Dear Neighbor,
Heading into a week chock-full of legislative meetings, policy committee hearings, and community events, I'd like to take a moment to remind you that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As someone who has been profoundly impacted by neglected mental health, I urge you to recognize the value of checking in with yourself and others. Every one of us holds complex experiences and hardships that affect how we interact with ourselves and the world. Mental health is health, full stop. If someone were to break a limb, they would not hesitate to get the necessary medical attention. Give your mind the same care and recognize that its health deserves attention. Share your story with those you trust, take time to ask your friends and family how they're really doing, and please know that your story matters and is not a burden.
Plenty is happening across the Capitol and Assembly District 28 throughout the month of May. In this month's newsletter, I'll be covering legislative updates, past and upcoming events, and local resources.
Warm regards,
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
Legislative Update
At the Capitol, legislative deadlines and budget forecast updates paint May with chaos. While we anxiously await changes to the Governor's proposed budget based on the latest economic forecasts following the tax filing deadline, my colleagues and I have been working vigorously to advance our bills through the Legislature. I'm proud to share that plenty of my bills have made tremendous headway through the legislative cycle.
Eleven of my bills have moved to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which evaluates the fiscal implications of legislative proposals and their feasibility. Among the list are:
- AB 1548 - Monterey Bay Area Stewardship Authority, would create an authority serving Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, focused on innovative funding solutions to support long-term conservation and stewardship.
- AB 1902 - Secured Youth Treatment Facilities, and AB 2357 - Juror Mental Health, which were drafted in response to the horrific kidnapping and murder of Santa Cruz resident Maddy Middleton. AB 1902 would change the process for youth detention continuation hearings to ensure proper placement for treatment, ensuring that families like Maddy's are not subject to reliving their trauma in a courtroom every other year. AB 2357 would establish a pilot program within Santa Cruz County to provide jurors with mental health resources at the conclusion of traumatic criminal or civil cases, such as that of Maddy's.
- AB 1988 - PAUSE Act, would require AI chatbots to pause when a user indicates serious thoughts of suicide, and encourage the user to seek help from a person or by contacting the 988 Crisis Lifeline. I am proud that this proposal passed the Assembly Health Committee with unanimous approval. As we continue to hear about tragic suicides encouraged by chatbots, it is my hope that this provision will save lives and set a standard that goes beyond California.
Five legislative proposals have already made their way to the Senate for consideration, including:
- AB 1736 - Deceptive Lobbying Techniques, which would prohibit lobbyists from engaging in deceptive techniques, like using AI-generated outreach methods to generate a false sense of public perception about proposed legislation.
- AB 1853 - Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Student Priority, which would prioritize English learners, foster youth, and low-income students for the free before-school, after-school, and summer care provided through ELOP.
I expect AB 1919, a bill I am jointly authoring with Assemblymember Dawn Addis and coauthored by Senator John Laird, will soon move to the Senate as well. If passed, this bill will give our Santa Cruz County community the necessary election authority to put local transit funding propositions for Santa Cruz METRO services on the ballot through a citizens' initiative. I am profoundly thankful to METRO CEO Corey Aldridge, General Chairperson of SMART-TD Local 0023 Jaime Renteria, and SMART-TD VP of the Bus Department James Sandoval for their travel to Sacramento to testify in committee on the importance of this bill and the impact it will have on the region.
I'll continue to keep you updated on the progress of my legislative proposals in the following newsletters and updates!
Ballots are Landing!
California has a statewide election this year, and ballots for the primary have begun arriving in the mailboxes of registered voters. As the Chair of the Assembly Elections Committee and a former County Clerk/Registrar of Voters, it is of utmost importance to me that every eligible voter exercises their right to vote in each election. Here are some key dates to keep in mind for the upcoming California Primary Election:
- May 5: Secure ballot drop-off locations open in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
- May 18: Last day to register to vote and receive a ballot in the mail for the June 2026 Primary Election.
- May 23: Vote centers open for early in-person voting in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
- May 30: Additional vote centers open for in-person early voting in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
- June 2 - Election Day: Last day to vote in-person or return a ballot by 8:00 PM.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than June 2. If you happen to mail on Election Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office. With so many changes to how mail is managed, I strongly encourage you to mail your ballot at least a week before Election Day, or drop it off at a voting location or a secure ballot drop box provided by your county registrar.
Your county elections officials are a trusted resource. If you have any questions about the election, your ballot, or more, please visit their website:
Past Events
Home Hardening & Wildfire Preparedness Community Event
Last week, in partnership with the City of Scotts Valley and the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County, my office hosted a community event focused on how best to prepare for a wildfire. Since hosting a similar event in Almaden last year, I have been looking forward to bringing similar information to Santa Cruz County residents. The event was a success; thanks to excellent presentations, engaging resource tables, and the generosity of staff at the Landing Performing Arts Center.
The evening was well timed, since May is Wildfire Awareness Month! Please familiarize yourself with best practices for preventing and preparing for wildfires. If you were unable to attend the community event, the livestream is available on my website!
Youth Mental Health Town Hall
Whether you are a psychiatrist, a concerned parent, or a youth activist, we all have a shared stake in meeting the mental health challenges facing our young people and building a healthier future together. Dr. Apurva Bhatt, Dr. Jennifer Zumarraga, Sophia Krish, and Evan Barnwell shared incredible insights into the power we each hold to change how our youth engage with their mental health. I'm so grateful for their time and generosity.
I was also grateful to be joined by various local organizations that dedicated their morning to sharing available mental health resources. Supervisor Abe-Koga shares my deep concern for our youth, and I'm thankful for the effort that each of our teams put in to make these conversations happen. Let's all recognize that supporting youth mental health starts with leading by example. Check in with yourself, honor your story, and take what you need to lead a life you enjoy.
San Andreas Legislative Lunch
I had the honor of speaking at San Andreas Regional Center's 29th Annual Legislative Luncheon in April. The room, filled with leaders from the city to the federal level, reflected the value the San Andreas Regional Center provides our community. Through their advocacy and unwavering support for people with disabilities, they continue to set the standard for inclusion and accessibility. This event was especially meaningful to me, with its focus on civic engagement and the importance of participating in our elections. Our democracy is strongest when everyone can take part. Voting must be accessible to all!
Upcoming Events
Pitch In All-Santa Cruz County Cleanup Day
📍 Santa Cruz County | May 9 | 🕙 Various times
Last year, participants of the county-wide cleanup day collected more than 5,600 pounds of trash across our community. I had the pleasure of attending and can attest that it makes for a wonderful morning of bonding and positive stewardship. Sign up on their website to host or participate in a cleanup this Saturday!
Roots & Roofs: Farmworker Housing Resource Fair
📍 Royal Oak Village, 15480 Watsonville Rd, Morgan Hill | May 14 | 🕙 6 - 8 PM
Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas's office will hold a resource fair to bring together housing professionals, community partners, and local service providers, helping families discover available support and services. It's an opportunity to engage directly with these organizations, including my office! Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and discover resources that make a real difference. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
Memorial Day Ceremony | AMERICA: THEIR SACRIFICE. OUR FREEDOM.
📍 Los Gatos Civic Center, 110 E Main St, Los Gatos | May 25 | 🕙 12 - 4 PM
The Veterans Foundation and Open Doors to Future Possibilities are collaborating to provide a lunch and ceremony in honor of our fallen soldiers. Lunch will be served to veterans for free (with ID) and will be available for purchase for other guests. Veterans Foundation President Major General Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army, will deliver a keynote speech during the ceremony. If you plan to attend, please register in advance.
However you choose to spend Memorial Day, please remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. To the family and friends of those we lost in combat, I stand with you in your profound grief.
As the ex officio member of the California State Parks and Recreation Commission, I want to uplift California's incredible, diverse state parks. Waddell State Beach sits across Highway 1 from the Rancho del Oso entrance to Big Basin State Park. It's internationally recognized as a premier destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach is also a great spot for surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, and picnicking. Explore ways to get free access to our state parks!
TK-12 California State Parks Week Poster Contest
In anticipation of the 5th Annual California State Parks Week in June, CA Parks & Recreation is holding a TK-12 poster contest! Students who submit a poster design aligned with a State Parks Week event theme have a chance to win a prize and have their artwork displayed at the Natural Resources Agency headquarters in Sacramento. Please carefully read the contest guidelines and entry information before participating!
Resources & Updates
Unclaimed Property - CA State Controller's Office
Don't leave money on the table! The California State Controller's Office makes it easy to check for unclaimed property that may belong to you. From forgotten bank accounts to uncashed checks, millions of dollars are waiting to be claimed. Take a moment to search your name and reclaim what's yours: https://claimit.ca.gov/
California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Youth Advisory Council
As a 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 runs May 15 through July 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PT). The Commission will also host a virtual informational session on May 22 at 3 PM, offering a great opportunity for interested youth to learn more about the Council and ask questions. Don't miss your chance to get involved - learn more and apply at: women.ca.gov/youth-advisory-council-applications/
San José Public Library Summer Learning
The San José Public Library (SJPL) is excited to launch its free, all-ages Summer Learning Program, running from June 1 through July 31, with pre-registration open May 1-31. Participants can sign up at sjpl.org/summer or via the Beanstack app and complete a goal of 8 books or 8 hours of reading to earn prizes. Youth receive a free book upon registration and another upon completion, while both youth and adults can earn additional giveaways and be entered to win exciting prizes like SF Giants tickets, SJPL tote bags, and event tickets to Bay FC or the San Jose Earthquakes. The program is designed to keep kids engaged and learning all summer long, encouraging reading in any format - books, comics, eBooks, or audiobooks - because if they're reading, it counts.
Report Potholes on State Highways
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) makes it easy to report potholes on state highways through their online customer service request system: csr.dot.ca.gov/. Help keep our roads safe by reporting roadway issues you see. Your input helps crews address problems early, before they become bigger problems down the road!
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.
