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Monthly Newsletter
May, 2026 |
This month, I'm continuing to advance a legislative agenda focused on strengthening communities and delivering meaningful results for Californians. That means improving education, expanding opportunity, and making sure our systems work better for the people they serve. I'm working to modernize policies, increase access, and respond to the evolving needs of our state — while also prioritizing public safety, transparency, and accountability in how the government operates. These efforts are grounded in smart investments that support long-term stability and growth. Below, you can learn more about the progress we're making and the work still ahead.
In this Newsletter:
My 2026 Legislative Package
I am advancing a legislative package that strengthens our education system, improves outcomes for all students, and closes persistent achievement gaps. This work expands inclusion and creates more equitable opportunities for students with diverse learning needs, while modernizing outdated systems to better reflect their strengths and potential.
I am committed to protecting public safety by maintaining accountability for serious offenses and addressing emerging risks tied to new technologies — while streamlining court processes to better serve victims, families, and communities.
My efforts also increase transparency and accountability in healthcare, helping individuals make more informed decisions about their care. And I am supporting responsible growth through housing development and investment in critical infrastructure.
Finally, I am working to improve how the government uses data to better serve California's diverse population — and to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively across all of these priorities.
Together, these efforts reflect my commitment to a more responsive, efficient, and equitable government. I invite you to learn more about my bills below.
| LEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT: |
| My Education Bills |
Closing the Achievement Gap & Supporting Student Success
AB 2008: Streamlines Local Education Agencies' Reporting
Eliminates outdated school reporting requirements and standardizes the reporting process, allowing educators and administrators to focus on students, not paperwork.
AB 2225: Closes the Student Achievement Gap
Creates a working group of educators and other experts to develop comprehensive plans, benchmarks, and evaluation methods on California policy, programs, and the state budget. This bill will support local school districts in closing the persistent achievement gap to promote student success.
AB 2468: Increases Inclusion for Students with Disabilities
Establishes in statute the highly successful Supporting Inclusive Practices project, a statewide initiative designed to expand access to inclusive general education settings for students with disabilities.
AB 2555: Reframes English Learner Reclassification
Reforms California's 50-year-old system for reclassifying English learners as English proficient, creating a coherent, consistent, and efficient reclassification system which improves parent involvement and promotes biliteracy.
Four bill package aims to hold state more accountable for student achievement
UC San Diego Medical Students Lobby Day
Thank you to the UC San Diego medical students for taking the time to come up to Sacramento for your lobby day! It is always valuable to hear directly from students about their experiences, the challenges they are facing, and the perspectives they bring as the next generation of healthcare professionals. Your advocacy and engagement play an important role in shaping better policies and strengthening our healthcare system for the future. I appreciate your commitment and the thoughtful conversations we were able to have.
League of California Cities Capitol Reception
Strong relationships with our local cities are essential to ensuring clear communication, strong coordination, and meaningful partnerships that deliver real results for our communities. When we work closely with city leaders, we are better able to align priorities, respond to local needs, and make thoughtful, informed decisions that benefit our shared constituents. Thank you to the League of Cities for hosting this legislative reception and creating a valuable space for collaboration, dialogue, and the kind of conversations that move our communities forward.
San Marcos goes to Sacramento!
It was a pleasure meeting with Councilmember Maria Nunez and Michael Lieberman from the City of San Marcos! I'm proud of our partnership and the ability to help secure $5 million to invest in San Marcos parks, strengthening community spaces for residents and families. Thank you for your continued leadership and the work you do every day to enhance quality of life across the city. I look forward to continuing our work together to deliver for San Marcos residents.
Insights from former Senators Barbara Boxer & Laphonza Butler
Thank you to former Senators Barbara Boxer and Laphonza Butler for sharing your insights and lived experiences from your time in the U.S. Senate. As a representative for North Inland San Diego, it is especially meaningful to hear directly from leaders who have navigated these roles and understand how policy decisions impact communities like ours in the national Capitol. Your perspectives help inform the work I do on behalf of my district and strengthen my commitment to expanding opportunities and representation in leadership.
Escondido East Rotary Club
I want to thank the Escondido Rotary Club for the opportunity to share my legislative priorities and provide updates on the work that we are currently doing in AD76. As the daughter of a Rotarian, I know that The Rotary's commitment to volunteerism and its focus on education, health, and service above self truly make it a pillar of the community. I appreciated the chance to connect and engage in such meaningful conversation.
San Marcos Spring Fling
It was wonderful connecting with community members at the San Marcos Spring Fling! Our office had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with constituents and share valuable state resources with attendees. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to share their ideas and learn more about the work we're doing in Sacramento and here at home. We loved being part of such a vibrant community event.
Earth Day Community Cleanup in Harmony Grove
It was an exciting Earth Day for Team Patel as we spent the day in Harmony Grove in partnership with the Escondido Creek Conservancy! Together, we removed invasive species and cleaned up trash and recycling that had accumulated from recent flooding. Thank you to everybody for over 35 years of dedicated work in our community to preserve Escondido Creek.
My team got to participate in this conservation effort as a part of the I Love a Clean San Diego's 24th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanups across the county in honor of Earth Day! Over 3,000 volunteers at 103 sites across the county removed 52,682 pounds of trash, collected 1,830 pounds of recycling, and removed over 19,900 pounds of green waste!
San Marcos Knob Hill Elementary Beam Signing
It was a pleasure for Team Patel to take part in signing a support beam at the Knob Hill Elementary School expansion ceremony! This important project for the San Marcos Unified School District will create a stronger, more modern learning environment for students in San Marcos and support their success for years to come. Investments like this reflect our commitment to strengthening public education and supporting growing communities. Investing in our schools and the future of our students is a top priority.
Caltrans Highway Memorial
We were honored to attend the Caltrans Highway Memorial Service to recognize and remember the dedicated Caltrans employees who lost their lives while serving our communities. This meaningful event served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices highway workers make each day to keep our roads safe. We extend our deepest gratitude to the workers, families, and loved ones impacted, and remain committed to promoting roadway safety and supporting those who tirelessly serve the public.
Happy Asian American, Pacific Islander, & Native Hawaiian Heritage Month!
This month is an important opportunity to celebrate the cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities that have helped shape California and our nation for generations. It is also a time to recognize the resilience, leadership, and advocacy of communities that have overcome exclusion, discrimination, and barriers while continuing to strengthen every part of our society.
From small businesses and education to healthcare, public service, arts, science, and community leadership, AANHPI communities continue to make an extraordinary impact that deserves to be recognized and uplifted. This month reminds us of the importance of representation, cultural understanding, and creating spaces where every community feels seen, valued, and heard.
Our communities have built such a strong sense of belonging, pride, and resilience, and I'm excited to celebrate that spirit all month long while honoring the stories and voices that continue shaping our future.
TeamPatel showed up strong in denim for Denim Day.
We stand in solidarity with survivors and reaffirm our commitment to challenging harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence. Together, we can help foster a culture of support, respect, and accountability.
Resources & Support:
| 2026 YOUTH AND FAMILY FAIR |
Join me for the 2026 Youth & Family Fair on June 20!
Have you registered yet? Join me for a free Youth & Family Festival at the Escondido YMCA in partnership with the Escondido YMCA, A Campus for Community Wellbeing! The event will feature family-friendly activities, community resources, and safety services aimed at supporting youth and families across the region. We will also feature a bike safety obstacle course with free children's helmets (while supplies last), car seat safety inspections, and resource tables on affordability, education, public safety, and local youth programs. See you there!
| HELPFUL STATE RESOURCE: |
| California Resources for National Small Business Month |
California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) supports economic growth by providing resources and support to the state's 4.3 million small businesses, including non-profits and startups. Their mission is to help all California small business-owners find and navigate resources, programs and regulations so they can start, manage, grow, become more resilient, and thrive. By ensuring equitable access to capital, markets and networks, their office aims to help Democratize Access to Capital, Diversify the Innovation Economy and Drive Economic Mobility through Entrepreneurship.
Some of the services the CalOSBA can assist small businesses with:
- Access to funding and capital including grants, loans, and connections to state and local financing programs tailored to small businesses, nonprofits, and startups
- Navigation support for state programs and regulations helping business owners understand requirements, stay compliant, and take advantage of available resources
- Technical assistance and advising to support starting, managing, and scaling a business, including guidance on business planning, operations, and resilience
- Connections to markets and procurement opportunities including pathways to state contracting and supplier diversity programs
- Workforce, innovation, and growth support through partnerships, training opportunities, and programs designed to help businesses expand and compete in California's economy
| AD76 INTERSHIP PROGRAM: |
| Fall Intern Application Period Now Open |
Apply to be a Fall Intern!
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 incredible 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. 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.
Click below to apply to be a Fall Intern!
| Keep Up With My Office and Work On Social Media! |
My office is always working hard for the people of Assembly District 76! I encourage you to join us online to be the first to know how we are serving you.
Click here to follow on Instagram!
Click here to follow on Facebook!
Click here to follow on Bluesky!
My Office Can Help with State Agencies!
Our office is open and serving constituents in a number of ways. You can contact me and my staff by visiting my website. My office is here to help!
What can we do for you? My office's job is to connect you with resources and help with state agencies. Reach out and my staff will be happy to assist you!
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.
