Hey Neighbor!
A lot has happened since the last newsletter! I voted in our primary election, welcomed the start of Pride Month, held and participated in community events, and hosted several folks at the Capitol to recognize their impact on our district.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of being named a 2026 Santa Cruz Pride Grand Marshal alongside Dinah Phillips and Gail Groves, Santa Cruz County's first legally married same-sex couple, whose wedding I officiated as County Clerk almost 20 years ago. The turnout of locals and visitors celebrating our LGBTQ+ community was incredibly moving. I couldn't have dreamed up a better way to celebrate Pride. As a former County Clerk who not only wed same-sex couples but also administered elections that affected their right to marry, I felt this honor was a recognition of our shared journey and a reminder that progress is possible, and we will keep fighting to protect it.
Legislative Update
Supreme Court justices ruled to dismantle Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark law meant to undo the legacy of Jim Crow by prohibiting racially discriminatory voting practices. This provision was earned through the blood, fight, and sacrifice of the civil rights movement, which many Americans alive today witnessed and participated in firsthand. This dark day in America was followed by a rush of southern states to eliminate majority-black voting districts. I was proud to stand alongside Tennessee Representative Justin Jones and my colleagues in the Black Caucus to raise awareness of the severity and stakes of this decision by our highest court. I continue to be proud of California for modeling fair democracy by letting voters decide on redistricting.
While other states have moved at lightspeed to disenfranchise minority voters for partisan gain, California's elections have been scrutinized and questioned in the media. In response to the scrutiny and threats to our elections, I can confidently say that state officials are working around the clock to safeguard election integrity. In late May, I was proud to coauthor SB 73 (Cervantes and Umberg), which Governor Newsom signed into law ahead of the statewide primary election. The bill protects our state elections by criminalizing the act of taking cast ballots from the custody of a local elections official, as we saw earlier this year in Riverside County.
Additionally, I have just amended AB 1853, which aims to establish clear, enforceable standards requiring that candidate statements remain factual, relevant, and appropriate for an official state publication while respecting constitutional free speech protections. This bill is jointly authored with Assemblymember Marc Berman and comes in response to a candidate statement that appeared in the June 2026 Official State Voter Information Guide, which used our taxpayer-funded voter guide as a platform to share hateful and antisemitic rhetoric with 23 million registered voters. With 27 years of experience administering elections in Santa Cruz County, I know the stakes of election integrity, and I am proud to be able to strengthen voting protections for our voters as your Assemblymember.
Budget Update
It is no secret that California values don't gel with those of our current federal administration, and unfortunately, that is reflected in the funding cuts imposed within H.R.1 -- President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill." These cuts will undoubtedly hurt our most vulnerable neighbors, and my colleagues and I have been tasked with delivering a budget that shields families and businesses from the fallout of federal budget cuts.
On June 15, we sent a balanced budget to the Governor's desk. Without creating any new taxes on individuals, workers, or families amidst funding cuts squeezing our state, our legislative agreement still found a way to:
- Reject cuts to IHSS services
- Support food and diaper banks and local farmers
- Deliver historic funding for our public schools
- Invest in affordable housing
- Create more childcare slots
- Protect public health reporting systems
- Prioritize public hospitals
- Improve voter education
As we await a decision from the Governor, my colleagues and I in the Legislature are guided by our goal of bolstering the state's safety net to ensure our communities and economy remain resilient amid federal attacks.
Past Events
California Nonprofit of the Year Luncheon
Each May, CalNonprofits hosts the California Nonprofit of the Year Luncheon to celebrate the nonprofits leading positive change throughout our state. This year, I had the honor of inviting CEO Rachel Montoya and VP Melissa Santos of Community Solutions to recognize the organization as Assembly District 28's Nonprofit of the Year.
Community Solutions has provided comprehensive support and services that help children, families, and individuals overcome mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and domestic violence challenges for over 50 years. Their quiet work uplifts lives every day and helps to build healthier futures for AD 28 families.
Make Your Voice Heard: Conversation with Young Adults
With all the noise around our elections, I greatly appreciated the invitation from the Branciforte Branch Library to speak with young adults about the legislative process and the critical importance of civic engagement in democracy. Representative democracy is designed to engage citizens, and it's imperative that each of us know our power as constituents and voters beyond the polls. Huge thanks to all who attended on a Friday night to share in the conversation and pizza!
Senior Resource Fair in Morgan Hill
May was Older Californians Month, and I was grateful for the opportunity to join Morgan Hill residents at the city's Senior Resource Fair. The Senior Advisory Committee did an outstanding job coordinating the participation of dozens of community partners that support healthy aging. As an older adult myself, it was nice to have the chance to check in on my own health, chat with residents, and learn about local services available to help!
Our Small Business of the Year
Small businesses bolster our local economy, provide reliable goods and services, and oftentimes become integral parts of our community identity. Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company is a perfect example of just that. For decades, they have served our Los Gatos community as an extension of their own homes - a place we can rely on to get work done, catch up with a friend, or even enjoy live music. When a devastating vehicle crash severely damaged the coffeehouse late last year, our Los Gatos community showed the coffeehouse just how much their presence meant with an outpouring of donations, encouragement, and helping hands.
In recognition of Small Business Month, I was delighted to recognize the role Los Gatos Coffee Roasting plays in our community by celebrating it as Assembly District 28's Small Business of the Year. Huge thanks to part-owner Dylan Phillips for joining me in Sacramento to represent the coffeehouse at the California Small Business Development Center's annual Salute to Small Business Awards ceremony.
Jewish American Heritage Month
In May, the Legislature honored Jewish American Heritage Month by welcoming Jewish American constituents who exemplify Jewish values throughout our state. Dorene Kastelman has done extensive work throughout Santa Clara County advocating for the needs and respect of our Jewish community while promoting joy, resilience, and acceptance. Inviting her to the Assembly Floor for recognition felt long overdue.
Hike a Trail with Gail
Earlier this month, I laced up my hiking boots and hit the Discovery Loop Trail at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park in Felton for our latest "Hike a Trail with Gail" event. Joined by representatives from the Santa Cruz County Parks Department, we explored this beautiful one-mile loop, made stops to learn about the surrounding nature, and had great conversations along the way. Getting out into our district's incredible open spaces with community members is one of my favorite things to do, and Quail Hollow did not disappoint.
Upcoming Events
Supporting Brain Health in Our Community
📍 Zoom Webinar | June 26 | 🕙 10 - 11 AM
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about brain health and forms of dementia that affect so many Americans. I'm looking forward to co-hosting an educational webinar by the Alzheimer's Association with my colleague Assemblymember Dawn Addis. The program will share important information about brain-healthy actions we should all build into our routines to benefit our brains. Register to join us on Friday, June 26
Rose, White & Blue Parade
📍 Rose Garden, San Jose | July 4 | 🕙 10 AM - 2 PM
I'm looking forward to celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary this coming 4th of July at the Rose, White and Blue Parade! This free event will begin at 9:45 AM with a car cruise, and the parade will run until 12 PM. A festival featuring Lucha Libre matches, craft making, face painting, free book giveaways, vendors, and food will kick off at 11 AM at the corner of Shasta Avenue and the Alameda. For more information, head to the event website!
Morgan Hill Freedom Fest
📍 Downtown Morgan Hill | July 3 - 4 | 🕙 Various times
Morgan Hill has been proudly hosting 4th of July festivities for 151 years, and the party seems to grow bigger and better over time. The celebration begins on Friday, July 3, at 5:30 PM with their Family Music Fest that stretches down Monterey Road and features three stages of live music. On July 4, there are various activities throughout the day, including a 5K run, a parade, and a fireworks show! I'm so proud of this tradition within AD 28. If you're interested in attending, check out the Freedom Fest website to plan - it's a busy event!
Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade & Block Party
📍 5060 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley | July 4 | 🕙 9 AM - 3 PM
The city of Scotts Valley will be hosting a parade, flyover, and block party once again! The block party begins at 9 AM, and the parade begins marching down Scotts Valley Drive at 11 AM. After the parade, the block party will host live music, food trucks, and a kids zone until the event wraps at 3 PM. With Scotts Valley celebrating its 60th anniversary the same year the United States celebrates its 250th, I know this event will be a blast! The city's website includes information on the parade route.
Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade & Afterparty
📍 Downtown Boulder Creek | July 4 | 🕙 10 AM - 12 PM
The Boulder Creek Business Association is hosting their annual 4th of July parade! Pancakes will be offered at the firehouse ahead of the parade, and after the parade ends head to Boulder Creek Recreation & Parks District's afterparty in Junction Park. Come celebrate with the community, enjoy pancakes at the firehouse before the parade, and keep the fun going afterwards at the Boulder Creek Recreation & Parks District afterparty in Junction Park.
June is Great Outdoors Month! Get outside and get to exploring. As the ex officio member of the California State Parks and Recreation Commission, I'm on a mission to uplift California's incredible, diverse state parks - especially those within our district. Castle Rock State Park is nestled in one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains and features 34 miles of trails. These trails link Santa Clara and San Lorenzo Valleys to nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park, as well as open-space preserves along the Skyline to the Sea Trail. If you're a rock climber, this park is for you! There are plenty of caverns and sandstone rock formations, giving the park its namesake.
There are plenty of ways to get free access to our state parks. In celebration of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of American independence, California is offering a FREE, special-edition California State Parks Historian Passport. The passport provides unlimited free entry to participating state parks from June 19 until the end of 2026! Those interested in the free opportunity must download the passport before Monday, July 6.
Resources & Updates
FIFA World Cup Local Events
With Levi's Stadium hosting six FIFA World Cup matches, our region has not taken our role as hosts lightly. San Jose hosts a variety of events daily, including art installations and dance performances. In Santa Cruz County, residents have tons of watch parties to choose from, including a Beach Watch Party at our boardwalk to watch USA vs. Türkiye.
A Free and Fast Way to Protect Your Privacy
Californians now have a simple, free way to protect their personal information with DROP, a new tool from CalPrivacy. Instead of tracking down hundreds of data brokers that collect and sell your data, you can visit one state website and send a single request directing all registered data brokers to delete your information and stop selling it.
Using DROP can help reduce spam and scams, limit tracking and unwanted ads, and shrink your digital footprint, all while keeping your information secure. Data brokers start processing requests August 1, 2026. Get started today.
California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Youth Advisory Council
As a newly-appointed Commissioner with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, I'm excited to share that the Commission's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is seeking passionate young women and girls ages 14-20 from across the state to apply for this unique leadership opportunity.
Participants will help shape policies impacting young people, build advocacy and leadership skills, connect with peers statewide, and gain hands-on experience with California's policy process - all while accessing mentorship and engaging in meaningful, transformative conversations. The application period opened on May 15 and will close on July 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PT). Don't miss your chance to get involved - learn more and apply here.
Murray Street Bridge Full Closure
The Murray Street Bridge has been fully closed to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians while construction continues on the south side of the bridge. Although the timing is frustrating given summer beach traffic, this work must take place during the summer months, within the permitted in-water construction period. Before this phase of construction could begin, the contractor had to relocate a regional wastewater pipeline that serves approximately 35,000 residents. With that pipeline now bypassed, crews can move into the next major phase of the project.
Vehicles are detoured around the bridge closure via Seabright, Soquel, and 7th Avenues. Bicycles are detoured through Arana Gulch and Broadway using Seabright and 7th Avenues. Pedestrians are detoured around the north harbor, with access available via Eaton Street, 7th Avenue, and Brommer Street. The project remains on budget and on schedule for completion in January 2028. The county continues to update our community on the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Rail Project through its website, social media channels, and newsletter.
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.
Please don't hesitate to reach out. My team is ready to support you however we can.
Warm regards,
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
