León and I announced a package of 10 bills seeking justice and protection for California’s undocumented immigrants, recognizing that the state is stronger when we empower those who’ve been marginalized. Nine of the bills were signed by the governor, and the 10th was provided for in the budget.
For example, one bill that I co-authored allows immigrants who are victims of crime and helpful to the police and prosecution to live and work legally in the U.S. Another major piece of legislation, the Health for All Kids Act, expands medical coverage to California’s undocumented children.
The Legislature sent some environmental help to San Diego and the border region, too. In addition to my bill making the San Diego River Conservancy permanent (see the rundown on my bills that were signed by the Governor), other new laws will help rehabilitate the embattled Salton Sea and clean up a polluted river that flows into it from Mexico.
We also passed a handful of measures that will improve life for LGBT Californians. For example, one new law will put unmarried couples on equal footing with married couples when it comes to assisted reproduction, helping LGBT parents start their families with full rights. Another will limit how much money insurance companies can charge for prescription drugs for AIDS and HIV patients.
All of this is in addition to a successful budget process this past spring, when we created the state’s first-ever Earned Income Tax Credit to help 2 million working-poor Californians, invested heavily in public schools and higher education and dramatically expanded access to childcare and preschool.
Clearly, there were many successes among the 808 bills that the Governor signed—too many to mention here. However, we have unfinished business. I was happy to have helped start the conversation about how to fix the state’s vast network of decaying roads and bridges, but we haven’t yet reached a solution. Nor have we solved the funding shortfall in the Medi-Cal program or decided on a plan to increase funding for those who care for Californians with developmental disabilities. I am as committed as ever to doing my part to find sensible solutions to these issues.
Governor Signs Nine of My Bills
The Legislature sent 10 of my bills to the governor during the 2015 legislative session, and he signed all but one.
I’m very, very proud of what my staff and I were able to achieve this year. We helped save elephants and rhinos, boost San Diego’s economy, preserve the San Diego River watershed, reduce prison recidivism, guard disadvantaged communities from pollution, and protect domestic-violence victims. Here’s a list of my bills that were signed into law:
AB 96 closes loopholes that prevent the effective enforcement of existing California law prohibiting the sale of ivory. On average, 96 elephants per day are brutally killed for their ivory, translating to an average of more than 35,000 elephants per year. This type of species loss is unsustainable. African elephants are now being slaughtered faster than they are being born.
AB 226, the “Pacific to Plate” Act, makes it easier for communities to hold fishermen’s markets, similar to farmers markets. Pacific to Plate will help keep red tape from tangling up this boon to San Diego’s Blue Economy. By removing unnecessary barriers in state law, this law will help fishermen’s markets thrive in coastal communities throughout California.
AB 313 fills some holes left by last year’s SB 628, which allowed for creation of enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) to fund infrastructure projects and facilities. Among other fixes, it clarifies procedures that should be followed when replacing dwelling units that are removed or destroyed within a district.
AB 392 removes the sunset on the San Diego River Conservancy and extends the program indefinitely. During the past 13 years, the San Diego River Conservancy has established its value in the region, allocating $20 million in state funds for the watershed while leveraging millions of dollars more in federal, local, and private funds. Now it will be a permanent agency of the state.
AB 795 ratifies the tribal gaming compact negotiated between Governor Brown and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
AB 1056 aims to reduce recidivism by using Proposition 47 savings to help get former inmates into stable homes. Increasing numbers of formerly incarcerated individuals are returning to our communities as a result of prison-overcrowding directives and public-safety reforms. AB 1056 will help ensure that the Prop. 47 savings are used meaningfully, to help reduce recidivism, and enhance the safety of our communities.
AB 1071 requires the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to establish a Supplemental Environmental Project or policy to assist disadvantaged communities. Many communities, both rural and urban, across California are disproportionately impacted by pollution. Environmental Justice Supplemental Environmental Projects are a direct investment in these neighborhoods.
AB 1288 emerged from negotiations over climate-change legislation. It adds two more members to the state Air Resources Board and requires the new members to have worked in disadvantaged communities that have been overburdened by pollution. One will be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and the other by the Senate Rules Committee.
AB 1407 authorizes a court to direct a wireless telephone service provider to transfer billing rights and responsibilities to a requesting party in domestic-violence cases. Allowing victims to use their wireless number and access their contacts and other information stored in the phone is important to maintain a lifeline to life-saving resources and their support network.
Unfortunately, Governor Brown vetoed AB 437, which would have closed a loophole that has prevented small businesses from accessing research-and-development tax credits that they are eligible for, and would have allowed them to reinvest the funds back into their companies. The bill got caught in a net of other tax-credit bills vetoed by Governor because of outstanding health care-funding issues, but I’m confident that we can get it enacted in the future.
Also, we weren’t able to find a permanent source of funding for affordable housing. My bill AB 1335 would do that by charging a modest fee on certain real-estate transactions, excluding property sales. I remain hopeful that I can get the few more votes needed to get this important legislation to the governor for his signature.
California’s Climate Leadership
One of the greatest successes of this legislative session was the passage of SB 350, which cemented California’s role as one of the world’s climate leaders. This legislation sets the strongest energy-efficiency and renewable-energy goals in the country.
Rising sea levels will impact our homes, businesses, infrastructure, national security, and economy. That's why this bill is so important to our future. It sets the course for our state, the nation, and the world. There will come a time when climate-change deniers finally pull their heads out of the sand. When that day comes, they can look around and see that California will be in better shape because of our leadership in 2015.
I was happy to join Gov. Jerry Brown and Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon at Los Angeles’ iconic Griffith Observatory for the signing of what I think is truly historic climate-change legislation. California is leading in the development of clean-energy sources, and SB 350 represents another step in the right direction.
Clean Cars for Californians
When California passed landmark climate legislation in 2006, it was paving the way for further climate action. AB 32, which mandated the strictest low carbon standards in the country, incentivized Californians to get on board with cleaning up the environment.
One program regulated by the state Air Resources Board is the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which offers rebates for Californians to purchase battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles.
Any Californian, business owner or nonprofit is eligible to receive a rebate of up to $5,000 for each clean vehicle.
To date, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project has provided 123,407 rebates, adding up to more than $261 million for Californians who purchase clean energy vehicles, which probably explains why California has the most plug-in electric cars on the ground than any other state.
The Air Resources Board recently made changes to income thresholds eligible to receive this rebate. To learn more about who qualifies for this program, visit:http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/cvrp.htm.
To apply for a rebate, learn more about the project or check the status of a rebate visit the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project’s website at https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng or call (866) 984-2532. The website also shows which models are available for a rebate and how much the rebate is for that car.
California is a climate leader, not only because of our strict climate standards, but because our citizens believe in providing a better, cleaner future for the next generation.
Drought Update
California is in its fourth year of drought. The Sierra Nevada has no snowpack, and more than 2,500 wells are reported as critical or dry.
Californians are continuing to do their fair share during this historic drought. We have exceeded the 25% statewide water-conservation requirement for the third month in a row and reduced water use by 27% in August. This past summer, Californians saved more than 600,000 acre-feet of water.
The Governor also visited San Diego in August and vowed to continue to work with the City on the conservation mandate to ensure that San Diegans are treated fairly and given credit for early implementation of conservation measures.
Managing the state’s groundwater is a critically important component to our overall water management and combatting the drought. Groundbreaking legislation last year required sustainable groundwater-management plans. The state recently released the list of the state’s over-drafted groundwater basins, along with $10 million in Prop. 1 funding for grants to those agencies that have committed to sustainable plans so that they can get their important work started sooner.
The Legislature approved more than $1 billion in March for Prop. 1 funding for critical infrastructure projects, including drinking water, waste water, water recycling, and conservancy work – including projects in the San Diego River watershed. Project solicitations are ongoing, and we are getting those important bond dollars out the door. For more information, you can visit: http://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov.
The Department of Water Resources announced two new rebate programs to encourage Californians to reduce their water consumption. Some $30 million was made available during our last budget to provide turf and toilet rebates to California consumers. For more information on the eligibility requirements, you can go to www.SaveOurWaterRebates.com.
Recent reports by PPIC show that small rural communities have been harmed the most by the drought. The Department of Social Services continues to provide food, utility, and employment assistance:
435,908 households have been served to date from community food banks.
$600,000 has been allocated to provide financial assistance to low-income families to pay their water bills.
$400,000 has been allocated to the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker drought-assistance program for employment training for those impacted by the drought.
We all need to pitch in and do our parts for more conservation throughout the state – turn off the water while lathering in the shower or brushing your teeth, defrost food in your refrigerator instead of under running water, and opt for water- and energy-efficient appliances.We need to change the way we think about water and conservation. Saving water isn’t a temporary solution to California’s drought; water conservation needs to be a permanent, conscious effort by everyone.
National Diabetes Month
Nearly 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 86 million Americans are at risk. It’s never been more urgent that we stop the spread of this disease.
As we head into the holidays, we must remember that although it’s a time of celebration, we should still make healthy choices. That’s why this month, the American Diabetes Association will step up to educate millions of Americans on preventing diabetes. Each week, the ADA will share recipes for nutritious and delicious meals selected by chefs and cookbook authors. For more information or to see the recipes, visit www.diabetes.org. I’ve also included some healthy Thanksgiving recipes later in this newsletter.
Also, Nov. 17th is National Healthy Lunch Day. Be sure to use the hashtag #MyHealthyLunch and post photos of your healthy lunch on social media to encourage friends and family to make healthful lunch choices.
In keeping up with San Diego’s Eat Well Live Well initiative, this month’s newsletter includes some healthful Thanksgiving meal ideas. Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat poorly to enjoy it.
Health for the Holidays – Covered California’s Open Enrollment Period
It’s that time of year again—time to get covered during Covered California’s open enrollment period. Covered California is the state’s healthcare marketplace that opened under the Affordable Care Act.
If you sign up or alter your plan between Nov. 1, 2015 and Dec. 15, 2015, your coverage can begin as early as Jan. 1, 2016.
But remember: If you don’t enroll in a 2016 health-insurance plan by Jan. 31, 2016 you can’t enroll in a plan for 2016 unless you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.
Healthcare is a necessity we cannot ignore – make sure that you and your loved ones are covered today.
To learn more or apply for coverage, visit www.coveredca.com today. The website contains a wealth of information on plan options, community organizations that can assist you with enrolling, and costs.
Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes
It’s Thanksgiving time again. For most of us, that means a juicy turkey dinner, a generous round of seconds, and a post-meal nap. And while there is nothing wrong with indulging a little during the holidays, in honor of San Diego’s Eat Well Live Well Initiative, I’ve come up with a few more healthful takes on Thanksgiving classics that will keep you and your family coming back for seconds – guilt-free.
Toni’s Traditional Waldorf Salad
Ingredients:
-6 good-size apples, chopped
-2 cans crushed pineapple
-Handful (or more) of raisins
-Handful of walnuts (black walnuts if you can find them)
-Mayonnaise or yogurt to taste
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, add mayo to taste. Cover, chill.
This Waldorf salad has been a traditional part of my Thanksgiving celebrations – the fruit-filled side dish makes a great complement to turkey and stuffing… mmm!
One program regulated by the state Air Resources Board is the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which offers rebates for Californians to purchase battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles.
Any Californian, business owner or nonprofit is eligible to receive a rebate of up to $5,000 for each clean vehicle.
To date, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project has provided 123,407 rebates, adding up to more than $261 million for Californians who purchase clean energy vehicles, which probably explains why California has the most plug-in electric cars on the ground than any other state.
The Air Resources Board recently made changes to income thresholds eligible to receive this rebate. To learn more about who qualifies for this program, visit:http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/cvrp.htm.
To apply for a rebate, learn more about the project or check the status of a rebate visit the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project’s website at https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng or call (866) 984-2532. The website also shows which models are available for a rebate and how much the rebate is for that car.
California is a climate leader, not only because of our strict climate standards, but because our citizens believe in providing a better, cleaner future for the next generation.
Drought Update
California is in its fourth year of drought. The Sierra Nevada has no snowpack, and more than 2,500 wells are reported as critical or dry.
Californians are continuing to do their fair share during this historic drought. We have exceeded the 25% statewide water-conservation requirement for the third month in a row and reduced water use by 27% in August. This past summer, Californians saved more than 600,000 acre-feet of water.
The Governor also visited San Diego in August and vowed to continue to work with the City on the conservation mandate to ensure that San Diegans are treated fairly and given credit for early implementation of conservation measures.
Managing the state’s groundwater is a critically important component to our overall water management and combatting the drought. Groundbreaking legislation last year required sustainable groundwater-management plans. The state recently released the list of the state’s over-drafted groundwater basins, along with $10 million in Prop. 1 funding for grants to those agencies that have committed to sustainable plans so that they can get their important work started sooner.
The Legislature approved more than $1 billion in March for Prop. 1 funding for critical infrastructure projects, including drinking water, waste water, water recycling, and conservancy work – including projects in the San Diego River watershed. Project solicitations are ongoing, and we are getting those important bond dollars out the door. For more information, you can visit: http://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov.
The Department of Water Resources announced two new rebate programs to encourage Californians to reduce their water consumption. Some $30 million was made available during our last budget to provide turf and toilet rebates to California consumers. For more information on the eligibility requirements, you can go to www.SaveOurWaterRebates.com.
Recent reports by PPIC show that small rural communities have been harmed the most by the drought. The Department of Social Services continues to provide food, utility, and employment assistance:
435,908 households have been served to date from community food banks.
$600,000 has been allocated to provide financial assistance to low-income families to pay their water bills.
$400,000 has been allocated to the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker drought-assistance program for employment training for those impacted by the drought.
We all need to pitch in and do our parts for more conservation throughout the state – turn off the water while lathering in the shower or brushing your teeth, defrost food in your refrigerator instead of under running water, and opt for water- and energy-efficient appliances.We need to change the way we think about water and conservation. Saving water isn’t a temporary solution to California’s drought; water conservation needs to be a permanent, conscious effort by everyone.
National Diabetes Month
Nearly 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 86 million Americans are at risk. It’s never been more urgent that we stop the spread of this disease.
As we head into the holidays, we must remember that although it’s a time of celebration, we should still make healthy choices. That’s why this month, the American Diabetes Association will step up to educate millions of Americans on preventing diabetes. Each week, the ADA will share recipes for nutritious and delicious meals selected by chefs and cookbook authors. For more information or to see the recipes, visit www.diabetes.org. I’ve also included some healthy Thanksgiving recipes later in this newsletter.
Also, Nov. 17th is National Healthy Lunch Day. Be sure to use the hashtag #MyHealthyLunch and post photos of your healthy lunch on social media to encourage friends and family to make healthful lunch choices.
In keeping up with San Diego’s Eat Well Live Well initiative, this month’s newsletter includes some healthful Thanksgiving meal ideas. Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat poorly to enjoy it.
Health for the Holidays – Covered California’s Open Enrollment Period
It’s that time of year again—time to get covered during Covered California’s open enrollment period. Covered California is the state’s healthcare marketplace that opened under the Affordable Care Act.
If you sign up or alter your plan between Nov. 1, 2015 and Dec. 15, 2015, your coverage can begin as early as Jan. 1, 2016.
But remember: If you don’t enroll in a 2016 health-insurance plan by Jan. 31, 2016 you can’t enroll in a plan for 2016 unless you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.
Healthcare is a necessity we cannot ignore – make sure that you and your loved ones are covered today.
To learn more or apply for coverage, visit www.coveredca.com today. The website contains a wealth of information on plan options, community organizations that can assist you with enrolling, and costs.
Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes
It’s Thanksgiving time again. For most of us, that means a juicy turkey dinner, a generous round of seconds, and a post-meal nap. And while there is nothing wrong with indulging a little during the holidays, in honor of San Diego’s Eat Well Live Well Initiative, I’ve come up with a few more healthful takes on Thanksgiving classics that will keep you and your family coming back for seconds – guilt-free.
Toni’s Traditional Waldorf Salad Ingredients:
-6 good-size apples, chopped
-2 cans crushed pineapple
-Handful (or more) of raisins
-Handful of walnuts (black walnuts if you can find them)
-Mayonnaise or yogurt to taste
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, add mayo to taste. Cover, chill.
This Waldorf salad has been a traditional part of my Thanksgiving celebrations – the fruit-filled side dish makes a great complement to turkey and stuffing… mmm!
Sweet Potato-Pecan Casserole
Ingredients:
-5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
-1 cup honey
-1 large egg
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
-⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
-Kosher salt
-1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
-⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Mist an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a pot with a large steamer basket in place. Put the sweet potatoes in the basket, cover, and steam until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a bowl and let cool slightly. Add the honey, egg, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and ½ teaspoon salt; whip with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread the sweet-potato mixture in the prepared baking dish.
Mix the brown sugar, pecans and the remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl; sprinkle over the potatoes. Bake until hot and beginning to brown around the edges, 40 to 45 minutes.
Per serving: calories 160; fat 4 g (saturated fat 1 g); cholesterol 25 mg; sodium 180 mg; carbohydrates 31 g; fiber 3 g; protein 3 g
Photograph by Andrew Mccaul / Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger for Food Network Magazine
And for dessert – if you want a light, quick, and protein-rich substitute for a classic holiday dessert, try this no-bake pumpkin custard:
Ingredients:
-5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
-1 cup honey
-1 large egg
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
-⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
-Kosher salt
-1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
-⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Mist an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a pot with a large steamer basket in place. Put the sweet potatoes in the basket, cover, and steam until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a bowl and let cool slightly. Add the honey, egg, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and ½ teaspoon salt; whip with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread the sweet-potato mixture in the prepared baking dish.
Mix the brown sugar, pecans and the remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl; sprinkle over the potatoes. Bake until hot and beginning to brown around the edges, 40 to 45 minutes.
Per serving: calories 160; fat 4 g (saturated fat 1 g); cholesterol 25 mg; sodium 180 mg; carbohydrates 31 g; fiber 3 g; protein 3 g
Photograph by Andrew Mccaul / Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger for Food Network Magazine
And for dessert – if you want a light, quick, and protein-rich substitute for a classic holiday dessert, try this no-bake pumpkin custard:
No Bake Pumpkin Custard
Ingredients:
-10 ounces pumpkin butter (or 1 can pumpkin puree mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon or pumpkin-pie spice) -8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
-1 cup pumpkin puree
-1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
-½ cup pecans, chopped
Directions
Mix pumpkin butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and yogurt until well combined. Top with pecans.
Place in a round serving bowl and chill for at least two hours.
San Diego Beer Week
San Diego Beer Week – running Nov. 6th through 15th this year – has become an important celebration of one of our buzziest industries.
While locals and tourists alike can enjoy the best of our breweries all year long, the industry comes together each November not only to promote San Diego’s ales and lagers, but also for good causes.
The list of 50-plus events features food pairings with beer, including cheese, chocolate, and even donuts, a focus on varieties like IPA and stout, and a beer-and-wine faceoff.
The largest event is the Guild Fest at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, happening Nov. 6th and 7th. The kickoff to the week’s festivities, the fest will include food and samples from 50 San Diego County brewers. Tickets start at $45.
Beer Week’s sponsor, the San Diego Brewers Guild, boasts nearly 80 members and has labeled our region “The Capitol of Craft.”
San Diego beer is so hot that Ballast Point – the company’s Home Brew Mart was one of my honorees during my 2015 Small Business of the Year ceremony – has filed papers to go public on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
The craft-beer industry isn’t just a big deal in San Diego, but across the entire state. Here are some facts from the California Craft Brewers Association:
We have the most craft breweries in the nation – 570.
California’s craft-beer industry had a $6.5-billion economic impact last year, up 18% from 2013.
In 2014, California produced 3.5 million barrels of craft beer, the most in the U.S.
The state supports this growing industry. The Legislature passed two bills, AB 776, allowing beer producers to host up to four events a year adjacent to their breweries to promote their products, and AB 774, to clear the way for beer tastings at California’s certified farmers markets. Gov. Brown signed both.
As Speaker, I’m also proud to have approved the establishment of the Assembly’s first Select Committee on Craft Brewing and Distilling. In addition, two local brewers, Modern Times Brewery and Council Brewing Co., received California Competes tax credits to grow and create jobs in San Diego.We continue to be a leader in this growing industry, and I am proud of the local brewers who have made our region one of the top destinations for craft beer. If you’d like to join in the celebration this month, or learn what all the buzz is about, see sdbw.org for more details.
Around the District: All Business
Nov. 28th – the Saturday after Thanksgiving – is Small Business Saturday, a day for Americans to support their local small businesses. Unlike Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday shifts the focus to local brands and companies to keep money in local economies. Do your part this Small Business Saturday by shopping only at San Diego small businesses instead of corporate chains.
Clockwise: Joining fellow Assemblymember (and old City Council colleague) Brian Maienschein and Board of Equalization member Diane Harkey at our Small Business Resources Fair and Information Forum; touring BASF, which employs 130 people in San Diego, to learn more about its production of industrial enzyme products; a selfie at Hillcrest Business Association; with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp., in La Jolla – our research sector generates $4.6 billion for the local economy.
Around the District: Community Engaged
Clockwise: with fisherman Peter Halmay and Dr. Theresa Sinicrope Talley of California Sea Grant. Halmay and Talley both helped San Diego’s Tuna Harbor Dockside Market launch in 2014 – the market has led to my statewide legislation to benefit other fishermen’s markets; celebrating Dr. Walter Munk’s 98th birthday – the renowned oceanographer has conducted groundbreaking research on everything from sound transmission to climate change; good turnout at Hillcrest Town Council; glamming it up at the Talmadge Block Party.
Around the District: Education
Top, from left to right: Daneal Wolde, a bright and impressive 5th grader at North Park’s Garfield Elementary School in North Park, where we distributed K to College bags for youngsters; My arms couldn't reach far enough for this selfie, so we had to settle for a group shot.
Bottom, left to right: Met Dylan Colliflower at the San Diego State Associated Students meeting. He’s starting his foray into public service interning in Councilmember Chris Cate’s office; Speaking at the San Diego State Associated Students meeting about the importance of higher education funding. These students impressed me with their questions about public service, climate change policy and, a topic very near and dear to me, housing and homelessness; Thanks to Rep. Scott Peters for co-hosting our College Workshop at Cadman Elementary in Clairemont, to help parents and students choose the right college.
Around the District: Making a Difference
Clockwise: a Lawyers Club of San Diego photobomb; with U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro at a roundtable to discuss veteran homelessness; visiting with Rep. Susan Davis, State Controller Betty Yee, and San Diego City Councilmember Myrtle Cole at the Black American Political Association of California convention (BAPAC); 2-1-1 San Diego, the phone service to keep the county connected with community, health, and disaster services, is nearing the finish for its new operations center.P.S. Social media is a great way to connect with my office! Use the icon below to like my page on Facebook.
Website: http://www.asmdc.org/speakerEmail: Speaker Toni G. Atkins
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, California 94249-0078 United States
Tel: (916) 319-2078
Fax: (916) 319-2178 District Office:
1350 Front Street
Room 6054
San Diego, California 92101 United States
Tel: (619) 645-3090
Fax: (619) 645-3094
Ingredients:
-10 ounces pumpkin butter (or 1 can pumpkin puree mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon or pumpkin-pie spice) -8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
-1 cup pumpkin puree
-1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
-½ cup pecans, chopped
Directions
Mix pumpkin butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and yogurt until well combined. Top with pecans.
Place in a round serving bowl and chill for at least two hours.
San Diego Beer Week
San Diego Beer Week – running Nov. 6th through 15th this year – has become an important celebration of one of our buzziest industries.
While locals and tourists alike can enjoy the best of our breweries all year long, the industry comes together each November not only to promote San Diego’s ales and lagers, but also for good causes.
The list of 50-plus events features food pairings with beer, including cheese, chocolate, and even donuts, a focus on varieties like IPA and stout, and a beer-and-wine faceoff.
The largest event is the Guild Fest at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, happening Nov. 6th and 7th. The kickoff to the week’s festivities, the fest will include food and samples from 50 San Diego County brewers. Tickets start at $45.
Beer Week’s sponsor, the San Diego Brewers Guild, boasts nearly 80 members and has labeled our region “The Capitol of Craft.”
San Diego beer is so hot that Ballast Point – the company’s Home Brew Mart was one of my honorees during my 2015 Small Business of the Year ceremony – has filed papers to go public on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
The craft-beer industry isn’t just a big deal in San Diego, but across the entire state. Here are some facts from the California Craft Brewers Association:
We have the most craft breweries in the nation – 570.
California’s craft-beer industry had a $6.5-billion economic impact last year, up 18% from 2013.
In 2014, California produced 3.5 million barrels of craft beer, the most in the U.S.
The state supports this growing industry. The Legislature passed two bills, AB 776, allowing beer producers to host up to four events a year adjacent to their breweries to promote their products, and AB 774, to clear the way for beer tastings at California’s certified farmers markets. Gov. Brown signed both.
As Speaker, I’m also proud to have approved the establishment of the Assembly’s first Select Committee on Craft Brewing and Distilling. In addition, two local brewers, Modern Times Brewery and Council Brewing Co., received California Competes tax credits to grow and create jobs in San Diego.We continue to be a leader in this growing industry, and I am proud of the local brewers who have made our region one of the top destinations for craft beer. If you’d like to join in the celebration this month, or learn what all the buzz is about, see sdbw.org for more details.
Around the District: All Business
Nov. 28th – the Saturday after Thanksgiving – is Small Business Saturday, a day for Americans to support their local small businesses. Unlike Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday shifts the focus to local brands and companies to keep money in local economies. Do your part this Small Business Saturday by shopping only at San Diego small businesses instead of corporate chains.
Clockwise: Joining fellow Assemblymember (and old City Council colleague) Brian Maienschein and Board of Equalization member Diane Harkey at our Small Business Resources Fair and Information Forum; touring BASF, which employs 130 people in San Diego, to learn more about its production of industrial enzyme products; a selfie at Hillcrest Business Association; with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp., in La Jolla – our research sector generates $4.6 billion for the local economy.
Around the District: Community Engaged
Clockwise: with fisherman Peter Halmay and Dr. Theresa Sinicrope Talley of California Sea Grant. Halmay and Talley both helped San Diego’s Tuna Harbor Dockside Market launch in 2014 – the market has led to my statewide legislation to benefit other fishermen’s markets; celebrating Dr. Walter Munk’s 98th birthday – the renowned oceanographer has conducted groundbreaking research on everything from sound transmission to climate change; good turnout at Hillcrest Town Council; glamming it up at the Talmadge Block Party.
Around the District: Education
Top, from left to right: Daneal Wolde, a bright and impressive 5th grader at North Park’s Garfield Elementary School in North Park, where we distributed K to College bags for youngsters; My arms couldn't reach far enough for this selfie, so we had to settle for a group shot.
Bottom, left to right: Met Dylan Colliflower at the San Diego State Associated Students meeting. He’s starting his foray into public service interning in Councilmember Chris Cate’s office; Speaking at the San Diego State Associated Students meeting about the importance of higher education funding. These students impressed me with their questions about public service, climate change policy and, a topic very near and dear to me, housing and homelessness; Thanks to Rep. Scott Peters for co-hosting our College Workshop at Cadman Elementary in Clairemont, to help parents and students choose the right college.
Around the District: Making a Difference
Clockwise: a Lawyers Club of San Diego photobomb; with U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro at a roundtable to discuss veteran homelessness; visiting with Rep. Susan Davis, State Controller Betty Yee, and San Diego City Councilmember Myrtle Cole at the Black American Political Association of California convention (BAPAC); 2-1-1 San Diego, the phone service to keep the county connected with community, health, and disaster services, is nearing the finish for its new operations center.P.S. Social media is a great way to connect with my office! Use the icon below to like my page on Facebook.
Website: http://www.asmdc.org/speakerEmail: Speaker Toni G. Atkins
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, California 94249-0078 United States
Tel: (916) 319-2078
Fax: (916) 319-2178 District Office:
1350 Front Street
Room 6054
San Diego, California 92101 United States
Tel: (619) 645-3090
Fax: (619) 645-3094
____________________________________
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