Honoring Women Leaders, Other News from Sen. Blakespear

Greetings!

This year it was particularly important to recognize the importance of March as Women’s History Month.

I held receptions in both San Diego and Orange counties to celebrate “Women Who Inspire.”

I reject the notion that diversity‚ equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts should be mocked or eliminated. While an individual program can and should be evaluated for effectiveness‚ as a value statement‚ it’s important to publicly recognize that representation matters. People in positions of power and authority should broadly look like America. Participation in upward mobility should be available to everyone; we should not embrace exclusion.

Half of our population is female. Women have unique life experiences and perspectives‚ and what they offer matters.

Despite progress to close the gender gap in recent decades‚ gender equity remains a work in progress‚ especially in leadership. Because DEI efforts are under threat‚ it is more critical than ever to amplify underrepresented voices so that we have a labor force that represents all perspectives - something that data tells us has positive outcomes.

When women lead‚ businesses‚ policies and communities thrive. Studies show that societies with women in leadership see improved health‚ education and economic outcomes; reduced poverty and conflict; and greater inclusivity.

Women bring diligence‚ collaboration and thoughtful decision-making to the table. Promoting women in leadership isn’t just about fairness - it’s about building a better future for everyone.

California is leading the way. For the first time in history‚ women make up 50 percent of the State Senate‚ with the Assembly also close to gender parity. California has 40 State Senators‚ and this year 21 are women.

Our state is diverse and vibrant‚ in its people and its history‚ and it has long embraced this foundational characteristic that has fueled California’s greatness.

That will not change even if DEI has fallen out of favor in Washington.

Our Women Who Inspire awardees were recognized at receptions held in San Diego County (above) and Orange County (below).

I was proud to be the principal co-author of Senate Concurrent Resolution 39‚ honoring former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by making her birthday‚ March 15‚ Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day. I was happy to talk about Ginsburg’s incredible personal story and legacy on the Senate floor while wearing her famous “dissent collar.” To watch‚ click on the image above.

The Senate Environmental Quality Committee‚ which I Chair‚ recently held its first hearing to consider bills.

In the state legislative process‚ lawmakers introduce bills in January and February‚ and then they receive their first hearings in policy committees in March and April.

I am pleased to report that three have of my bills cleared their first policy committees. They include:

SB 329‚ legislation to require timely investigations into complaints about alcohol or drug treatment facilities‚ passed the Senate Health Committee. It’s alarming to hear that serious complaints about sober-living facilities can take more than a year to follow up on‚ as pointed out in a recent state audit. SB 329 ensures the state will investigate complaints about state-licensed facilities methodically and expeditiously to safeguard the health and safety of patients and surrounding communities. Read more here.

SB 15‚ legislation to clamp down on gun trafficking‚ passed the Senate Public Safety Committee. Far too many guns make their way into the hands of criminals‚ and we need to close the pipelines. SB 15 improves reporting and oversight of gun shops to limit gun trafficking. Read more here.

SB 92‚ legislation to stop the exploitation of the state density bonus law‚ passed the Senate Housing Committee. SB 92 will ensure the density bonus law is being used to create meaningful housing. Under current law‚ a luxury hotel development can get around local restrictions simply by adding a few affordable units to the project. That’s just not right‚ and it was not the intent of the original law. Read more here.

I am glad to work with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria to pass legislation to speed up the removal of homeless encampments beside state highways. Because the land beside state roads is controlled by Caltrans‚ that creates delays and challenges for cities trying to move people who are homeless to shelters or other safer places. My SB 569 would change that. Find out more about SB 569 here.

Watch Mayor Gloria’s video here.

In addition‚ I spoke with the program California Insider about the legislation and the state’s homelessness and affordable housing crisis. You can watch that by clicking on the image below.

Thank you Orange County Business Council (OCBC) for your advocacy!

I was delighted to visit with OCBC members in Sacramento. I talked about how to cope with the uncertain federal situation‚ the legislation I am working on and the ways we can keep California’s economy strong and prosperous.

I thank OCBC for its engagement and activism‚ and for supporting my efforts to improve regional transportation‚ reduce homelessness and bolster economic growth and business development.

We must speak up - and communicate clearly to Congress and Republicans controlling Congress - what the California business community needs to succeed. Major cutbacks in federal funding for research‚ for example‚ hurt our universities‚ business development and industries working on emerging technology‚ such as the life sciences industry.

Orange and San Diego counties have thriving economies‚ and we want to keep it that way.

I was thrilled to be in the Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. It’s a lovely tradition honoring the return of the swallows and celebrating the community’s rich heritage.

Born from a humble school carnival in the 1930s‚ the event has grown into a spectacular equestrian parade! It’s one of the largest non-motorized parades in the entire country and thanks to the Clydesdales‚ we had lots of horsepower to move us through the route. What a wonderful way to ring in spring. Thanks to all who came out and participated. Thank you to the City of San Juan Capistrano for hosting me!

With Matthew Hargrove (far left)‚ CBPA’s President & CEO‚ and Rob Cord (center)‚ CBPA Chair.

Being a state senator requires diving into policy areas that touch all sorts of sectors. It takes a tremendous amount of time to ensure that we make policy that makes everyone better off without making anyone worse off. This is why I am honored and humbled to be named Legislator of the Year by both the California Business Properties Association (CBPA) and the San Diego Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA San Diego).

These two outstanding organizations represent the commercial real estate industry‚ and I am glad to have their support. I understand the challenges of the industry and the importance of strengthening communities and their business climates.

With‚ from left to right‚ Craig Benedetto of California Strategies and BOMA San Diego’s Treasurer Cali Bird‚ Government Affairs Committee Chair Stacy Kurko‚ Board President Melania Bamba Milinkevich and Board Chair Paris Cox.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