Dear Neighbor,
September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time of the year that is very close to my heart, as I lost my husband to suicide 7 years ago. Since that day in November, I have dedicated myself to raising awareness around suicide prevention and awareness, because mental health conditions are treatable, and suicide is preventable.
This year, I urge you to check in with yourself and check in with others. There are plenty of statistics around suicide, but I'd like to share some of what I've learned throughout my grieving process:
- Asking someone about suicide will not put the idea in their head. Most will be relieved that someone cares and is willing to have that critical conversation.
- Grief is not a journey to a destination--It is something we survivors of loss carry every single day. Please don't ask someone if they are done grieving, or question why they continue to make their loved one's birthday or anniversary a special day.
- If someone can get through that intense and short moment of an active suicidal crisis, chances are they will not take their own life. Please encourage deep breathing and the 988 lifeline.
If you do one thing to honor Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, let it be kindness. You never know what others are going through, so be kind to one another.
Upcoming Events
Care Fair is coming up on September 20 in Santa Cruz
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, my office hosts a Care Fair and honoree ceremony, which rotates throughout the district. This year, we will honor our 12 mental health heroes from AD 28 on Saturday, September 20, on the lawn in front of the County Government Center, 701 Ocean Street, in Santa Cruz, from 11 am to 2 pm.
As a part of my commitment to uplifting suicide prevention efforts, I count on Assembly District 28 constituents to nominate individuals (and sometimes organizations) that are making a positive difference in mental health. I am proud to welcome our 2025 Mental Health Heroes to Care Fair on September 20!
Come to celebrate our local heroes, stay to enjoy a street taco and discover the abundant mental health and wellness resources available in our community. I am grateful to have more than 30 organizations participating -- there's limited room left to table at Care Fair! If you have an organization that promotes health, please call my office at (831) 425-1503 to inquire about tabling.
Other Community Events This Month
Legislative Update
We are at the finish line for our 2025 legislative session in the Capitol. Several of my bills are nearing the finish line as they make their way through the Senate and onto the Governor's desk. Over the next week, I will vote on hundreds of bills. I encourage you to reach out to my Capitol office if there is anything of particular interest to you.
Five of my bills are already heading to the Governor's desk for signature:
- AB 414: simplifies the return of security deposits
- AB 583: will allow nurse practitioners to sign death certificates
- AB 996: establishes a voluntary early consultation process through which local governments can share drafts, get feedback, and resolve issues with Coastal Commission staff before formal LCP submission--reducing the risk of denials later on.
- AB 1072: Directs the Secretary of State (SOS) to develop uniform standards and guidelines for voters to correct mistakes when voting.
- AB 1512: This technical bill conforms how ballots present voting options on local measures to the requirements of the California Elections Code.
On September 2, I presented ACR 70 on the Assembly Floor. This measure officially designates September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in California. The day started with a press conference to raise awareness, and it was an honor to be joined by local mental health advocates, including:
- NAMI Santa Clara County Executive Director Rovina Nimbalkar;
- NAMI Santa Cruz County Board President (and one of our 2025 Mental Health Heroes) Michael Beebe;
- Director of Mental Health & Wellness & EAP of the San Francisco Giants Dr. Shana Alexander;
- Eve Banas, Advocacy Coordinator, Sacramento LGBTQ Community Center;
- Robert Stohr, Executive Director, U.S. Vets Los Angeles and U.S. Vets Orange County;
- Lauren Pulido, Area Director, Greater Sacramento and Central Valley Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention;
- Stephanie Linn, Board Member & Advocacy Volunteer, Greater Sacramento and Central Valley Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Some of my colleagues also joined me in the legislature - Assemblymembers Dr. Corey Jackson, Sharon Quirk-Silva, and Patrick Ahrens. Their support means the world to me, and I'm grateful to have their advocacy in our communities. I was also touched by the courage my colleagues demonstrated in sharing their personal stories during our floor session presentation.
Register to Vote!
A special election is coming to California on November 4, 2025. Please check your voter registration status at My Voter Status and sign up to track your ballot at Where's My Ballot. If you are not registered to vote, you can register online at Register to Vote. Be sure to cast your vote and make your voice heard in November!
Past Events
Silicon Valley Pride
Silicon Valley Pride celebrated the incredible milestone of 50 years of Pride on August 31! It was a wonderful day of joy and unapologetic pride in downtown San Jose. It was my great honor to join my colleagues in presenting a resolution to the Board of Silicon Valley Pride in recognition of their dedicated service to LGBTQ+ visibility and resources in the South Bay Area.
Town Hall with Councilmember George Casey
I am grateful to Councilmember George Casey for hosting me at his Town Hall this past month. I always appreciate having the opportunity to hear from constituents about the policy areas they feel passionately about. It is a priority for me to weigh your perspectives into my decision-making in Sacramento. Please feel welcome to contact my offices to help keep me informed on legislation and issues of interest to you. Thank you to everyone who spent their Saturday morning catching up with me!
Resources & Updates
Earthquake Brace + Bolt Grant Program Opens for 2025 Applications -- Now Expanded to Rental Properties
Now through October 1, 2025, homeowners across more than 1,100 eligible ZIP Codes can apply for grants of up to $3,000 to complete a seismic retrofit. These upgrades help secure wood-framed houses built before 1980 with raised foundations, making them more resistant to earthquake shaking.
For the first time, the program is expanding eligibility to include rental and other non-owner-occupied properties--giving landlords and property owners the chance to safeguard more California homes and protect the residents who live in them.
Visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com to find detailed program information, a list of eligible ZIP Codes, and resources to select a trained, licensed contractor.
Heads-Up: Murray Street Bridge Closure
Construction is now underway on the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project in Santa Cruz, a significant infrastructure improvement aimed at bringing the Bridge into compliance with state-mandated modern seismic safety standards.
The seismic retrofit involves replacing outdated structural components, installing new pilings and supports, and upgrading drainage systems to extend the bridge's lifespan and enhance its resilience in the event of an earthquake.
Bridge Closures are currently taking placethrough 2028:
- Westbound Lane Closure: Closed to vehicles and bicycles starting March 24, 2025, through project completion in January 2028.
- Full Bridge Closure: From June 23, 2025, to February 2026, both directions will be closed to alltraffic--including vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians--for major demolition and construction.
- A second full bridge closure is expected to start early to mid-2026 and last for three months.
- Pedestrian Access and eastbound lanes will reopen in February 2026, while westbound lanes remain closed until 2028.
You can view detour maps here. Lower Seabright and Harbor area businesses remain open during the Murray Street Bridge seismic retrofit project. Please support our Seabright and Harbor businesses during this construction project.
An alternative transportation option: As a trial program, the free Santa Cruz harbor water taxi added additional hours during the Murray Street bridge closure, so hop aboard! Learn more here.
Operating Hours:
- Fridays: 3 PM - 8 PM (Trial basis - new!)
- Saturdays & Sundays: 11 AM - 6 PM
Please plan and allow extra time when traveling in and out of the Santa Cruz Harbor area. For detour maps, timeline updates, and more, visit the City of Santa Cruz project page.
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 office; call ahead to schedule an appointment so our staff is prepared to assist you.
Please don't hesitate to reach out. My team is ready to support you in any way we can.
Warm regards,
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
