July 2026 Newsletter

Happy Pride, San Diego. As we head into the month of July, our office is hard at work advancing legislation and engaging with our community here in the district and in Sacramento.

The Legislature is currently on summer recess, giving me the opportunity to spend more time in the community and connect directly with all of you.

When we return in August, we will have just one month to move hundreds of bills through the Legislature before the session deadline.

I am curious as to how YOU would vote if you were in the legislature. Please take the time to fill out my legislative survey below to let me know your stance on some very important bills making their way through the legislature.

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Top Left: Presented my Community NEWS Act before the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee to support local journalism and strengthen community newsrooms.

Top Right: Hosted a Lunch & Learn with the Capitol LGBTQ Association, connecting with the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.

Bottom Left: Joined my staff and Assemblymember Garcia to cheer on Mexico as they took on Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup.

Bottom Right: Met with labor and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta to discuss key legislative priorities and the work still ahead.

America's 250th and the 4th of July

I hope everyone had fun getting to celebrate the Nation's 250th birthday! I was so happy to join both our University Heights and Mission Hills communities in their celebrations, as they kicked off their summer concert series. It was a treat getting to see so many of you out in the district celebrating the unity.

California Craft Beer Week and Breweries of the Year

This year I was proud to author HR 115 to recognize July 17-26 as California Craft Beer Week. Not only does Assembly District 78 have the most craft breweries out of any other in the Assembly. But thanks to over 100 nominations from constituents like you, I was happy to recognize three outstanding brewers as our 2026 Breweries of the Year! Congratulations to Good Pressure Brewing Co. from Allied Gardens, Pure Project with 5 locations across the San Diego region, and Blind Lady Ale House on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights. Be sure to click the link below to watch our highlight reel with quotes from each business.

San Diego Pride

While Pride is a year-round commitment, July is when San Diego comes together to celebrate LGBTQ+ joy, unity, and community. This year's Pride was a reminder of the strength we hold when we come together. It was wonderful to see so many friends, neighbors, and advocates at our Roundtable, Pride reception, and marching alongside us in the parade. Amidst the celebrations, we must always remember that Pride is, and always has been, a protest. As we face continued attacks on our rights across the country, we are standing firm in Sacramento to defend our freedoms and protect our safe haven. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make this year's San Diego Pride so special!

Top left: Toured the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park's new Elephant Valley expansion.

Top right: Visited the Mission Hills 4th of July celebration where I got to judge their annual pie contest..

Bottom left: Met with United Taxi Workers San Diego to discuss the challenges drivers are facing currently, and potential legislative ideas to support our local taxi workers.

Bottom right: Was proud to participate in University Heights Concerts in the Park celebrating 4th of July and America's 250th birthday. This event brings the community together and I am grateful to the volunteers that make it possible.

State lawmaker urges California to step in to protect rights of transgender troops

A California bill that preserves access to video games achieves its first victory

Sacramento Report: Trying to Buy a Condo? One Bill Aims to Give Market a Boost

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 stay informed in real time about what I'm working on and the latest developments.

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