Monthly Newsletter September, 2026 |
August has been a month of meaningful progress both in Sacramento and throughout Assembly District 76. As the Legislature works towards the close of this year's session, I continued meeting with local organizations, educators, businesses, and community leaders to ensure the voices of our district remain at the center of the decisions we make.
Every visit, conversation, and community event reinforces an important reminder: effective public service begins by listening. The perspectives shared by residents, educators, service providers, and local partners help shape my work and strengthen the legislation and resources I advocate for on your behalf.
As we welcome September and the start of a new school year, I remain committed to delivering results for our communities. Thank you for your continued engagement and for allowing me the privilege of representing Assembly District 76. I look forward to continuing our work together in the months ahead.
What's in this Newsletter?
The Final Weeks of Session
As the 2026 legislative session came to a close, the Legislature completed its final debates and votes, sending measures that passed both houses to the Governor's desk.
Throughout the final weeks of session, I remained focused on advancing legislation that reflects the priorities of District 76 and the communities across California. My efforts centered on strengthening our public education system, expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, supporting public safety, protecting vulnerable residents, and creating greater economic opportunities for families. Each proposal represents months of collaboration with educators, healthcare providers, local governments, community organizations, advocates, and residents whose perspectives helped shape thoughtful, practical policy solutions.
With the legislative session concluded and bills that passed the Legislature now headed to the Governor's desk, my work continues here at home. This fall, I look forward to being back in our communities, following the progress of legislation, and continuing to hear directly from the residents, organizations, and local leaders who help inform my work in Sacramento. Together, we will keep building on this year's progress and identifying new opportunities to strengthen our communities and improve quality of life for everyone across our district.
Delivering on Our Priorities: Legislation on the Move
From bills I authored to legislation I've helped advance alongside my colleagues, these measures reflect priorities I hear about directly from our communities.
Authored Legislation
- AB 2008 reduces administrative burdens on schools so educators can spend more time focused on students.
- AB 2067 strengthens the tools school districts can use to efficiently deliver critical facilities projects.
- AB 2225 brings educators and experts together to identify strategies for closing persistent student achievement gaps.
- AB 2555 helps ensure English learners are accurately identified and supported on their path toward English proficiency and biliteracy.
- AB 1959 strengthens accountability for threats of mass violence against children and educators.
- AB 2343 helps Californians identify verified, licensed substance use treatment providers.
Partnering on Legislative Priorities
I'm also proud to serve as a joint author or principal coauthor on legislation led by my colleagues that advances priorities important to communities across California.
- AB 181 strengthens California's education governance and accountability.
- AB 260 protects access to sexual and reproductive health care.
- AB 268 recognizes Diwali as a California state holiday.
- AB 1581 improves student data reporting for American Indian and Alaska Native students.
- AB 1631 supports access to kindergarten and early learning opportunities.
- AB 2117 strengthens coordination and accountability in California's public education system.
- AB 2202 advances statewide efforts to identify and close persistent student achievement gaps.
- AB 2241 supports more inclusive and accessible school playgrounds for students of all abilities.
- AB 2325 expands pathways for bilingual students to become bilingual teachers.
- AB 2514 strengthens the state's ability to track and address student achievement gaps.
- SB 19 strengthens protections against serious threats.
- SB 895 supports investment in California's science and health research infrastructure.
Whether I'm leading legislation or partnering with colleagues, I'm committed to advancing solutions that strengthen our schools, protect access to health care, improve public safety, and expand opportunity for Californians.
Budget Wins: Bringing $10.24 Million Home to San Diego County
I'm proud to have helped secure $10.24 million in state funding for San Diego County to support food security, seniors, emergency response, health services, education, and other community priorities.
- $4.5 million — Feeding San Diego for food insecurity relief infrastructure
- $1.33 million — Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank for facility and energy improvements
- $1 million — CSUSM Cougar Pantry for infrastructure upgrades and expansion
- $710,000 — Meals on Wheels San Diego County for infrastructure and operational improvements
- $1.2 million — City of San Marcos for a new fire engine
- $1 million — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to upgrade and expand its outdoor learning lab
- $500,000 — Shatterproof for substance use treatment resources
At a time when families are facing rising costs, these investments help strengthen the organizations and services San Diegans rely on every day. I'll continue working to bring state resources home and make sure our communities receive their fair share of California's investments.
LWC Women's Equality Day Breakfast
Women's Equality Day is an opportunity to honor the generations of women who pushed boundaries, challenged expectations, and opened doors that once seemed firmly closed. Their progress does more than change individual lives—it expands what is possible for every generation that follows.
I was honored to join women leaders from across California at the Annual Women's Equality Day Breakfast to celebrate that legacy and recognize the leadership women continue to bring to our communities, workplaces, and public institutions.
But honoring how far we have come also means recognizing how much work remains. Women and girls should have every opportunity to pursue their ambitions, make their voices heard, and lead in the spaces where decisions about their futures are made.
The women who came before us opened doors. Our responsibility is to hold those doors open wider—and make sure the next generation has the opportunity to walk through them.
Strengthening Public Safety Through Collaboration
Productive conversations in Sacramento are an important part of building thoughtful, effective public safety policy.
I recently met with representatives from California Police Chiefs Association, California State Sheriffs Association, and Peace Officers Research Association of California to discuss legislation impacting law enforcement and public safety agencies across California. Our conversation covered a range of important issues, including joint task force operations, accountability, and policies that affect the ability of law enforcement agencies to serve and protect their communities.
These are complex issues that require thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and a clear understanding of how policies will work in practice. Hearing directly from the people working on the ground provides valuable perspective and helps inform the decisions we make in Sacramento.
Public safety is a responsibility that requires partnership at every level. I appreciate the time and insight shared during these conversations, and I look forward to continuing to work with law enforcement and public safety leaders to advance policies that promote accountability, support effective policing, and keep California communities safe. 🚔🚨
Stop the Hate Champions Breakfast
I was honored to join AAPI Equity Alliance and regional leaders at the Stop the Hate Champions Breakfast, where I was recognized as a Stop the Hate Champion for efforts to foster safety, belonging, and inclusion across our communities.
The gathering brought together advocates and leaders who understand that confronting hate requires more than speaking out when incidents occur. It means building trust, supporting those who are targeted, and strengthening the partnerships that help prevent hate from taking root in the first place.
Every Californian deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in the place they call home. I remain committed to working alongside community partners to stand against hate, bridge divides, and ensure everyone knows they belong.
Thank you to AAPI Equity Alliance, the Stop the Hate Regional Leads, and the advocates who continue to turn that commitment into action every day.
CSU San Marcos Student Housing Ribbon Cutting
A growing campus needs places where students can do more than attend class—it needs spaces where they can live, connect, and build community.
Team Patel joined California State University San Marcos to celebrate the opening of Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining, two new additions designed to strengthen the student experience on campus.
Supported through California's Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, the project expands student housing while adding modern dining and gathering spaces. Investments like these help campuses meet the needs of a growing student population and create an environment where students can focus on succeeding both inside and outside the classroom.
Congratulations to the CSUSM community on this exciting new chapter. We are thrilled to see these spaces filled with students and become part of campus life for years to come.🍽️
National Night Out
National Night Out is a nationwide event that brings communities together to strengthen relationships between residents, law enforcement, first responders, and local organizations. It provides an opportunity to connect with neighbors, learn about community resources, and celebrate the partnerships that help keep neighborhoods safe and thriving.
Team Patel joined events in both Escondido and San Marcos, connecting with residents, local organizations, law enforcement, and community leaders. From learning about local resources to speaking directly with the people who serve our neighborhoods, each gathering offered an opportunity to strengthen connections beyond an emergency or moment of need.
Public safety is a shared effort, and events like National Night Out create space for the conversations and relationships that make that partnership stronger. Thank you to our first responders, community organizations, and everyone who came out to be part of the evening.
TrueCare: National Health Center Week
For 60 years, America's Community Health Centers have helped make healthcare more accessible by meeting patients where they are and providing care regardless of their circumstances.
During National Health Center Week, Team Patel attended TrueCare's Stakeholder Appreciation Mixer to recognize that legacy and the people and partnerships carrying it forward here in North County.
TrueCare provides affordable, comprehensive care to individuals and families throughout our district, helping connect patients with the services they need to stay healthy. The evening was a chance to recognize the healthcare professionals, advocates, and community partners behind that mission and the impact of their work every day.
Congratulations to community health centers nationwide on 60 years of service, and thank you to TrueCare for continuing to make quality healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve.
Chapman University: Summit on Disability and Opportunities for All
I was deeply honored to receive the Excellence in Disability Advocacy Award at Chapman University's 11th Annual Summit on Disability and Opportunities for All.
Throughout my career—from serving on a local school board to chairing the Assembly Education Committee—I have seen how much possibility is unlocked when we design our schools, workplaces, and communities with everyone in mind. Accessibility should never be an afterthought. It should be part of how we build opportunity from the very beginning.
That was the message I was proud to share with advocates, educators, policymakers, self-advocates, families, and community leaders at this year's summit. While California has made important progress, our work must continue beyond removing barriers. We must create pathways to education, employment, independence, and full participation for people of all abilities.
Thank you to Chapman University's Thompson Policy Institute on Disability for this recognition and for bringing together so many people committed to this work. I am proud to carry that commitment forward in the Legislature and in the communities I serve.
Alliance of Chinese Americans Internship Graduation
Every journey in public service begins with a choice to get involved.
I had the privilege of speaking at the Alliance of Chinese Americans Civic Engagement and Community Service Internship Graduation Ceremony and celebrated students who made that choice by saying "yes"—yes to learning, yes to serving, and yes to becoming more engaged in the communities around them.
In my remarks, I shared that civic engagement can take many forms. It can mean volunteering, speaking up for a neighbor, asking questions, serving on a commission, or one day running for office. What matters is choosing to participate and recognizing that your voice and ideas have a place in shaping your community.
These internships planted seeds that can continue to grow long after the program ends. I hope each student carries forward the confidence to keep showing up, stay curious, and find their own way to serve.
Congratulations to this remarkable group of students. This may be the end of your internship, but I hope it is only the beginning of your civic journey. 🌟
80th Indian Independence Day Celebration
India's Independence Day is a celebration of history, but it is also a celebration of what carries that history forward: culture, family, and the next generation.
I was honored to join the Federation of Indian Associations of San Diego to celebrate the traditions and contributions of the Indian American community.
One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing the winners of the youth competition. Seeing young people celebrate their heritage with such talent, enthusiasm, and pride was a wonderful reminder that traditions endure because each generation finds its own way to carry them forward.
Our region is stronger because of the many cultures, histories, and traditions woven into its identity. Thank you to the Federation of Indian Associations of San Diego and everyone who continues to celebrate that heritage, share it with the next generation, and enrich the community we all call home.
FLAPJACKS FOR BACKPACKS WITH SAN MARCOS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB |
My team and I were proud to join the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos as they hosted their annual Flapjacks for Backpacks Pancake Breakfast and Back-to-School Fair, an event dedicated to helping local students begin the school year prepared and confident. This year, over 700 kids received backpacks and other school supplies, while over $36,000 was raised to support Afterschool Program Scholarships.
Throughout the morning, our team came together to support the event in multiple ways — welcoming community members at our booth, helping distribute school supplies, and pitching in to serve pancakes alongside fellow volunteers. From early morning setup to connecting with families throughout the event, it was inspiring to see the community unite around a shared goal of supporting local youth.
Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who donated supplies and contributed their time to make this event a success. Together, we are helping create brighter opportunities for students and strengthening the communities we are proud to serve. 🎒🥞
There are several opportunities coming up to connect, learn, and access helpful resources. I hope you'll join us!
Youth Mental Health Webinar
September 16 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Virtual
Join us for a virtual conversation focused on youth mental health, available resources, and ways we can better support young people and families in our communities.
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.
STATE RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: |
California Privacy Protection Agency |
Helping Californians Take Control of Their Personal Information
As more of our everyday lives move online, knowing how to protect our personal information is increasingly important. The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) is the state agency dedicated to protecting Californians' consumer privacy rights and helping people understand and exercise those rights.
How the CPPA Can Help You
The CPPA provides resources to help Californians:
- Know your privacy rights and understand how California law protects your personal information.
- Learn what businesses collect about you and how that information may be used or shared.
- Request that businesses delete or correct certain personal information they have collected about you.
- Tell businesses not to sell or share your personal information.
- Limit the use of sensitive personal information in certain circumstances.
- File a complaint with the CPPA if you believe a business has violated California's privacy laws.
- Find consumer resources and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your data.
To learn more visit: California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA)
Protect Your Privacy with DROP
Californians now have access to a free tool called DROP — the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform — that makes it easier to take control of personal information held by data brokers.
Data brokers collect and sell personal information that can include online activity, location information, and details or inferences about your interests. Instead of tracking down registered data brokers individually, DROP allows Californians to submit one request directing registered data brokers to delete their personal information.
DROP is free and designed to make exercising your privacy rights simpler. By reducing the amount of personal information held by data brokers, Californians can take another step toward limiting unwanted uses of their data and protecting their digital privacy.
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!
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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.
