San Marcos, CA — As rising costs continue to strain working families across California, Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel co-hosts the first-of-its-kind informational hearing in San Diego County on affordability, economic pressure, and community-driven solutions.
Held at California State University, San Marcos, the hearing is part of the California Pocketbook Tour and convened by the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact (EDGHI). Committee Chair Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Assemblymember Patel, and other state legislators gather testimony on how economic pressures are impacting the region and what policymakers need to understand to support working families, small businesses, and local resilience.
The hearing features two expert panels: San Diego’s Economic Landscape and Resilient by Design. Speakers include academic researchers, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and workforce experts who bring firsthand insight into how economic pressures are affecting local families and what strategies are working on the ground.
“Behind every statistic about the rising cost of living is a family trying to make ends meet,” said Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel. “This hearing is about listening carefully, asking hard questions, and using what we learn to shape policies that actually improve people’s daily lives. I’m proud to co-host the first hearing of its kind in our district as we take this crucial step towards meaningful, community-driven change.”
“I’m proud to join Assemblymember Dr. Patel on this stop of the California Pocketbook Tour,” said Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache. “Her leadership—both in her district and across the state—has been instrumental in supporting working families and strengthening California’s economy. This event is about meeting people where they are—with real tools, real information, and real support. In a time when communities are feeling the pressure of rising costs, it’s more important than ever to connect Californians with the resources they need to not just get by, but to thrive.”
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