I hope this newsletter finds you well and taking good care of yourself, whether the Thanksgiving holiday brought you joy, challenges, or simply a moment of rest. Last month, I had many opportunities to connect with residents, local businesses, and legislators who shared concerns and ideas for the future of our state. This interim between legislative sessions has been nothing short of productive, and the work doesn't stop with the arrival of the holiday season.
Tomorrow, on Tuesday, December 2, I will host an Informational Hearing on the Implementation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in my capacity as the Chair of the Select Committee on California's Mental Health Crisis. The hearing will be held in State Capitol Room 126 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will also be streamed on the Assembly website. The hearing will feature three panels covering State Implementation Updates, Local Coordination and Workforce Training, and Practitioner Perspectives. As my colleagues and I build our bill packages for the next legislative session, these informational hearings are a vital opportunity to gain insights that can inspire legislative initiatives.
Upcoming Events
2026 Women of the Year
With Women's History Month arriving soon, I'd like to remind you all that I accept nominations for my annual Women of the Year event year-round. Which women in your life have stepped up to serve others, broken glass ceilings in their industries, or juggled the impossible with strength and a can-do spirit? Last year in Morgan Hill, I was honored to recognize 13 incredible women. In 2026, I'll bring the Women of the Year honoree luncheon to Santa Cruz on March 20. Don't miss this opportunity to show someone you see their spark!
Past Events and Updates
Community Conversations
I was fortunate to meet with many constituents one-on-one between my two Community Conversations this past month. Thank you to all who went out of their way on a Friday afternoon to sit down with me. Whether we talked about state agencies, policy, or just got to know one another, I appreciate the insightful, respectful, and interesting topics you brought to my attention. If you would like to meet with my staff or me about an issue outside of Community Conversations, please submit a scheduling request.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud Webinar
Big thanks to Alex Cadenas of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for lending his time to teach us all how to protect ourselves from fraud and scams! The webinar recording is available on my website for those who could not attend or would like to share it with friends.
Meeting with the Community
I'm feeling grateful for all of the opportunities I had to address groups throughout Assembly District 28 in November! I had a blast getting to know the women of the Almaden Valley Women's Club better as I shared my background and legislative priorities. I was also hosted by AAUW San Jose in Willow Glen to provide an update on our work in Sacramento to protect and promote voting rights, education, and healthcare in California.
I had the tremendous honor of being the keynote speaker at the Valley Women's Club of San Lorenzo Valley's 24th annual Environmental Town Hall. Our community has been leading conversations on environmental action long before it became a prevalent issue. I continue to be impressed by the compassionate minds throughout out the district.
I also had the opportunity to provide a legislative briefing to the Monte Sereno City Council. Maintaining good communications between myself and our local elected officials is a top priority.
Operation Gobble
Each year, San Jose Water offers legislators the opportunity to gift grocery gift cards to a Santa Clara County-based non-profit of their choice. This year, I was delighted to present the gift cards to Martha's Kitchen--a soup kitchen that has been reliably serving our community for the past 45 years.
Thank you to San Jose Water for providing this generous gift that will empower families to meet their own needs this holiday season.
Memorial Highway Sign Up
Many in our community are familiar with the tragic story of Sergeant Damon Christopher Gutzwiller. A longtime Santa Cruz County resident, Sergeant Gutzwiller began working for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office first as a volunteer and later became a patrol deputy, bailiff, training officer, Detective, and eventually Sergeant. In his 14-year career at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, he received 10 commendations for extraordinary work. Tragically, on June 6, 2020, in Ben Lomond, Sergeant Gutzwiller responded to reports of a vehicle that contained guns and bomb-making materials. He was ambushed and fatally shot at the scene.
In 2023, I authored ACR 124 to designate the portion of State Route 9 between Lower Glen Arbor Road and Western Avenue in the County of Santa Cruz as the Sergeant Damon Christopher Gutzwiller Memorial Highway. On Saturday, November 22, just a few months past the fifth anniversary of his passing, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department held a formal unveiling of the sign. His life and service was honored with a motorcade tribute, joined by representatives from numerous law enforcement agencies, as well as his loving family.
Thank you to our law enforcement officers and their families for the selfless service to our greater community. Rest in peace, Sergeant Damon Christopher Gutzwiller.
Welcome La Bahia!
My Santa Cruz District Office team and I recently toured the newest hotel in Santa Cruz, La Bahia. With this beautiful new establishment will come new visitors eager to explore our local shops, restaurants, and coastal destinations, adding to the local sales and TOT tax base. I'm excited to welcome them to Assembly District 28!
Resources & Updates
Shop Local this Holiday Season
Both Morgan Hill and the Santa Cruz Harbor are making local shopping and dining out even more fun with their creative programs! The Santa Cruz Harbor kicked off their Harboropoly program on October 1, encouraging you to support Santa Cruz Harbor businesses (including businesses along lower Seabright and 7th Avenue) by exchanging stamps for visits to the local businesses. Morgan Hill is offering a Buy Local Holiday Shopping Passport to encourage residents to dine or make purchases at participating businesses, now through December 31. Both programs conclude with a raffle where you can win prizes!
Constituent Services
As your elected representative, I'm here to serve you in a variety of ways. One of the most important is helping you navigate issues with state agencies.
Whether it's the DMV, Franchise Tax Board, EDD, Disability Insurance, or another state department--we're here to help. Contact my office through my website or by calling:
📍 San José District Office: (408) 264-2848
📍 Santa Cruz District Office: (831) 425-1503
You can also visit our offices--just call ahead to make an appointment so staff are ready to assist.
District Offices:
701 Ocean Street
Room 318B
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tel: (831) 425-1503
3150 Almaden Expressway
Suite 252
San José, CA 95118
Tel: (408) 264-2848
Satellite Office:
17555 Peak Avenue
Suite 100
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Please don't hesitate to reach out. My team is ready to support you however we can.
Warm regards,
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
