Newsletter

Aid-in-Dying Legislation, Other News from Sen. Blakespear

April 10, 2024

Greetings!

Happy Spring!

This year our two teenagers had different spring breaks‚ resulting in split activities for our family. While our daughter spent time with her grandma visiting Mexico City‚ my husband and I relished an adventure in nature with our son by backpacking for three nights in Havasupai‚ an area in the Havasu Canyon region of the Grand Canyon. The name Havasupai means “people of the blue-green waters‚” which is fitting as the tribe’s homeland is known for its stunning turquoise streams and waterfalls. (See picture below.) It was a lovely break in a magical place. And I returned energized to jump back into my work!

Here I am with my husband Jeremy and our son Oliver at Havasu Falls.

Approaching End of Life with Dignity

One of my bills that’s receiving the most attention this year is a SB 1196‚ which would give more people autonomy over the way they exit their lives.

I come to this issue from having worked as an estate planning attorney before running for local elected office. In my role as a legal advisor‚ I spoke with many people about how to transition their assets and family’s values to the next generation. There is a strong desire among many for personal autonomy in medical decision making‚ most acutely when the person is facing the indignities and suffering of a terminal illness.

Under the existing “medical aid-in-dying” law in California‚ which passed in 2016‚ only people within six months of their expected death can access the medication. The vast majority of people who requested the drug were already receiving hospice care‚ expecting to die within six months. In the eight years since the law has been in effect‚ 5‚100 people have requested the medication and about 65 percent of them took the medication. The others passed before they could take it‚ or decided not to take it at all.

My bill changes the standards so that more people could be eligible to access the medical-aid-in-dying drug before they become so debilitated that they are on hospice. It continues all existing safeguards and protections to ensure that someone is not being coerced or pressured.

If someone has an incurable illness or disease that is causing them great suffering and will in fact result in their natural death‚ I believe people should have the right to make decisions that allow them to have the exit of their choosing‚ at a time‚ and in a manner‚ that works best for them.

While all of us will eventually die‚ the topic of how we die is very deeply felt and opinions vary widely on what we should allow.

The bill will get its first hearing in April‚ and I will keep you posted on its progress.

MEDIA COVERAGE

New York Sun: California Bill Looks To Expand Assisted Suicide Beyond Terminal Illnesses

PoliticoPro: California may ease rules on make physician-assisted suicide

San Francisco Chronicle: More people are using California’s aid-in-dying law. A new bill would expand it even further

Rail Line Reopened, Next Hearing Set

Amtrak resumed full service through Orange County on March 25‚ after a retaining wall was built to stabilize an eroding hillside.

The recent track closure was just the latest challenge to the rail corridor. I am working to build support for the line and address its problems through a committee I chair‚ the Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency. The committee’s next hearing will be April 29‚ focusing on what was done to protect the track in San Clemente‚ what more needs to be done and future plans. You will be able to watch the hearing live on the Senate’s website.

Honoring Women Leaders

Award nominees and winners honored at a the reception joined for a group photo.

I was delighted to hold a reception honoring the women from San Diego County selected as Women Who Inspire. We received 29 nominations for the award‚ and I was so impressed with them and all the incredible contributions women are making to our communities.

In celebration of Women’s History Month‚ which is March of each year‚ I invited community members to nominate women who inspire us with their extraordinary achievements‚ service and contributions to the community.

Here were the winners:
Woman Who Inspires – Jessica Toth

Jessica is honored for her contributions to environmental sustainability and her tireless advocacy for meaningful change. In her current role as the Executive Director of the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation‚ she has led the organization to national prominence while also becoming a trusted advisor to officials at all levels of government‚ providing invaluable insights and practical solutions to address the urgent challenges of climate change.

Recognition in individual categories:

Business & Entrepreneurship – Linda Pina and Carla Werts
Linda and Carla are the co-owners of Shoes and Chews‚ a local tour company that specializes in our community’s food‚ beer and wine scenes while celebrating the independently owned businesses. They have collaborated with restaurants‚ establishing partnerships for their tours which has resulted in exclusive offerings not found on regular menus.
Community Service & Volunteerism – Beathany Mershon
Beathany started the Cardonistas‚ in the Mission Beach Community. The Cardonistas are a group of eleven women who came together during the pandemic to bring cheer to children fighting life threatening illnesses at Rady’s Children’s Hospital‚ as well as hope to their families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House.
Education – Jacqueline Martinez
Jacqueline is the community school coordinator at Jefferson Middle School in Oceanside‚ and played a pivotal role in establishing the first-ever Wellness Center in the Oceanside School District. The Wellness Center has become a beacon of support‚ offering an array of community programs and services aimed at bolstering students’ behavioral health‚ mental well-being‚ academic achievements‚ and youth leadership development.
Health & Human Services – Lisette Islas
Lisette pursuit of socioeconomic equity has led to transformative initiatives that have uplifted leaders‚ families and children from economic disadvantages. Now‚ as the CEO of Lifeline Community Services‚ she continues her mission‚ leading nearly 200 employees dedicated to elevating the economic status of youth and families across the region.
Military Community – Maggie Meza
Maggie‚ a seasoned military spouse with a profound understanding of the unique challenges that come with the lifestyle‚ is also the Director of the Blue Star Families San Diego Chapter‚ a nonprofit organization that supports military families. In this role Maggie advocates for military and Veterans‚ acknowledging the distinct hardships they face.
Youth Leadership & Sports – Kristianne Kurner
Kristianne is the Founder & Executive Artistic Director of New Village Arts‚ an innovative theater and arts nonprofit in Carlsbad. With New Village Arts‚ she has elevated the arts and inclusivity in Carlsbad.

I was thrilled and deeply satisfied to meet and honor these impactful women!

Nominate A Champion of the Month

Champion of the Month. Nominate a Community Member Who Inspires!

I am launching a new monthly recognition program to honor outstanding people and contributions in the 38th Senate District. We welcome you to nominate individuals who live‚ work‚ study‚ or volunteer in the district. (You can see a district map here.) You may nominate individuals‚ organizations‚ teams‚ or businesses whose accomplishments and services have positively impacted the community. Go here‚ to submit a nomination.

Open House for OC District Office is Friday

It is important to me that the community knows how to get in touch with my staff and me. I am looking forward to holding an open house for my district office in Laguna Hills this Friday‚ from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. I hope you can make it to chat with me‚ get to know my dedicated staff and hear about the work we do and how we can help you.

The event is open to the public. Please RSVP to attend. Go here to RSVP.

We will be serving light refreshments and have information available on state and county services. Don’t miss it!

Open House Flyer

Next Book Club Meeting Is June 15

National Bestseller: The Dreamt Land. Chasing Water and Dust Across California. Mark Arax.

Our next book in the “Our California! Book Club‚” will be The Dreamt Land‚ by Mark Arax. This book is a vivid‚ searching journey into California’s capture of water and soil. The author‚ Mark Arax‚ is from a family of Central Valley farmers with deep ties to the land who has watched the battles over water intensify even as California lurches from drought to flood and back again. I hope you can join us to discuss this book!