Monthly Newsletter July, 2026 |
__SALUTATION__
As summer is in full swing, families across our district are enjoying community events, spending time with loved ones, and making the most of the season. At the same time, the Legislature continues its work in Sacramento, and over the past month we finalized key budget decisions and advanced legislation focused on education, public safety, affordability, and expanding opportunity. I remain committed to ensuring that the priorities of Assembly District 76 are represented in these discussions and to supporting investments that help our families, students, seniors, and local communities thrive.
In this Newsletter:
Senate Bills Advance to the Assembly
As we move into the second half of the legislative session, Assembly policy committees are now hearing Senate bills while Assembly bills begin advancing through the Senate.
Throughout June, I am reviewing Senate proposals in the Assembly Education, Higher Education, Health, and Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committees. These hearings provide an opportunity to carefully evaluate legislation and consider its potential impact on California students, families, workers, and communities.
At the same time, my own legislative package is being considered by Senate policy committees. My education bills—AB 2008, AB 2067, AB 2225, AB 2468, and AB 2555—are being heard in the Senate Education Committee. AB 1959, legislation that reforms juvenile transfer hearings and expands opportunities for resentencing review, will be heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee. My health care bills, AB 1171 and AB 2343, will be considered by the Senate Health Committee.
Committee hearings are a critical part of the legislative process, allowing legislators, stakeholders, and members of the public to provide feedback and help strengthen proposals before they continue advancing through the Legislature. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to move forward legislation that expands opportunity, improves outcomes, and delivers meaningful results for Californians.
LEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT: |
Advancing Access to Youth Mental Health Care |
Select Committee on Youth Mental Health & Treatment Accessibility
On June 10, I convened the third informational hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Accessibility. This hearing focused on the current landscape of youth mental health services and the opportunities we have to strengthen support systems for young people across California.
We were joined by experts, researchers, and advocates from across the state who shared insights on both the challenges facing California's youth and the innovative solutions being implemented in communities. Dr. Shalini Mustala presented research on teen mental health and the role of school-based services in improving access to care. Trina Frazier, Assistant Superintendent for Fresno County, highlighted Fresno County's collaborative efforts to coordinate resources and deliver effective student support services in local schools. Lisa Eisenberg of Children Now discussed policy solutions that can help improve mental health outcomes and expand access to services for children and families.
The hearing provided an important opportunity to learn from experts in the field, examine successful models currently in practice, and continue the conversation about how California can better support the mental health and well-being of our youth. I am grateful to all who participated and shared their expertise as we work toward building a stronger, more accessible behavioral health system for the next generation.
San Diego Family Justice Center
I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the San Diego District Attorney's Family Justice Center at the Capitol to learn more about their comprehensive approach to supporting victims of crime and their families.
The Family Justice Center brings together critical services—including legal support, counseling, victim advocacy, and safety planning—under one roof. This coordinated model helps survivors navigate challenging circumstances more easily by providing access to multiple resources in a single, welcoming location.
Programs like this play an essential role in helping individuals rebuild their lives and find the support they need. I'm thankful for the dedicated professionals, advocates, and community partners who work every day to serve survivors with compassion and care. I look forward to supporting efforts that strengthen and expand access to these important services throughout California. ⚖️
United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
I was proud to stand alongside advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders at a recent press conference to discuss SB 895, the California Science and Health Research Bond Act.
SB 895 represents a forward-looking investment in California's research infrastructure, helping to fund groundbreaking scientific and medical discoveries that can improve lives for generations to come. The measure would support innovation across the state while creating new opportunities for workforce development and economic growth.
California's leadership in science and technology has long fueled advancements that benefit people around the world. By investing in research today, we can accelerate medical breakthroughs, strengthen our universities and research institutions, and help ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Californians. 🚙✈️🧑🌾
AAPI Community Advocacy Budget Priorities
I recently sat down with members of various AAPI organizations to discuss key budget priorities identified by AAPI-serving organizations across the state.
Our conversation focused on policies and programs that help families and communities succeed, including funding for immigration legal assistance, language access services, anti-hate initiatives, healthcare access, ethnic studies, support for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and resources for community-based organizations.
Hearing directly from advocates and community leaders provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing California's diverse AAPI communities. I appreciate their partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to advance policies that promote equity, opportunity, and inclusion for all Californians.
Rancho Family YMCA Preschool Grand Opening
What a special day celebrating the official ribbon cutting of the new Rancho Family YMCA preschool! ✂️💙
This milestone represents the power of community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We were honored to join families, educators, and community partners as we celebrated the opening of this beautiful new facility and the opportunities it will create for local children and working families.
Access to high-quality early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success, and this new preschool will provide a safe, nurturing environment where young learners can build confidence, develop important skills, and form meaningful connections.
Thank you to everyone whose vision, dedication, and hard work made this possible. Here's to building tomorrow together and to the many young lives that will be impacted for years to come. 🎉📚🌟
Genentech Oceanside 50th Anniversary
It was an honor to celebrate Genentech's 50th Anniversary and reflect on the extraordinary impact this company has had on science, medicine, and the lives of patients around the world.
Before serving in the Legislature, I spent eight years as a researcher at Genentech, working on the development of novel cancer therapeutics and experiencing firsthand a culture that valued both innovation and people. Those years gave me a deep appreciation for the power of scientific discovery to improve lives.
For 50 years, Genentech has transformed bold ideas into life-changing medicines, pioneering breakthroughs that have advanced healthcare and brought hope to millions of patients and families worldwide. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone and thank you for continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible through science. 🧪🔬🎉
International Yoga Day with House of India
It was a privilege to join the House of India and the Consulate General of India for a special event bringing important consular services directly to our community while celebrating International Yoga Day. 🧘
This event highlighted the strong partnership between the Consulate and the Indian American community, making essential services more accessible to families across the region. It was also a wonderful opportunity to recognize the cultural heritage, contributions, and leadership of the Indian American community, and to celebrate the values of wellness, mindfulness, and unity that Yoga Day represents.
Thank you to the House of India, the Consulate General of India, and all the volunteers and community leaders who made this event possible.
Rancho Bernardo Community Park Check Presentation
I was proud to join local leaders, community members, and City staff at Rancho Bernardo Community Park to present a $2.5 million state funding check I secured for critical park improvements that will benefit local families and residents for years to come.
This investment will support upgrades throughout the park, including modern sports field lighting, accessibility enhancements, infrastructure improvements, and safety upgrades. These improvements will expand recreational opportunities, improve access for residents of all ages and abilities, and help ensure the park remains a vibrant community gathering place for years to come.
Parks like Rancho Bernardo Community Park are essential to our quality of life, providing spaces for families, youth sports, recreation, and community events. I am proud to have secured this funding and remain committed to bringing taxpayer dollars home to our neighborhoods and improving public spaces across Assembly District 76. 🌳🛝
Rancho Peñasquitos Flag Day Celebration
Photos courtesy of Dane Ellrod / Ellrodimages.com
Thank you, TJ Zane, for inviting me to the 17th annual Rancho Peñasquitos Flag Day Celebration. I was honored to join veterans, military families, Scouting America, and community members.
This longstanding community tradition provides an opportunity to reflect on the values represented by the American flag—service, unity, responsibility, and freedom—while recognizing the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation.
It was especially inspiring to see local Scouts take part in the ceremony, demonstrating the leadership and commitment to service that will carry these values forward for future generations.
I appreciate the event organizers, volunteers, veterans' organizations, community partners, and all who helped make this meaningful celebration possible.
Family Palooza was a tremendous success, bringing together over 40 community vendors and organizations for a day dedicated to wellness, learning, safety, and family fun. Hosted in partnership with the Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Wellbeing, the event welcomed youth and families from across the 76th Assembly District to enjoy a wide range of activities, including, gymnastics experience, arts and crafts, storytime with the Escondido Public Library, and a bike safety obstacle course led by the California Highway Patrol. Families also benefited from receiving free children's helmets, car seat safety inspections and installations, dental & blood pressure screenings, and fresh produce provided by the San Diego Food Bank.
The event served as a one-stop hub for valuable community resources offering information and services related to affordability, education, public safety, emergency preparedness, health and wellness, youth programs, and support for parents and caregivers. Opportunity drawings featuring tickets to FC San Diego, Wave FC, and the San Diego Safari Park added to the excitement and helped create lasting memories for attendees. Family Palooza showcased the strength of community partnerships and reinforced the importance of our work to bring resources together and directly to constituents—creating accessible opportunities that help children and families thrive throughout the 76th Assembly District. We can't wait for next year!
YOUNG COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS |
Celebrating our Young Community Leaders - from Kindergarten to 12th grade provided an opportunity to highlight the outstanding students who are making a positive impact in their schools and communities throughout the 76th Assembly District. These students demonstrated leadership skills, have a passion for community or volunteerism, display resilience, and have exhibited compassion and kindness for fellow students and/or the community. This is an award to honor students who have overcome challenges or demonstrated having tremendous heart and empathy for their community.
The Young Community Leader Awards reflect our commitment to uplifting and encouraging the next generation of leaders. Meeting students, families, educators, and school staff during these presentations provided an opportunity to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our local youth and acknowledge the positive contributions they make every day. We are proud to honor these exceptional students and look forward to seeing the many ways they will continue to lead and inspire others in the years ahead.
This graduation season, I was honored to celebrate three outstanding groups of graduates whose hard work, perseverance, and determination have prepared them for bright futures ahead.
I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker for the San Pasqual Academy Class of 2026 graduation. As San Pasqual Academy marks 25 years of supporting foster youth, it was especially meaningful to celebrate this milestone with students whose resilience and dedication have brought them to this moment. It was also inspiring to lift up and recognize these remarkable students and hear about the exciting paths they plan to pursue after graduation. Congratulations, Dragons—we can't wait to see what you accomplish next! 🐉🎓
Congratulations to the graduates of the Electrical Training Institute of San Diego and Imperial Counties Apprenticeship Program! It was an honor to celebrate this remarkable group as they enter the skilled trades. These apprentices have dedicated countless hours to developing the expertise that keeps our communities powered, safe, and strong. Throughout their apprenticeship, they earned while they learned—gaining hands-on experience, receiving pay, and building valuable skills that prepare them for long-term career growth. Their commitment and hard work have laid the foundation for successful careers while helping strengthen and grow California's workforce for years to come. ⚡🎓👷♀️👷♂️
It was a privilege to speak at National University's commencement ceremony and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of this year's graduates. In my remarks, I encouraged them to embrace the uniquely human qualities that will continue to shape our future in an era of rapid technological change—critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and the courage to dream big. As they enter a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, I challenged them to be the architects of the future, using their education not only to solve problems, but also to ask the right questions, lead with purpose, and build a world worth dreaming about. Wishing the Class of 2026 continued success as they embark on this exciting new chapter. ✨
Congratulations to all of this year's graduates, and thank you to the families, educators, instructors, and mentors who supported them along the way. Your future is bright, and we look forward to all that you will achieve. 🎉🎓
STATE RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: |
Beat the Heat |
As temperatures rise, the Beat the Heat program helps residents stay safe during extreme heat events by providing access to local cooling centers, heat illness prevention tips, and emergency preparedness resources. 🧊
Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and those with certain medical conditions.
Some of the resources available through Beat the Heat include:
- A searchable map of local cooling centers where residents can find air-conditioned spaces and relief from extreme temperatures
- Emergency preparedness resources to help individuals and families create a plan before extreme weather strikes
- Information for vulnerable populations, including older adults, children, and people experiencing homelessness
- Guidance for workers and employers on staying safe during high-heat conditions
- Heat safety tips, including how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, stay hydrated, and keep your home cool
Remember: Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short period of time. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly and become life-threatening.
AD76 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: |
Paid Internship Opportunities this Fall! |
Apply Now: Paid Fall Internship for College Students
We are seeking paid interns to join our District Office. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the operations of an Assembly district office, which includes assisting with general administrative tasks, drafting responses to constituent requests and answering phones, assisting with legislative research, providing assistance on constituent casework, drafting and printing certificates of recognition, and working in coordination with the team on community events and meetings.
Candidates should have an interest in learning about the legislative process and how state government can serve constituents. Candidates must possess strong written and oral communications skills, be able to work well in a fast-paced, team environment, and be proficient in Microsoft Word and general office tasks.
College students & graduates interested in public service and state government are encouraged to apply. The internship term is September 2026 - December 2026, and the ideal candidate will be able to work up to at least 15 hours per week. This position is 100% in-person in the office. The compensation for the paid internship is $20 per hour and is not eligible for benefits.
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.
