| FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER |
As we welcome the Lunar New Year and head into February, our office is continuing to move important ideas forward for our community.
| LEGISLATIVE UPDATE |
Every year, my office listens to and reviews policy ideas shared directly by constituents, and AB 1684 is one I'm proud to be carrying forward. Inspired by an AD 78 resident, this bill protects a homeowner's right to install, use, or replace a home cooling system by preventing homeowners associations from creating unnecessary barriers, delays, or costly fees.
As extreme heat becomes more frequent and deadly, access to air conditioning can be lifesaving—especially for seniors, children, and people with health conditions. AB 1684 ensures that where you live, including in an HOA, doesn't limit your ability to keep your family safe and healthy during heat waves.
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Informational Hearing with Assembly Education Committee on Prop 28
We recently held a joint informational hearing with the Assembly Education Committee to take a closer look at the implementation of Proposition 28 and how arts and music education funding is reaching California classrooms. The hearing highlighted early successes, ongoing challenges, and opportunities to ensure funds are used as voters intended, to expand access to visual and performing arts, support arts educators, and strengthen partnerships with local arts organizations. This conversation is an important step toward making sure every student benefits from a well-rounded education.
| CAPITOL HAPPENINGS |
Top Left: Sat down with the Assembly's "Look West" podcast to discuss my efforts in the privacy space. Top Right: Met with STAX Engineering to talk about practical ways to trap pollution from ships and data centers, helping to make the Port of San Diego cleaner, with STAX co-owner Edward Norton joining the conversation. Bottom Left: Held the gavel again as Speaker Pro-Tempore while my colleagues were away. Bottom Right: Met with Tyree Dillingham, an AD78 resident, to discuss financial literacy amongst our young athletes.
| IN THE DISTRICT |
Join Our 2026 Scam Stoppers Webinar
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 4:30 PM
As your representative, my top priority is the safety and well-being of our community. With the rise of increasingly sophisticated AI-powered scams and predatory financial practices, it is more important than ever that our seniors have the tools they need to protect themselves.
I invite you and your loved ones to join experts from various state departments for our Annual Senior Resources & Scam Stoppers Webinar. We will provide actionable advice and resources to help you stay one step ahead of bad actors.
Congratulations, Adrian Antionio and EJ Jappi, for completing their internships with my office for the 2025 Winter Cohort. Throughout their time with Team Ward, both Adrian and EJ displayed a profound affinity for constituent service. Every day, they came into the office focused and ready to tackle any and every task, including many district events. While it is bittersweet to see them leave, I wish them both the best in their future endeavors and professional careers!
New Funding to Address Youth Homelessness in San Diego
The San Diego region has been awarded $50.9 million in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round 6 funding, bringing critical new resources to help stabilize housing and expand services—especially for young people.
The funding is being distributed across the region to support both immediate shelter needs and long-term housing solutions:
- City of San Diego: $25.8 million, with 15% ($4.02 million) dedicated to operating interim housing for youth.
- County of San Diego: $12.1 million, with 10.1% ($1.23 million) allocated for permanent housing services and youth-focused service coordination.
- San Diego City & County Continuum of Care (CoC): $12.9 million, with 10% ($1.29 million) supporting rapid rehousing and rental subsidy programs.
What this funding supports
These investments will help expand and sustain a range of proven housing interventions, including:
- Emergency shelter operations and expansion, including hotel and motel vouchers for immediate, safe placements.
- Permanent housing solutions such as rental subsidies, flexible housing resources, extended rapid rehousing, and prevention and diversion programs.
- Targeted youth interventions, including rapid rehousing for transition-age youth and dedicated youth shelter operations.
Together, these funds will strengthen the region's ability to respond to homelessness with solutions that prioritize stability, dignity, and long-term housing security—especially for San Diego's youth.
Black History Month Honoree
Each year, I honor community members who are making an impact or giving back to the people around them. I will be announcing my Black History Month Honoree on social media and will be posting a video summarizing their good work. Be sure to follow me to stay updated.
| DISTRICT HAPPENINGS |
Top left: Joined the National Electrical Contractors Association San Diego Chapter, for their annual Board Installation and Industry Celebration. Top right: Spent an early Saturday morning kayaking in the San Diego River and conducting a clean-up in the estuary. Bottom left: Attended the All People's Celebration hosted by Alliance of San Diego to honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. Bottom right: Had the opportunity to address the crowd at Circulate San Diego's Winter Membership Mixer.
| IN THE NEWS |
Time is running out for California to rein in big tech, lawmakers warn
San Diego leaders condemn harassment targeting Somali child care providers
| CLOSE OUT |
As always, I want to thank you for your support. I'm grateful to be your representative and work on these issues and more. One of the best ways to stay informed is to follow my social media accounts on Facebook, BlueSky, Threads, and Instagram where you can know in real time what developments are happening or what I'm working on every day.
And if you need assistance, please know that my district office staff is available and ready to serve or answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to the contact information at the end of this email, and a staff member will connect with you as soon as possible. I wish you, your family, and your neighbors all the best.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Ward
Assemblymember, 78th District