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Community to Capitol
June, 2025 |
June is a time of new beginnings for many students in the district who are graduating from high school, community college, or university. Congratulations to all! As the only Assemblymember to have requested and been appointed membership to all three education-related Assembly Committees, education is a top priority for me. As a Member of the Budget and Education Finance Committees, I am committed to continuing to advocate that dollars our public educational institutions rely on, remain steady. Especially in light of the current tight State Budget situation, I will continue advocating for ways more people can access quality education. This is why I introduced Assembly Bill 402 (AB 402), that would increase Cal Grant Program financial aid for students who transfer to private non-profit colleges. I'm proud that AB 402, which will help promote social mobility and opportunity for our students, has successfully passed out of the Appropriations Committee, and is advancing to a vote on the Assembly Floor.
Whether you are a newly graduated person looking for your first apartment, or a long-time renter, signing a lease can be stressful. In Assembly District 76, about 36% of people rent their homes. Renters have rights. That's why we are hosting a webinar to help you better understand those rights. This live event will be held in partnership with the California Department of Justice and Legal Aid Society. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and it will be recorded if you are not able to watch it live.
RSVP here for June 9th, 6:00pm.
It has been a busy time in the Capitol and I am pleased to report that the following bills will continue their journey through the Legislative process. My priorities remain: public safety, education, accessibility, affordability, and health.
Seven pieces of legislation that I introduced this year will advance to the Assembly Floor.
Last month, it was my distinct pleasure to recognize Karen Leilani Parlin on the Assembly Floor for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Ms. Leilani Parlin is an accomplished social worker dedicated to improving the lives of families and children. She is driven to build safe spaces for children where they can express their cultural heritage without fear.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (second from right) recognized Ms. Karen Leilani Parlin (second from left) with Assembly Speaker Rivas (far right) and AAPILC Chair Fong (middle) during AANHPI Month.
As part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC), it was my honor to work with my Caucus colleagues during AANHPI Heritage Month to advocate for legislation and a State Budget that prioritizes supporting opportunity, representation, and diversity. I was proud to work alongside my colleagues and the Governor to champion equity.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (third from right) met with California Governor Gavin Newsom and AAPILC members to discuss budget priorities.
Residents of Assembly District 76 greatly benefit from our many local non-profit organizations. It was my honor to be joined in Sacramento by Interfaith Community Services Board President Reverend Dr. Kadri J. Webb and Executive Director, Greg Anglea, to recognize their organization as the Assembly District 76 Non-profit of the Year. Interfaith's tireless efforts on to help AD76 residents experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and addiction, saves lives and enables people to live with dignity.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (center) presents a resolution of recognition to Interfaith Community Services.
Small Businesses are the economic engines of our communities. During National Small Business Day last month, I was delighted to visit Bertrand's Music in Rancho Peñasquitos and recognize them as the Assembly District 76 Small Business of the Year. With 11 Southern California locations, including 2 in Assembly District 76, they serve countless students and adults in our communities. I have heard from many small business owners that state mandates around employee trainings can be an unintended burden for them. That's why I will continue advocating for common-sense regulations that support small businesses and do not stifle innovation.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (center) presents a resolution to the owners of Bertrand's Music (Jeff Bertrand, left, Joel Bertrand, right) at the Rancho Peñasquitos location celebrating their success and recognizing them as Assembly District 76 Small Business of the Year.
California firefighters are increasingly being called to knock down lithium-ion battery fires risking exposure to toxic chemicals. These chemicals can have lasting, devastating impacts on firefighters' health. I was proud to attend the California Professional Firefighters Legislative Conference and raise awareness of my bill, AB 841. This bill directs the Office of the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with Cal-OSHA, to create a working group of experts that will recommend how to improve personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination procedures to help keep our firefighters safer in these situations.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (center stage) addresses attendees at the California Professional Firefighters Legislative Conference.
Immigrants from South Asia may face multiple challenges after they make San Diego their new home. Women, in particular, are at risk for family stress that can escalate to violence. I was thrilled to be able to recognize the vital work SD Nari does in our community for women, children, and seniors at their Mother's Day event.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (fifth from right) recognizes the essential work of SD Nari, an organization that helps local South Asian Women experiencing domestic violence.
I was honored to be invited to celebrate the 2025 American Indian Graduates at Cal State San Marcos on campus at the California Indian Cultural Sovereignty Center (CICSC). The CICSC has a proud tradition of partnering with the Assembly to impact legislation and the Education Code. It was CICSC research that raised awareness of the prevalence and harm caused by culturally appropriated sports mascots and tribal stereotypes in K-12 public schools across California. Additionally, CICSC students' work enabled traditional Indian regalia during high-school graduation ceremonies.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (center left) stands with 2025 Cal State San Marcos American Indian graduates and faculty alongside CSUSM President Dr. Ellen Neufeldt (center right) and Dr. Joely Proudfit, (front row, tenth from right) Director of the California Indian Cultural Sovereignty Center.
The look on the faces of the children of Pioneer Elementary School in Escondido was so heart-warming when they received new athletic shoes from the non-profit organization, Shoes That Fit. Some families struggle to shoe all of their children and this prevents them from attending school regularly. Ensuring that our community's children are cared for and set up for learning success is a top priority for me. I was thrilled that my staff was able to attend the distribution and commend the organization for delivering new shoes to every child in the elementary school. Shoes that Fit has distributed over 220,000 pairs of new athletic shoes to children all over the United States.
Julie Stevens, Chief of Staff at Shoes that Fit, organized the distribution of 660 pairs of shoes to students at Pioneer Elementary School in Escondido.
June 5: World Environment Day
June 8: World Ocean Day
June 9: Tenant's rights webinar 6:00. RSVP here:
Events | Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel
June 14: Father's Day
June 19: Juneteenth
June 20: Summer Solstice
June 22: World Rainforest Day
| Staff Spotlight: Tracy Nguyen, District Office Field Representative |
Tracy Nguyen has joined Team Patel in the District Office as a Field Representative. She is a recent graduate from University of California, San Diego. She previously interned with Assemblymember Chris Ward and San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee.
Tracy Nguyen, District Field Representative.
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:
- Recovered over $100,000 in owed unemployment benefits for constituents
- Awarded over 70 certificates to Double Peak Elementary School Children for perfect state test scores
- Recognized multiple non-profit organizations and small businesses for their contributions to the community
- Recovered almost $8000 for a single Family and Medical Leave Act benefit
- Had over 500 one-on-one conversations with constituents at local fairs and provided information about our services
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.
