| JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER |
Happy New Year San Diego! I am back in Sacramento ready to get back to work for you! Please take the time to check out all of the amazing things that are happening down in our district, and up in Sacramento.
| LEGISLATIVE UPDATE |
This month, several of my two-year bills are moving out of their respective policy committees, marking important progress. AB 763 helps streamline approvals for timber harvesting projects that already meet California's environmental standards, allowing critical forest management and wildfire prevention work to move forward more efficiently. AB 1406 updates rules around condominium deposits to reduce financing barriers for new condo construction, while maintaining strong consumer protections and expanding opportunities for homeownership. My last of these two-year bills, AB 1070, takes a dual approach to addressing affordability and accountability by directing the state to review building standards that drive up housing costs for small multifamily projects and strengthening transit governance to better reflect the voices of riders and workers.
I will be sure to keep you all updated on their progress through my future newsletters.
Statement on the Governor's Proposed Budget
It is encouraging that a stronger-than-anticipated revenue forecast allows us to replenish Rainy Day Fund reserves used over the past two years and increase investments in public education. As the impacts of Trump's HR1 take effect, we must also ensure that critical safety-net programs like CalFresh, IHSS, and other essential supports have stable funding to meet Californians' needs. With continued federal threats to healthcare, education, child care, climate investments, and other priorities, the state budget must be prepared to respond.
I am disappointed that the draft budget once again falls short on housing. Long-term investments, from LIHTC to other housing programs, are essential to addressing the most urgent needs of families and workers in our district and across San Diego. As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism, I will be clear and firm in opposing efforts to defund public media and cultural institutions, which provide trusted information, educational programming, and vital local services. As a member of the Budget Committee, I will be fully engaged in the budget process to secure strong outcomes across these critical priorities.
| MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD |
Protect San Diego's Coast: Speak Out Against Offshore Drilling
Workers in boats try to clean up floating oil near gulls in the Talbert Marshlands as a 3,000-barrel oil spill, about 126,000 gallons, from an offshore oil rig reaches the shore and sensitive wildlife habitats in Newport Beach, California on October 3, 2021.
A new Trump Administration proposal could once again threaten California's coastline with expanded offshore oil and gas drilling, including waters that put San Diego's coastal economy and marine ecosystems at risk. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is considering up to six offshore lease sales over the next five years, raising serious concerns for communities that depend on clean oceans, thriving fisheries, and a healthy tourism industry. San Diego knows firsthand that offshore drilling puts beaches, marine life, and local jobs at risk, and history has shown that when drilling occurs, spills and long-term environmental damage often follow. Despite a 60-day public comment period, the federal government has not held an official hearing in California, limiting opportunities for coastal communities like ours to be heard. Public comments are now being accepted, and I strongly oppose any expansion of offshore drilling that threatens San Diego's coast and our shared marine resources. I encourage constituents to submit a written comment and make their voices heard by clicking the button below.
| CAPITOL HAPPENINGS |
Top: Hosted my first press conference of the year to announce my privacy bill package with advocates and stakeholders. Bottom: Joined my colleagues at a press conference to oppose the Trump Administration's new offshore drilling developments.
Delivering Over $105 Million to the 78th District
This year, the 78th Assembly District secured more than $105 million in state funding to support housing stability, homelessness prevention, environmental protection, youth services, and small businesses across our communities.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development awarded over $104 million for critical housing and homelessness programs, including Homekey+, multifamily housing development, homeownership assistance, permanent local housing allocations, and targeted support for transitional-age youth. These investments will help create and preserve affordable housing while providing vital services to those most in need.
Additional funding includes support for 27 local small businesses through CalSavers' Early Incentive Campaign, a Whale Tail Grant to I Love a Clean San Diego to protect our coastline, and a $500,000 Natural Resources Agency grant to Social Advocates for Youth to strengthen services for young people in San Diego.
Together, these awards represent a significant investment in the health, stability, and future of the 78th Assembly District — and reflect our continued commitment to delivering real resources back to our community.
| IN THE NEWS |
California Bill Would Ban Sale of Location, Other Sensitive Data
CA legislation seeks to curb immigration arrests
Newsom plans no new journalism funding despite $175 million funding deal with Google
| 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.
Christopher M. Ward
Assemblymember, 78th District