There are plenty of exciting happenings in store for February! This month is marked by 100 Years of Black History Month, the beginning of Lunar New Year, Ramadan, legislative deadlines, Valentine's Day, and the end of football season - whether that's exciting or disappointing for you! In just a few days, the Super Bowl will come to Santa Clara County, and with it, will also bring exciting local programming, crowds of visitors, and heightened safety awareness.
Dangerous situations can arise with large crowds. Last month, I welcomed survivors of human trafficking to the Capitol to introduce HR 75, a resolution designating January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in California. Traffickers use force, fraud, and coercion -- fake job offers, fraudulent employment agencies, and false promises of education or opportunity -- to exploit their victims. It's important to note that human trafficking happens year-round. Learn the signs of human trafficking and save the Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
Unfortunately, there have also been reports that ICE may be present at the Super Bowl. On my website, you can find Know Your Rights Resources. Additionally, you can save the Rapid Response numbers for your county to report ICE sightings and have legal observers come to the scene. In Santa Clara County, the number is 408-290-1144. In Santa Cruz County, you can report ICE to 831-239-4289.
Capitol Update
I am working to put together my legislative package for 2026. While I'll have more to share after the February 20 bill introduction deadline, I can share with you that this year I will work on issues spanning public safety, consumer protection, AI, mental health, elections, and long-term land stewardship.
Since the Legislature reconvened on January 5, we have witnessed an excessive use of force by ICE agents that has led to the killing of two U.S. citizens. California is not standing idly; my colleagues and I have marched in protest and held a press conference to show our support for Minnesota. We have also created a new webpage, "California Contigo", to support immigrant communities across California with clear, accessible, and trusted information. As Assembly Democrats, we stand with California's immigrant families during a time of heightened fear and uncertainty. California Contigo will serve as a central hub for:
- Know Your Rights materials for individuals and families
- Information on what to do during immigration enforcement encounters
- Guidance on finding trusted, DOJ-accredited legal service providers
- State and community resources are available regardless of immigration status
I encourage you to share this resource with your friends and family: cacontigo.asmdc.org
In other news, my colleagues have already begun introducing some exciting legislation, and I'd like to uplift the work they're doing to regulate our insurance industry. CalMatters recently published an article detailing efforts to make their practices fairer and more transparent. As more legislation is introduced, please contact my office to share your support or opposition. I consider your perspective in each vote that I make.
Past Events
MLK Jr Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was marked by community solidarity and joy as I walked alongside the Santa Cruz NAACP to commemorate Dr. King's vision of equality and justice. Later in the morning, I made my way to San José to join the African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) and local leaders at their annual MLK Luncheon. Their incredible keynote speaker, Angela Rye, had powerful words, and Sean the Science Kid brought brilliance, joy, and inspiration to a sold-out room. I drove home with gratitude for the leaders who were awarded at the luncheon and the countless unsung heroes who drive progress in our communities.
Harlem Globetrotters
I had the joy of welcoming the Harlem Globetrotters as they stopped in Santa Cruz for their 100th anniversary tour! Their impact on our culture is felt globally, and I enjoyed watching their game, full of trick shots, skill, and humor. They went home with a California State Resolution signed by me and Senator John Laird in recognition of 100 years of showing the world how to play remarkable, exciting, and hilarious basketball!
Updates and Resources
Delete Request and Opt-out Program (DROP)
Governor Newsom and the California Privacy Protection Agency have launched the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP). Data brokers often collect and trade personal information without people's knowledge, and until now, consumers had to contact each broker individually to request deletion. This new tool allows Californians to submit one simple request to stop data brokers from selling their personal information. Visit privacy.ca.gov/drop to verify your California residency and quickly send a deletion request to all registered data brokers. Under the Delete Act (SB 362, Becker), data brokers must begin processing these requests by August 2026.
Welcome Camille!
The headcount in my Santa Cruz District Office has gone up by one! Our newest District Office Intern is Camille. She is a UCSC Banana Slug, a soccer and track & field athlete, and an aspiring law student. We're excited to welcome her to the team and teach her all about public service!
Financial Aid Workshops in Silicon Valley
Cash for College workshops will be hosted at high schools and community organizations throughout Santa Clara County to help students and families complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CADAA (California Dream Act Application).
At these workshops, attendees can receive one-on-one support from local college financial aid experts and trained volunteers, along with information about financial aid resources for homeless and foster youth, scholarships, WebGrants, the Middle Class Scholarship, and student loans (available upon request). Explore upcoming workshops.
Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators Scholarships for Excellence
Santa Clara County high school students of African ancestry who are graduating this year can apply for a scholarship from the Santa Clara County Association of Black Educators.
Twelve scholarships will be available in award amounts ranging from $2,000 to $500. For more information on the opportunity and requirements, please head to sccabe.org/sccabe-scholarship-program/.
California State Summer School for the Arts
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a month-long immersive experience where California high school students advance their artistic skills by learning from industry professionals. The CSSSA is hosted at the California Institute of the Arts in Sacramento and gives students the opportunity to not only live on a college campus for 4 weeks, but also earn 3 college credits and become part of a lifelong community of artists. Students currently enrolled in grades 8 to 12 are eligible to apply at www.csssa.ca.gov, and the application deadline is February 28, at 6pm.
Alzheimer's Association Education Programs
In a recent meeting with the Alzheimer's Association, I heard of the wide range of courses they offer online for families, community members and people facing dementia. These courses not only support your own brain health but also give you tools to handle the challenges that come with caring for someone living with dementia. You can search classes online and in your community at alz.org/crf.
Applied Wisdom for the Nonprofit Sector
Jim Morgan, retired CEO of Applied Materials, offers free resources to help nonprofit leaders build essential management and leadership skills. You can access print books, eBooks, audiobooks, and online courses with certification - all at www.appliedwisdomfornonprofits.org. Everything is completely free.
Have questions or facing a challenge? Email Kathleen King at kathleen@appliedwisdomfornonprofits.org.
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 Jose 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 Jose, CA 95118
Tel: (408) 264-2848
Satellite Office*:
17555 Peak Avenue
Suite 100
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
*By appointment only
Please don't hesitate to reach out. My team is ready to support you however we can.
Warm regards,
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
