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Community to Capitol
January, 2026 |
__SALUTATION__
As we begin the legislative session for the new year, it offers a meaningful moment to reflect on the communities I fight for in Sacramento, and the incredible people who call District 76 home. We saw such wonderful examples of this as we closed out 2025, and I wanted to take a moment to share them with you. I am deeply proud of the many residents, volunteers, and local partners who step up throughout the year to ensure no one is left behind. Your generosity and commitment reflect the very best of our district.
These moments of connection remind us of what makes our communities resilient and hopeful, even in challenging times. They show how local action, driven by care and shared responsibility, can lift families and strengthen our neighborhoods. Thank you for being part of a district that leads with heart, looks out for one another, and ends the year united in service and purpose.
| Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution |
Our office was proud to organize the first large-scale Thanksgiving turkey distribution ever held in Assembly District 76, hosted at Los Peñasquitos Elementary School in San Diego, and to bring together community partners, volunteers, and neighbors to address food insecurity in a meaningful way. Through intentional outreach, strong partnerships, and more than $43,000 raised from local partners, we distributed complete Thanksgiving meals, including turkeys and side boxes with fresh vegetables, to 1,000 families from every region in our district.
Because of this effort, additional funds were raised and used to secure an additional 22,000 meals for the San Diego Food Bank to distribute throughout San Diego County, extending the impact well beyond a single day. This first-of-its-kind event demonstrated what proactive, community-centered leadership can accomplish and reflects an ongoing commitment to confronting food insecurity both locally and through my work in Sacramento.
At our Veterans of the Year event on November 8, we proudly honored six exceptional veterans from Assembly District 76 for their courage, selfless service, and ongoing contributions to our communities. Each honoree has exemplified leadership and commitment both during their military service and in the work they continue to do to support fellow veterans, families, and neighbors after their time in uniform. This meaningful celebration brought together community members, families, and local leaders to reflect on the sacrifices our veterans have made and the lasting impact they have on our district.
I am deeply grateful to each of our honorees and to everyone who attended and helped make this event a heartfelt tribute to our veterans. Their stories remind us of the strength, resilience, and spirit of service that bind us together as a community. Thank you for joining in this celebration of service and for standing with those who have given so much.
Click here to learn more about our 2025 Veterans of the Year honorees and watch a highlight video of the event.
North County VetFest
Above: Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel is joined by Marine Corps veteran Moses Maddox in the 2025 Escondido Veterans Day Parade
Above: Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel with Terri Price, Navy veteran Brandon Johnwell, and US Marine Corps veteran Moses Maddox at North County VetFest
It was an honor to attend the North County VetFest and Veterans Day Parade in Escondido and to join the community in recognizing the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. The parade and festival brought together veterans, families, and local organizations in a powerful display of gratitude, pride, and patriotism.
Spending time with veterans and hearing their stories served as a meaningful reminder that our commitment to those who served must extend beyond one day. I am grateful to the organizers, volunteers, and participants who made these events such a memorable tribute, and to the veterans whose service continues to inspire and strengthen our community.
San Marcos Veterans Day Ceremony
Above: Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel with community leaders at the 2025 San Marcos Veterans Day Ceremony, Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel with Colonel Greg Rassatt, Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel with keynote speaker Dr. Linda Dudik
I was honored to attend the San Marcos Veterans Day Ceremony and join the community in paying tribute to the men and women who have served our nation. The ceremony offered a meaningful moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans and to express our shared gratitude for their service and dedication.
I was especially proud to join Colonel Greg Rassatt, one of my Veterans of the Year honorees, whose leadership as an event organizer helped make this ceremony such a thoughtful and impactful tribute. We also honored keynote speaker Dr. Linda Dudik for her work preserving, remembering, and sharing the personal histories of veterans so their service and sacrifices are never forgotten. Spending time with veterans, their families, and community members was a powerful reminder that our responsibility to those who served does not end with their military service, and I remain committed to honoring and supporting our veterans throughout the year.
| Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access Hearing |
Above: Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel chairing the Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access Hearing in Escondido.
As Chair of the Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access, I was proud to convene a public hearing in Escondido and bring the legislative process directly to our district. Holding this hearing at the North Inland LiveWell Center made it easier for community members to participate without traveling to Sacramento, ensuring local voices were heard in spaces where decisions are made.
The hearing brought together county leaders, school districts, healthcare providers, community organizations, and students to discuss the growing mental health needs of young people and the barriers families face when seeking care. We focused on prevention, early intervention, access to treatment, and better coordination across education, healthcare, and community systems. The insights shared will help inform policies aimed at strengthening youth mental health services across California.
California State University San Marcos
I had the opportunity to volunteer at the CSU San Marcos food distribution, joining students, staff, and community partners in supporting those facing food insecurity. Working side by side to distribute fresh food and essential items was a powerful reminder of how impactful local action can be in meeting immediate needs.
This experience reinforced the importance of investing in food access and supporting programs that help students and families succeed. I'm grateful to everyone who volunteered their time and to CSU San Marcos for being a strong partner in ensuring our community has the resources it needs.
Feeding San Diego in Escondido
My team & I joined volunteers at a Feeding San Diego food distribution in Escondido to help ensure families had access to nutritious food and essential resources. Being on the ground with community partners and residents underscored how critical these efforts are for neighbors who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet.
The dedication of the volunteers and staff made a tangible difference for so many households, and it was inspiring to see our community come together with compassion and purpose. I remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen food access and address food insecurity.
| Holiday Season Toy Drive with the Escondido Firefighters |
Our office was proud to partner with the Escondido Firefighters Association on a toy drive and distribution, bringing the community together to support local families. Firefighters and community members have stepped up in a big way, donating toys to help ensure children across our district experience joy and a sense of care during this time of year.
I also want to sincerely thank every community member who took the time to drop off toys at our office. This ongoing effort reflects the power of partnership and generosity, and I'm grateful to the Escondido Firefighters Association and our neighbors for showing what it means to come together and take care of one another.
Our office is open and serving constituents in a number of ways. You can contact us by completing the form on our website, calling, emailing, or stopping by our office.
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel's contact form from the website.
My office's job is to connect you with resources and help solve problems. What can we do for 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.
