Summer is in full swing, and our work in the district and at the Capitol continues at a fast pace. From legislative progress to community celebrations, July brought meaningful opportunities to serve and connect. I'm excited to share updates on the work we're doing together to build a stronger, healthier California. As always, thank you for staying engaged and for being an essential part of our shared progress.

While California faces its toughest budget crisis in years, I fought relentlessly and secured critical funding that will protect your home from fire, give your kids safe places to learn, and strengthen the community spaces that make our neighborhoods special.

These aren't just budget line items. They're solutions to our community's challenges. And while I am simultaneously pushing forward legislative solutions to some of the state's challenges, these budget wins will go directly to improving the quality of life in Assembly District 76.

Three Game-Changing Wins for AD-76:

Protecting Your Home and Family from Wildfire

The Challenge: After devastating fires across California, families are increasingly concerned about whether their neighborhood will be next.

Your Win: I secured dedicated funding for the San Diego Fire Rescue Department to clear dangerous brush and wildfire fuel across 40 acres in our highest-risk areas. Additionally, this program uses environmentally safe, EPA Safer Choice-certified fire retardants to protect homes and buildings, maximizing the protection power and safeguarding our families from any adverse environmental impacts.

Giving Our Kids Safe Places to Learn and Grow

The Challenge: With our community growing rapidly, parents struggle to find quality, affordable programs where their children can learn essential life skills like water safety and expand a sense of community.

Your Win: I secured targeted funding for the Escondido YMCA to expand facilities and recreational opportunities, improve water safety education, and create a stronger community hub where families can connect and thrive safely. While other communities saw their youth programs cut, we're expanding ours.

Upgrading Rancho Bernardo's Community Parks

The Challenge: Rancho Bernardo Community Park serves thousands of families, but outdated facilities and limited hours mean many families can't access the recreation they need, especially as our community continues to grow.

Your Win: I secured funding for two critical phases: new sports field lighting to extend evening use for busy families, and upgraded parking and accessibility improvements, including better access to the popular dog park that brings neighbors together daily. Whether you're coaching Little League, walking your dog, or just want your kids to have a safe place to play after school, this park will finally meet our community's needs.

The Bottom Line

These wins happened because you have a representative who understands that your family's safety, your children's opportunities, and your community's strength aren't negotiable, even in the toughest budget year.

This month, I was proud to host the California Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact (EDGHI) Committee right here in Assembly District 76.

On Friday, July 11, I hosted the Committee's San Diego region's stop of the California Pocketbook Tour at CSUSM, bringing together local leaders, advocates, and experts to discuss real solutions to rising costs facing working families. The event, led by Economic Development Chair Assemblymember José Luis Solache, emphasized community-driven input to shape statewide affordability policies.

Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the Fourth Parade

I was proud to ride in this year's Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the Fourth Parade as your Assemblymember, celebrating Independence Day with the community I'm honored to represent in Sacramento. It was a joyful reminder of our shared values and the strength of civic pride. Thank you to the incredible volunteers, organizers, and neighbors who make this tradition so special every year!

 

Above: Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel waves to residents and community members celebrating the Fourth of July and joined by officers of the San Diego Police Department.

CSUSM Integrated Science and Engineering Building Groundbreaking

I was honored to join CSU San Marcos for the groundbreaking of the new Integrated Science and Engineering Building-an exciting step forward for our region's future. This project will expand access to high-quality STEM education and help prepare the next generation of innovators and leaders. I'm proud to support investments that create opportunity and strengthen our local economy.

 

 
Above: Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel addresses the attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony and participates in the honorary groundbreaking ceremony.

The District Office is now accepting applications for our Fall Internship Program!

The California State Assembly District Office Internship Program offers high school and college students a unique opportunity to participate in and experience the work of a state Assembly office. The program exposes students to district office operations and the activities of a legislator's work. These experiences include working with constituents, conducting community outreach efforts, assisting community-based organizations, organizing civic events and projects, database development and upkeep, staffing the office, and other activities.

Internships are available to those who are currently enrolled in high school or college. Depending on their high school or college programs, our office is willing to coordinate with a student's education institution for school credit for participating as an intern.

Many legislators and senior policy staff began their careers by interning in a district office. It is an invaluable way to gain a true understanding of California's democratic process, as well as an excellent opportunity to make important contacts while serving the community.

Interns will gain valuable education and work experience by fully participating in agreed-upon hours of work. All internship work is voluntary and students will not receive any monetary compensation. Unpaid internships are available to all part-time or full time students. For college Students: Depending on their high school or college programs, students may also receive different types of school credits for participating as an intern.

If you are interested in participating in the 76th Assembly District Office Internship Program, simply complete the online application below.

As space becomes available, qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. Thank you for your interest in this very unique opportunity to serve your community.

Our office is open and serving constituents in a number of ways. You can contact us by completing the form on our website, calling, emailing, or stopping by our office. We are here to help! We are proud to be open during hours that serve working people Monday through Friday.

 
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel's contact form from the website. 

What can we do for you? My office's job is to connect you with resources and help solve problems. Here are some recent ways we have helped constituents:

• $283,742.68 year-to-date in owed EDD funds to constituents
• Assisted 48 constituents who joined our Tenant's Rights Webinar
• Successfully helped a constituent with a DMV licensing issue after moving from Maryland
• Resolved a long-standing unclaimed property issue with the State Controller's Office on behalf of a constituent who had spent two years unsuccessfully trying to resolve it alone

Please reach out to us!

Yours in service,

Dr. Darshana R. Patel
Assemblymember, District 76

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory and homelands of the Luiseño/Payómkawichum people. For more information please go to www.csusm.edu/cicsc.