Happy April, Happy Dodgers season and spring to our amazing community. I represent the 48th Assembly District in the California State Legislature. This term serves as my 10th year as a Legislator in the California State Assembly. It is an honor to serve over 498,000 residents in our district and collaborate with nine cities in the San Gabriel Valley. I am excited to share our March 2026 Newsletter, ensuring our communities stay up to date with state related matters.
District Updates
Young Legislators Program (YLP) Water Tour
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At the tail end of February, our Young Legislators participated in their second event and toured the Morris Dam and learned more about water policy in our state. Thank you to the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and Valley County Water Districts for their partnership and for hosting our 2026 cohort. Our students had a great time exploring career opportunities and engaging with experts in the water industry. As a former water board member, I believe it is essential to teach our children about the vital role water plays in our everyday lives and in our community.
YLP Etiquette Course
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Let’s give our Young Legislators a round of applause. These super kids are officially halfway through their six-month program! For their third event, our students and local dignitaries participated in an etiquette course, where everyone learned the essentials of dining manners and professional hospitality. They left this course with tie tying skills, and the confidence to network. Thank you to Jules Hirst, an outstanding etiquette coach, for teaching us the importance of both social and business skills!
Foothill Transit 2026 Bus Rodeo
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I followed the yellow brick road, and it led me to Foothill Transit’s 2026 Bus Rodeo! Thank you, Foothill Transit, for a fun event intended to celebrate the workers' day-to-day skills and operations, as well as showcasing your phenomenal fleet! Glinda had a magical time with our transportation community and with the residents of Oz.
Merlinda Elementary Visit: Women’s History Month
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I revisited and celebrated Women’s History Month with Merlinda Elementary School earlier this month. I had the opportunity to recognize the achievements of the students who participated in the tutoring program, funded by the Barona grant, which I was able to help them secure earlier this year. I love visiting with these incredible students and teachers, it is something I look forward to every year.
Women of the Year District Celebration
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In March, I held my annual Woman of the Year Award Celebration, where I had the opportunity to recognize eight incredible women nominated by members of the community for their commitment, influence, and remarkable service. Celebrating these women during National Women’s Month is an honor and a privilege!
A special congratulations to our nominees, listed with their respective award titles: Regina Sells-Arnold – Distinguished WOTY; Monica Garcia – Education; Carol Facciponti-Malcom – Philanthropic; Luz Yesenia Paez – Public Service; Col. (Ret.) Dr. Irma Cooper – Military; Christina Moore – Advocacy; Natalie Guillen – Rising Leader; Cecelia Bernal – Community Service.
Congratulations again, the impact you have made on the 48th Assembly District is deeply appreciated and far reaching.
Capitol Updates
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This year, I had the great privilege of hosting an incredible resident of the 48th Assembly District, Regina Sells-Arnold, who was nominated as our Woman of the Year. As the Literacy Services & Adult Education Coordinator, Regina Sells-Arnold directs all activities for the Azusa City Library's lifelong learning programs, including English-as-a-Second language, Citizenship and Naturalization classes, and Career Online High School. With a Master's Degree in Organizational Management and years of experience working as an educator, Regina has successfully built a thriving adult education division while consistently advocating for a learner-centered approach, proactively addressing the diverse needs in our community. Regina is an exceptional leader, and the epitome of kindness. Regina, this award is just a small gesture of our gratitude to all you do for our community.
Legislative Women’s Caucus Policy Priority Press Conference
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The Legislative Women’s Caucus held a press conference to uplift our 2026 policy priorities. At this press conference, I presented my bill, AB 1602, which establishes the Child Welfare Disaster Response Program, to support foster youth and their caregivers during natural disasters. This statewide fund authorizes the California Department of Social Services to quickly distribute emergency assistance to counties when a state or local disaster is declared. This funding is critical to help maintain stability for foster youth and their caregivers during a declared state or local disaster. Thank you to the Legislative Women’s Caucus for recognizing this important piece of legislation as a priority.
Press Conference SB 1067: Math Screener
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Senator Weber Pierson held a press conference on SB 1067, a bill that requires universal screening for math difficulties in kindergarten through second grade to identify and support struggling students. I am a proud co-author of this bill. As a teacher, I have seen the difficulties that math struggles can cause for students. Math is a subject that compounds and moves quickly; doing anything we can to help our students feel confident in math is imperative. I am excited to see this piece of legislation move forward, thank you to Senator Weber Pierson for allowing me to coauthor this measure with you.
Legislative Updates
There are two words that describe the upcoming weeks in the Legislature - Committee Season. This means members of the Senate and Assembly will spend a lot of time discussing policy, listening to stakeholders and public comments, refining problems, amending bills and making compromises as needed in committees. February 20th was the last day for bills to be introduced, and the next important deadline in the Legislature is April 24th; the last day for policy committees to hear fiscal bills (any bill with an associated cost to be heard and discussed). Some of our bills have started moving forward, listed below are the bills, their associated hearing date and assigned policy committee, or status.
- AB 1602: Foster Youth: Disaster Aid Assistance
Passed out of Human Services Committee March 24, onto Appropriations - AB 1622: Electrified Security Fences
Passed out of Local Gov, on consent, March 25, onto Appropriations - AB 1773: Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) Transparency
Assembly Health Committee April 7 - AB 1894: Fish and Wildlife: Aquatic Invasive Species: genus Caulerpa
Assembly Water Parks and Wildlife, April 14 - AB 1983: Continuing Care Retirement Communities: repayable contracts
Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, TBD - AB 2131: Hospitals: Seismic Standards
Assembly Health, April 14 - AB 2226: Reusable Grocery Bags
Assembly Natural Resources, April 6 - AB 2238: Mobile Home Residency Law: commencement of actions: notices
Assembly Judiciary, TBD - AB 2429: Childcare: Mental Health Consultation Services
Assembly Education, April 15 - AB 2439: Common Interest Developments: Assessments
Assembly Judiciary, April 28 - AB 839: California Environmental Quality Act: expedited judicial review: SAF
Two-year bill, parked in Senate Environmental Quality Committee
Resources
Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Services
Every Woman Counts (EWC) provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to California’s underserved populations. The mission of Every Woman Counts Program is to mitigate the devastating medical, emotional and financial effects of breast and cervical cancer and eliminate health disparities for medically underserved, low-income individuals. Learn about breast and cervical cancer screening recommendations, which are essential parts of routine care. Visit: Every Woman Counts Program Homepage for more information.
Medical Managed Care Information
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Changes to Medi-Cal are coming. Here are some helpful tips to ensure continuity of coverage:
- Keep your contact information current so you receive all notices and renewal forms.
- Check your mail regularly and respond immediately to any letters.
- Know your renewal date and complete renewals on time, even without reminders.
- Attend your medical appointments to maintain continuity of care.
- Visit DHCS Medi-Cal Changes and Medi-CalManagedCare.org for additional resources.
Drop: A Free and Fast Way for Californians to Protect Their Privacy
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Californians now have a simple, free way to protect their personal information with the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP), a new tool from CalPrivacy. Instead of tracking down hundreds of data brokers that collect and sell your data, you can visit one state website and send a single request directing all registered data brokers to delete your information and stop selling it.
Using DROP can help reduce spam and scams, limit tracking and unwanted ads, and shrink your digital footprint, all while keeping your information secure. Data brokers start processing requests August 1, 2026. Get started today: privacy.ca.gov/drop.
While we are proud to showcase our efforts which bring needed services to our communities -- the work does not stop here! Each month, we will be sharing additional information regarding upcoming legislation, community events, and highlighting local leaders in the 48th Assembly District. Be sure to check your inbox for the next newsletter. Want real time updates? Follow our social media platforms to get timely updates and all things about the #Fighting48th. See you then!