Listening to Voters and other News from Sen. Blakespear

Greetings!

Voters made their wishes known in the last election and the majority’s will shape the direction in which we will now head. I appreciate everyone who cast a ballot. Thank you for participating in our precious democracy.

Before we hurtle forward into the next chapter, it’s important to recognize that in 58 counties in California, in this Senate district, and throughout the country, the election was secure, safe and fair. Facilitating the electoral process for the most populous state in the country is no small feat and it’s inspiring to see so many professionals and volunteers pull it off well. It should give everyone confidence in the apparatus of our election, despite the many close races and passionate issues on the ballot. And despite the fears of election interference, misinformation, or vote tampering, none of that came to pass. This is how democracy should work. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments, I am proud to see this.

So, thank you to all Californians and especially to our election workers across the state for their hard work and commitment to ensuring the free and fair vote in the elections of 2024.

The newly elected members of the State Legislature will be sworn into office on Monday, Dec. 2. One interesting development is a significant increase in the number of women legislative members. Not all legislative races are final yet, but we know that at a minimum 59 of the Legislature’s 120 seats will now be held by women, with the Senate having a majority (at least 21 of 40). That is exciting news, because it means the gender makeup of the Legislature almost perfectly represents the gender makeup of California’s population, for the first time in history.

It’s healthy for democracy – and better outcomes are achieved – when the range of human experiences are represented in positions of power.

As I move into my third year representing you in the State Senate, I will continue to advocate for the best interests of our state, and for you, my constituents. I am still working to develop legislation and priorities for next year, and as always, I welcome your input.
 

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The U.S. Coast Guard worked to extinguish the fire on the Oceanside Pier on April 25.

When the Oceanside pier caught on fire, I immediately sent a letter to the Governor requesting an emergency declaration to expedite repairs and unlock the potential for additional funds for this historic pier. I am glad to report that Governor Newsom has now issued an emergency proclamation. It reflects the Governor’s recognition of the pier’s significance as both a cultural landmark and an economic driver for the region. I thank Governor Newsom for his decisive action and my fellow legislators for joining with me to request this support.
 

What if I told you that a small business in California has eliminated over 4 billion plastic bags from our environment? That’s right, 4 billion with a B! That’s what Lotus Sustainables, a Carlsbad-based company, has done with its products.

Given my interest in plastic bag waste reduction, I am delighted to name it my 2024 California Small Business of the Year for District 38!

Californians approved Prop 67 in 2016 to ban plastic film bags from being provided at grocery store checkouts throughout the state. The original ban allowed thicker plastic bags deemed to be reusable, but it turned out that those bags could not be recycled in California and almost none were being reused.

Recognizing this, Jen and Farzan Dehmoubed designed and produced sturdy reusable shopping bags that are effective and easy for consumers to use. Their products are so popular they are sold around the world!

It’s important to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment, and Lotus Sustainables is playing an important role in that.

Lotus Sustainables’ reusable bags eliminate the need for wasteful, throwaway bags.
 

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I was grateful to be invited to participate in the City of Vista’s Veterans Day ceremony on Monday to pay tribute to the many veterans who proudly call North County home. I am a strong supporter of our military and of our military personnel and their families and proud to represent the biggest military base in the world – Camp Pendleton. I am also immensely grateful to veterans for their service and for protecting our democracy and way of life.
 

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I visited the La Posada de Guadalupe shelter with Carlsbad city officials to better understand the issue.

I am pleased to report that the state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) this week approved a temporary waiver to allow beds at the La Posada de Guadalupe shelter in Carlsbad to be utilized for non-farmworkers November through next March.

The beds in this shelter are typically reserved for farmworkers, but during the winter, when agricultural work slows down, many are vacant.

I am glad I could step in and help the City of Carlsbad get the approval it needed to get the most out of this housing. In the meantime, we’ll continue to work together on a long-term solution that makes sense both for the community and for farmworkers.
 

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I was delighted to join the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce for its quarterly legislative luncheon, discuss the legislation I have been working on and answer questions.

Affordable housing, transportation and protecting the environment are all important quality of life issues I have been focused on that directly impact business climate and employee recruitment. I value the contributions small businesses and the people who work in them make to our communities, and I want to ensure they thrive.

Thanks to the Laguna Chamber and its members for their interest, civic engagement and thoughtful questions.
 

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Each month, I honor a Community Champion of the Month from 38th Senate District. You can go here to nominate someone.

I am delighted to select John Pointer as my Champion of the Month for November. A retired Army Command Sergeant Major and volunteer for American Legion Post 281 in Laguna Niguel, John has dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving his country.

His commitment and leadership in the military are commendable and have had a lasting impact on those with whom he served. By volunteering for the American Legion for the last 24 years, John has continued that legacy of service.

The American Legion is a vital organization that supports veterans and their families, and John’s involvement helps ensure that veterans receive the assistance and recognition they deserve.

John was pivotal in the formation of American Legion Post 281, and he has been chair of the Joint Rules Committee for the California Senior Legislature for the past nine years. The Senior Legislature is a volunteer body that gathers ideas for legislation at the state and federal levels, and then recommends bills to members of Congress and the state Legislature.

In addition, John has served as Executive Board Chair for the County of Orange Senior Citizens Advisory Council and Chair of the City of Laguna Niguel Senior Citizen Committee.

John’s contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of many, and I am thankful for him and his efforts.
 

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Jerry Sanders, former San Diego mayor and current CEO and President of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, presented Jack with his award.

I am proud to report that my Chief of Staff Jack Christensen recently earned recognition from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding staff work.

At the chamber’s annual Legislative Lounge event, Jack received the “Stepping Up In Sac” award for his hard work, availability to chamber members and valuable partnership.

Representing nearly a million constituents and all the important organizations in my district means that I rely on staff to support me in making sure I know the priorities and perspectives of these groups. It means that my staff are even more important when working with chambers of commerce, advocacy organizations, and you.

I am here to serve you and so is my team!
 

RSVP Encinitas: bit.ly/BlakespearEncinitas
RSVP Laguna Hills: bit.ly/BlakespearLaguna
 

One’s exit from this life is extremely personal and one thing we’re all guaranteed. I am holding an event on Dec. 4 at MiraCosta College to provide information about end-of-life choices. This is open to the public. RSVP today to attend!

Please Note: This will be available to watch via Zoom. Those who sign up will be provided the Zoom link.

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Join us as we read and discuss books that impact and reflect on the California experience – past, present and future – and how it informs the work of the state Legislature. We delve into a broad range of topics about our state, such as our immigration stories, the history of our development and business patterns, and water and transportation policy. And, of course, the people behind it all.

The book we’re reading now is The Associates, Four Capitalists Who Created California, by Richard Rayne. One hundred forty years ago, four California men rose from their position as middle-class merchants to become the force behind the transcontinental railroad. This is their story. It’s not too late to sign up and participate in our discussion of this book tomorrow!

• What: Zoom meeting to discuss The Associates, Four Capitalists Who Created California, by Richard Rayne
• When: 10 a.m.‚ Saturday‚ Nov. 16.
• Details: Sign up here to get the Zoom link and additional book club details

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