October in AD-76:
Delivering for Our Communities
Monthly Newsletter October, 2026 |
September was a busy month both in Sacramento and here at home in Assembly District 76. As the legislative session came to a close, I worked to advance legislation and secure state investments for our region while continuing to spend time with the people and organizations serving our communities every day.
Back in the district, I joined 9/11 commemorations, visited local schools and businesses, met with community partners, and hosted conversations on small business and youth mental health. I also had the opportunity to highlight state funding supporting organizations working to address food insecurity and strengthen services across San Diego County.
As we move into October, my focus remains on turning the work of this legislative session into tangible results for our communities and continuing to hear directly from the people I represent. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into your classrooms, businesses, organizations, and community events this past month. I look forward to continuing our work together.
What's in this Newsletter?
From the Legislature to Law
The 2025-26 legislative session has officially concluded, and several bills I worked on this year have now been signed into law. These measures address education, public safety, health care, and government accountability, with a focus on improving how state programs and systems serve Californians.
Among them:
- AB 2008— Signed into law —Streamlines planning and reporting requirements for local educational agencies, reducing administrative paperwork so educators can spend on students.
- AB 2225— Signed into law — Builds on California's education governance reforms with additional reporting focused on statewide efforts to improve student achievement.
- AB 2106 — Signed into law — Updates California's Certificate of Merit requirements for professional negligence claims involving architects, engineers and surveyors.
- AB 1959 — Signed into law — Updates California's juvenile justice laws related to sentencing and transfer proceedings for young people.
- AB 2468 — Signed into law — Strengthens support for students with disabilities by expanding practices that increase access to inclusive general education settings.
- AB 2555 — Signed into law — Modernizes California's English learner reclassification process, expanding the ways students can demonstrate English proficiency and strengthening pathways toward biliteracy.
- AB 2467 — Signed into law — The Assembly Education Committee's omnibus measure updating provisions across California's elementary and secondary education system.
With these measures now signed into law, I'll continue keeping our community updated on how they are implemented and what they mean for Californians.
Bills Make Laws. Resolutions Make Statements.
Not every measure introduced in the California Legislature becomes state law. In addition to bills, legislators also author resolutions—formal recognitions that honor important causes, celebrate communities, acknowledge significant milestones, and raise awareness about issues that matter to Californians.
Throughout the year, resolutions provide an opportunity to highlight the contributions of individuals, organizations, and communities while encouraging public awareness and engagement. Although they do not create or change state law, they serve as an official statement of the Legislature's recognition, support, and values
This year, I authored resolutions recognizing School Breakfast Week, Women in STEM Day, California Physical Education Week, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and Diwali. Each of these recognitions shines a light on people, programs, and traditions that make a meaningful difference in our state—from promoting student health and educational opportunities to celebrating cultural heritage and advancing awareness of important public health issues.
While resolutions don't have the force of law, they play an important role in elevating conversations, celebrating achievements, and recognizing the people, cultures, and traditions that strengthen California's diverse communities.
California State Retirees
California's retired public servants have dedicated their careers to strengthening our communities, and I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with members of California State Retirees Chapter 17. We had a thoughtful conversation about the issues affecting retirees today, from protecting the retirement benefits they have earned to rising health care costs and the importance of long-term financial security.
I also shared an update on my work in Sacramento and across our district, including efforts to help older Californians remain healthy, financially secure, and connected to the communities they call home. I'm grateful to Chapter 17 for the warm welcome, the thoughtful discussion, and their continued advocacy for current and future generations of California's public servants.
Escondido Grape Day Festival
I had such a wonderful time at the Escondido Grape Day Festival. One of the best parts of representing this community is getting to spend time with the people who make it so special, and Grape Day was a perfect example of that.
It was great to see so many families, longtime residents, local businesses, and community organizations all gathered together to celebrate Escondido. I especially enjoyed catching up with familiar faces, meeting new neighbors, and hearing more about the work people are doing every day to strengthen the community.
Grape Day is also a meaningful celebration of Escondido's agricultural roots and the traditions that have helped shape the city's identity. Events like this bring generations together while giving us a chance to celebrate both where Escondido has been and where it is headed.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's festival such a welcoming and memorable community celebration. 🍇💜
Hollandia Dairy Farm
A great visit to Hollandia Dairy offered a firsthand look at the dedication and hard work behind producing food right here in our region. 🐄🥛
It was wonderful to hear directly from the Hollandia team about their work and the role local agriculture plays in our community.
San Diego County's agricultural community is an important part of our local economy and food system, and I'm grateful for opportunities like this to learn directly from the people doing this work every day. Thank you to the Hollandia Dairy team for the warm welcome and for showing me around! 💛
Discover Elementary Assembly
Fourth and fifth graders at Discovery Elementary School in San Marcos came ready with great questions during my visit to talk about state government and public service.
We walked through the three branches of government, how laws are made, and the ways state and local decisions affect students' everyday lives — including their schools, parks, roads, libraries, and public safety.
I also shared a little about my own path from scientist and school board trustee to the State Assembly.
The students' curiosity made the conversation especially meaningful. Civic engagement starts with understanding how government works, asking thoughtful questions, and recognizing that every person has a role to play in shaping our community.
Thank you to Discovery Elementary School for welcoming me and giving me the opportunity to spend time with such an engaged group of young learners. 📚🏫
The Nest Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
It was a pleasure to join National University and local partners for the ribbon cutting of The Nest at Escondido, a new space created to make higher education feel more connected to the community around it.
The Nest brings together National University, the YMCA, Neighborhood Healthcare, and Escondido Union School District to create a setting where students can access more than academics alone. By connecting education with health services, community programs, and other forms of assistance, this space can help remove some of the barriers that make it harder for students to stay on track.
That matters especially for students who are working, raising families, or taking a less traditional path through college. Creating more flexible and welcoming opportunities can make a real difference in whether someone is able to continue their education and reach their goals.
Congratulations to everyone who helped make The Nest possible. I'm glad to see this investment in Escondido and in the students who will benefit from it. ✂️🎀
Unit 460 American Legion Auxiliary
I recently joined American Legion Auxiliary Unit 460 to celebrate two local students who represented our community at California Girls State, where students get an inside look at government, leadership, and civic participation.
It was wonderful to recognize Lauren Mitnick of La Jolla Country Day School and Annika Lindberg of Scripps Ranch High School and hear about their experiences in the program. Opportunities like Girls State give students a chance to step into leadership roles, engage with the civic process, and better understand the impact they can have in their communities.
I'm grateful to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 460 for investing in young people and helping create experiences that encourage students to get involved, speak up, and explore what public service can look like.
I joined community members at two local events commemorating September 11 and honoring the lives lost, the first responders who served, and the spirit of service that followed.
At SEWA's 9/11 commemoration, we reflected on how service and community action became an important part of the response to that day. I was grateful for the opportunity to recognize SEWA's continued work supporting families and strengthening communities throughout our region.
At Cal State San Marcos, I joined students, first responders, and community members to watch the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.The climb served as a powerful tribute to the firefighters and other first responders who climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center to help others.
Both events offered different ways to remember September 11 while recognizing the service, sacrifice, and community leadership that continue to carry its legacy forward.
SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE |
Small businesses are an essential part of our local economy, and hearing directly from the people who run them helps make sure their experiences are reflected in the decisions we make in Sacramento.
At my Small Business Roundtable, I sat down with local business owners, chambers, and economic development leaders to talk about the challenges and opportunities they are seeing firsthand. We discussed the rising cost of doing business, access to capital, workforce needs, navigating state regulations, and the resources available to help businesses grow and remain competitive.
I also appreciated the chance to hear directly about where business owners are running into barriers and where state government can be more responsive. These conversations help identify practical ways to reduce unnecessary burdens, connect entrepreneurs with technical assistance and financing programs, and make it easier for businesses to invest in their employees and communities.
Small businesses create jobs, activate our commercial corridors, and provide many of the services our neighborhoods rely on every day. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and ideas. I'll continue using what I hear from local business owners to inform my work and advocate for a stronger environment for small businesses across our district.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WEBINAR |
One thing I heard throughout our youth mental health webinar was how important it is for young people to know they have someone in their corner.
I joined Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, local experts, students, parents, educators, and community members for a conversation about the pressures young people are facing — including anxiety, academic stress, social media, and the challenge of knowing when and how to ask for help.
What matters to me is making sure these conversations lead somewhere. Families should know what resources are available, students should feel comfortable speaking up when they are struggling, and the adults around them should have the tools to recognize when additional support may be needed.
I'm grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their perspective, and helped make this a thoughtful conversation. Creating healthier, more supportive environments for young people starts with listening to them and making sure help is within reach.
There are several opportunities coming up to connect, learn, and access helpful resources. I hope you'll join us!
Scam Stoppers Workshop
October 14 | 6:15 - 7:45 PM | In Person + Virtual
Learn how to recognize common scams, protect your personal information, and avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Hear directly from experts and leave with practical tools to help protect yourself and your family.
Know Your Rights
October 24 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | In Person (Escondido)
Join my office and the San Diego County Public Defender's Office for a Know Your Rights community event focused on helping residents better understand their rights and the resources available to them.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from the Public Defender's Office, ask questions, and learn where to turn for trusted information and support.
Click here to learn more and register for upcoming events.
STATE RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: |
Prepare for El Niño |
California is preparing for a potentially very strong El Niño this fall and winter. While El Niño does not guarantee a specific storm or a wet winter everywhere, it can increase the risk of heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, landslides, debris flows, and coastal impacts.
Now is a good time to make sure you and your household are prepared:
- 🌧️ Know your flood risk: Check whether your home, workplace, or regular travel routes may be vulnerable to flooding.
- 📲 Sign up for emergency alerts: Make sure you can receive local weather, evacuation, and emergency notifications.
- 🎒 Prepare an emergency kit: Include water, food, medications, important documents, flashlights, batteries, and supplies for pets.
- 🏠 Get your home storm-ready: Clear gutters and drains and identify areas where water could collect.
- 🚗 Never drive through floodwater: Turn around and find another route if a roadway is flooded.
- 🗺️ Have an evacuation plan: Know where you would go and how you would get there if conditions change quickly.
Preparing before severe weather arrives can make a big difference. Take a few minutes now to review your emergency plan, check your supplies, and make sure you know where to find trusted updates.
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.
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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.
