Governor Gavin Newsom called for an emergency session to safeguard California’s laws and values before President Trump takes office in January. One of the issues at the forefront of the conversation is our state's status as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. But not everyone across California is on board with the Governor’s actions, including one outspoken Sheriff in Southern California.

Assembly Bill 28 adds an 11% excise tax to the purchase of guns and ammunition in the State of California. The revenue is supposed to fund programs and initiatives to prevent gun violence, addressing the rise in gun crime we’ve seen over the past 5 years. But how exactly are these initiatives planning to increase safety, and has their effectiveness been proven? How do our second amendment rights factor into this?

Here is a compilation of the resources mentioned in previous articles for how to contact your representatives about bills you either support or oppose! Remember, even if a bill has already been passed, contacting your representatives is still an effective and necessary way to change policy in the future. After all, the members of our State Senate and Assembly are supposed to represent YOUR values and interests - let’s hold them accountable to doing that!

Assembly Bill 1955, known as the SAFETY Act, prohibits school districts from requiring teachers to notify parents of changes in their child’s pronouns or gender identity. Proponents say this helps to create a safe environment for students to be themselves, but the bill has drawn stark opposition from those advocating for parent’s rights.

With Thanksgiving just two days away, I want to take the time this week to reflect on what we can be thankful for this year, especially as it relates to legislation passed in 2024, shifts in political patterns after the election, and some characteristics of California overall!

Senate Bill 450 limits the autonomy of local governments across California to pass housing restrictions protecting single family zoning. Should the state restrict the power of local governments in matters of residential housing? And, is single family zoning important to preserve, or does it promote discrimination and racial segregation?

While the election may be behind us, the fight over Voter ID is not. Senate Bill 1174 was officially passed by Governor Gavin Newsom, banning local governments from enacting Voter ID laws. When will this go into effect, what will it do, and what is the widespread sentiment toward voter ID laws?

The reality of this election day is that tonight the polls will close and the results of all the races will be final. This begs the question, what comes after the election? What are you supposed to do if every proposition that you’ve studied and voted on ends in the opposite outcome from how you voted? What if the candidates you researched and cast your ballot for aren’t voted in? How are you to think about election losses, and what should you do next?

Here is my voter guide for this election’s statewide measures, as well as an external resource recommendation for candidates on the ballot!

Proposition 32 is a familiar proposal, as it seeks to raise the minimum wage in California – this time up to $18 per hour. This would place California as the state with the highest minimum wage across the country. But what economic effects would this increase have? And would it really help minimum wage workers?

Proposition 34 regulates how healthcare entities can spend revenues they earn through drug discount programs. But is this proposition really meant to help patients, or are there deeper motivations underneath the surface?

Proposition 6 seeks to change the language in the California constitution to remove the ability of the state to use involuntary servitude as a form of punishment for crime. Supporters of the proposition argue that this amounts to modern-day slavery and is both inhumane and reprehensible. Does the state constitution allow slavery? Or is there more to understand?

In California, the Managed Care Organization Provider Tax is paid by healthcare providers to fund the state’s healthcare program. Proposition 35 would make this tax permanent, and restrict the ways the government can use the funds. What does all of this mean for you, and how should you think about it at the ballot box?

Proposition 3 seeks to redefine marriage in the California constitution. What changes would it make and what implications would those changes have in our state? Plus, should only Christian values be considered, or are there societal factors to consider as well?

Proposition 5 would amend the California Constitution to lower the requirements to pass local bonds. What effects would this have, and does it really matter?

Proposition 4 is labeled as “supporting safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks.”

Proposition 2 asks voters to approve additional funding for public school infrastructure. But with a state budget that already spends its highest percentage on education, will incurring more debt solve the identified problems?