Earth Day, Protecting Wildlife and Other News from Sen. Blakespear

Greeting!

We celebrated Earth Day this week‚ and it’s an important reminder that we need to respect and support the planet we live on. 

It came just weeks after the Artemis II mission that circled the moon took beautiful photos of the Earth‚ showing how small and fragile it looks against the backdrop of space. 

I strongly believe we need to live sustainably and protect our environment. Our own long‑term survival‚ and that of every species‚ depends on it. 

This commitment is why I authored SB 1135‚ legislation to establish a statewide program to better manage and promote human‑wildlife coexistence through non‑lethal strategies‚ and to codify a wolf‑livestock coexistence and compensation program. 

Human wildlife interactions happen throughout the state. Bears‚ mountain lions‚ wolves and coyotes all share the state of California with us‚ as well as apex predators in the ocean‚ such as sharks. The state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife would run the program‚ which would be focused on deterrence‚ education and incident responses for land mammals. 

As the Los Angeles Times pointed out‚ more than 30 organizations – including the National Wildlife Federation‚ the California State Association of Counties and the Animal Legal Defense Fund – back the legislation. I told the Times: "We need to recognize the importance of seeing ourselves‚ humans‚ as part of a larger ecosystem that includes animals and plants and our world and trying to protect it." 

And as CBS LA noted‚ legislation like this could have prevented the killing of the beloved bear Blondie‚ a mom to two very young cubs. She was tragically euthanized after two incidents of swiping at humans. The cubs will now need to be raised without their mom in the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. A true sadness.

Blondie the bear‚ before she was euthanized. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times.)

I am glad to report that the bill passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee last week. Read more about it here. 

Earth Day is an annual call to action. Now more than ever‚ we need to understand humankind’s impact on the environment‚ appreciate its fragility and keep our planet sustainable. 
 

I love it that the Senate Environmental Quality Committee frequently convenes in the committee room in the historic Capitol that features a painting of a Yosemite‑like environment. We’re showcasing the natural wonders of our state and feeling inspired about the places that our bills aim to protect. Last week and this week we considered several bills‚ including my SB 954‚ to ensure CEQA exemptions have appropriate guardrails protecting the environment and public health. 

I was thrilled to get support from an expert witness – my son Oliver! – on SB 965. He testified in front of the Senate Education Committee about a bill inspired by our experience at the Carlsbad Library. He’s a 17‑year‑old teenager who both drives and works a job‚ but when it comes to getting a library card‚ he needed to drag his parent to the library for an in‑person signature. You can watch the presentation of the bill here ‚ or watch this clip on Instagram. 

When we had this trouble‚ I realized that many of the state’s libraries‚ including the San Diego County Library system and many city libraries‚ are using outdated restrictions that don’t mesh with the reality of today. Why should 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds have to bring a parent or guardian in person to the library to get a card? 

That doesn’t make much sense‚ given how many things are both authorized and paid for online. This requirement is certainly a barrier to a teen wanting to use the library to access a free book. 

SB 965 ‚ which would prohibit libraries from requiring the physical presence of parents for a 16‑ or 17‑year‑olds to get a library card‚ passed the Senate Education Committee. Interestingly‚ the bill has official opposition from the California Library Association‚ which is arguing for local control in this decision.

I joined the leaders of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff by the Sea to celebrate the groundbreaking for a senior apartment project on church grounds. The ceremony took place directly in front of a large pile of construction dirt. 

I applaud the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for building an apartment complex on its church grounds to provide affordable housing for seniors. With 61 units‚ this project will help increase local housing options. 

What this church has done is demonstrate leadership and compassion. Church leaders are taking underutilized land and turning it into something that meets an urgent need in the community. Thank you! 

At the state level‚ we passed a law often referred to as "YIGBY" — Yes In God’s Backyard — because churches and faith institutions are rooted in service‚ in community‚ and in caring for others. This project embodies that spirit. Signed into law in 2023‚ the legislation (SB 4) streamlined the process for faith‑based organizations and nonprofit colleges to turn their vacant land into affordable housing.

I was happy to honor the California Biotechnology Foundation and its Executive Director Patricia Cooper at a special ceremony held at the California Museum. 

California is not just a part of biotechnology’s story – it’s the birthplace for it. In the early ’70s‚ labs in our state pioneered recombinant DNA and genetic engineering‚ launching a new era of medicine that continues today to transform lives every single day. 

The life sciences industry is powered by California’s world‑class universities‚ research institutions and dynamic biotechnology companies. It supports more than 1 million jobs across our state‚ generates hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity and reinforces California’s position as the innovation capital of the world. 

In the span of just five decades‚ biotechnology has turned once‑theoretical science into real therapies that improve and extend millions of lives. 

I recently authored Senate Resolution 88‚ which the Senate passed‚ to honor the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation‚ which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and outreach‚ with a mission to advance informed policymaking and increase awareness of California’s life sciences industry.

To watch my Senate floor presentation of SR 88‚ click on the image above. 

I enjoyed visiting the San Diego FC Right to Dream Academy‚ where talented young soccer players get intensive training and development. We are looking at a map that shows the only locations of the "Right to Dream" academies throughout the world. We’re so fortunate to have one in San Diego County!

San Diego’s Major League Soccer franchise San Diego FC is in its second season‚ after an incredible inaugural season in which it drew heavy attendance and made a deep run in the playoffs. This year’s season is off to a slower start‚ but I have confidence the team will turn it around! 

I was delighted recently to take a tour of the club’s facilities and its Right to Dream Academy‚ which offers a fully funded scholarship‑based program for student athletes 11‑18 years old. Watching the kids interact in a circle with their coaches left me inspired and impressed. 

They are supported by coaches and educators to ensure the highest standard of training and preparation for their athletic and academic pursuits. This opens up opportunities for youth who may not otherwise be able to afford elite training. 

Located on Sycuan tribal land in El Cajon‚ the academy has a 125‚000‑square‑foot‑state‑of‑the‑art facility shared with San Diego FC. There are five full‑size soccer fields. The first class began in August 2025‚ and the academy plans to grow over time to include boys and girls from grades 6‑12. 

Thank you to Academy Director Jeff Cook and the entire Right To Dream team for investing in San Diego and supporting the next generation!

Find links to state resources on my webpage. 

My mission is to serve you. Every day‚ my district staff is helping constituents navigate challenges with state agencies. 

For example‚ our office recently assisted a Carlsbad resident who had spent several years trying to resolve an issue with the Franchise Tax Board related to closing a small business. Despite repeated attempts‚ the case remained unresolved‚ and the constituent was facing potential back payments and mounting penalty fees. 

After my team stepped in and connected the man with our FTB liaison‚ the issue was reviewed‚ clear guidance was provided‚ and the matter was resolved within a day. As a result‚ the outstanding penalties and fees were cleared‚ providing financial relief and long‑awaited closure. 

This is just one example of the work my team does every day to help cut through administrative delays and ensure Californians receive timely‚ responsive support. I’m so grateful for their dedication‚ and I encourage you to reach out if my office can ever be of assistance.

Are you a young woman pursuing an education who could use some financial assistance? Apply today for a Minerva Scholarship! 

In order to be eligible‚ students must be a female California resident‚ be enrolled full‑time in an accredited college for the 2026‑2027 academic year and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. 

You can start your application today. The deadline to apply is May 31. The Minerva Scholarship awards 126 scholarships of $3‚000 and one scholarship of $10‚000.
 

Thank you for your support. I am honored to serve you. 

In partnership‚

Email me at Senator.Blakespear@Senate.ca.gov
Call my Encinitas district office at (760) 642-0809
Call my Laguna Hills district office at (949) 598-5850
Call my Capitol office in Sacramento at (916) 651-4038