Newsletter

Upcoming Events and Bill Signings

Dear Friends,

As we look ahead to the coming months, I am excited to share several opportunities to bring our community together, including for an upcoming Senior Scam Prevention event, Health Literacy and Resources Fair, and an Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Townhall. I will also provide an update in this newsletter on the legislative action taken this year and what it means for our communities. But, first, I want to recognize the young readers who participated in our Summer Reading Challenge and celebrate their commitment to reading and learning throughout the summer. 

 

Promoting Literacy

I want to congratulate all the children who participated in my very first Summer Reading Challenge. These dedicated TK through 8th grade students read at least 10 books this summer and they will receive a special Senate Certificate of Recognition in honor of their participation and commitment to reading. Here are some pictures of a few of our special readers! Congratulations on your accomplishment!

Promoting Literacy: An image of four children smiling and holding a certificate of recognition for completing Senator Perez's Summer Reading Challenge.

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Senior Scam Prevention Presentation

You’re invited to join the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and my office as we inform seniors and other concerned constituents about the different forms of elder fraud and the warning signs to watch for. Seniors, families and other community members will receive helpful information and resources on how to protect themselves and their loved ones from this rapidly growing crime. My staff will be on site to provide constituent services and legislative materials.

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 3:30pm (after BINGO)
Location: La Fetra Center
333 E. Foothill Blvd. Glendora, CA 91741

Senior Scam Prevention: A dark blue flyer with yellow accents displays information about a Senior Scam Prevention event coming up at 3:30 p.m. on October 15 in Glendora.

 

Health Literacy & Resource Fair

October is Health Literacy Month, a time dedicated to ensuring everyone has the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their well-being. I am pleased to invite you to a special Health Literacy & Resource Fair, hosted in partnership with Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center. As the hospital celebrates 100 years of healing, we are coming together to empower our community with the information and tools necessary to live a healthier, more informed life.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center
1420 S. Central Avenue, Glendale, CA 91204

 

Join us to:

  • Gain valuable insights from educational booths and local medical experts.
  • Meet with healthcare professionals and community health partners.
  • Discover vital state and local resources designed for your well-being.
  • Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages and complimentary light refreshments.

Please RSVP at https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/health-literacy-resource-fair

Health Literacy and Resource Fair: A light blue flyer with pink accents and a cartoon doctor displays information about a Health Literacy and Resource Fair coming up at 10 a.m. on October 17 in Glendale.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Town Hall

You’re invited to a community town hall exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and other policies shaping our future. From environmental impacts and the growth of data centers to changes in the workforce, we are bringing together a panel of academic experts, labor leaders, and policymakers to discuss how AI is shaping our everyday lives and communities. 

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: George E. Elder Community Center
1950 Wilcox Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91755

Please RSVP using this link: https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/perez-ai-town-hall-rsvp-form 

Walk-ins are also welcome.

AI Town Hall: A yellow flyer displays information about a town hall discussion on the impact of Artificial Intelligence that is coming up at 6 p.m. on October 22 in Monetery Park.

 

Community Resources:

 

Medi-Cal and CalFresh Changes

H.R. 1 changes to federally funded Medi-Cal eligibility take effect October 1, 2026. The federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses. The change will affect whether some adults can continue to keep federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal. Stay informed of these changes at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/immigration-status-and-changes-to-medi-cal-eligibility/

LA County Department of Social Services has resources to assist with Medi-Cal and CalFresh. Learn more at:

 

Disaster Rebuilding Assistance

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is pleased to announce its upcoming launch of the Disaster Rebuilding Assistance Program to help homeowners whose homes were damaged or destroyed by disasters, including the Eaton Fire. Homeowners interested in exploring their construction loan options will find program information on the program's webpage, and should meet with a participating lender to understand the steps they'll need to take. Visit https://calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/drap.htm

 

My Legislative Work

 

Wildfire Survivor Recovery and Accountability:

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 742, The Wildfire & Emergency Management Act, will require the removal of abandoned or decommissioned powerlines, like the one that caused the Eaton Fire. 

VETOED SB 877, The Fair Claims Practices and Transparency Act, would have required insurance companies to disclose to policyholders all loss estimate materials and revisions, so homeowners understand how their policy payouts were calculated. 

VETOED SB 878, The Insurance Payment Accountability Act, would have strengthened existing prompt-payment insurance laws by imposing financial penalties on insurance companies for missed claim decisions and payment deadlines. 

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 1090, The Keep Altadena Land in Altadena Hands Act, is community-driven legislation that will protect Altadena from real estate speculators seeking to acquire fire-damaged properties for higher-density development at a scale that would overwhelm the community’s infrastructure. This new law creates a temporary moratorium on SB 1123, which was signed into law in 2024. My legislation contains urgency language and will take effect on October 1. 

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 1098, The Protect Ratepayers from Utility Overspending Act, will establish safeguards for ratepayers by setting guidelines for investor-owned utilities' use of memorandum and balancing accounts, strengthening oversight of these accounts, and directing the CPUC to consider measures such as cost-sharing and lower rate of return on applicable capital costs.

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 1417, The Mutual Water Company Rate Disclosure and Fair Notice Act, will require mutual water companies, including those serving Altadena, to comply with specified notice and public meeting requirements before increasing rates. The new law will also state that a mutual water company may not hold a shareholder’s tenant directly responsible for water service.

 

Protecting Civil Liberties:

I am also advancing legislation that uses California’s authority to protect the civil rights, safety and dignity of people impacted by federal immigration and enforcement actions.

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 957, The Protecting Vulnerable Immigrant Detainees Model Act, directs the Attorney General to develop a comprehensive plan to provide state oversight on privately-operated detention facilities to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of people inside. 

VETOED SB 1105, The Protect California Rights Act, would have protected Californians' civil rights by requiring state and local law enforcement agencies that participate in federal task forces to state in writing, through a memorandum of understanding, that they would not engage in racial profiling or the criminalization of speech when operating alongside federal agents.

 

Advocating for Students and Community Health:

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 1083, Statewide Accountability System for Egregious Misconduct, will protect students by building on my Safe Learning Environments Act (SB 848), passed in 2025. This new law strengthens investigation and reporting requirements and creates appropriate vetting standards for independent contractors who work with students. Specifically, SB 1083 requires fingerprint-based background checks, disclosure requirements, and appropriate vetting measures to protect student safety. 

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 845, The High School Youth Apprenticeship Act, will provide a strong foundation for preparing students for career success by expanding access to career-connected learning across the state. This law will  strengthen hands-on learning opportunities, remove barriers to industry participation, and connect students with high-demand careers, all efforts that are guided by the Career Education Master Plan and the recommendations of the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee.

SIGNED INTO LAW! SB 526, Change-of-Location Health Care Clinic Application, authorizes community health centers with an affiliate to use a fast-tracked state licensing process when opening a new health center or relocating an existing one. Through this bill, facilities like Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley can relicense a new facility using this fast-tracked process.

 

 

With your support and input, this was a very successful legislative session. We did not get everything we fought for, but we achieved important policy victories that will help many Californians. The work continues as we are now building our legislative priorities for 2027!

As always, I am grateful for the engagement of my constituents! If you need assistance with state government services, please contact my office or visit my Senate website at: sd25.senate.ca.gov/  

Please reach out if I can be of assistance.