NOVEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER |
__SALUTATION__
As the year begins to wind down, our team has been busy preparing legislation for the upcoming session, connecting with the community, and advancing policies that make a lasting impact. Scroll down to see what we've been working on and what's coming up this month!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE |
During the interim recess, my team and I use this time to research new bill concepts, advance our two-year measures, and meet with constituents to discuss their policy ideas. On the two-year front, I am working to bring back my surveillance pricing bill (formerly AB 446), which would prohibit the practice; my geolocation privacy bill (formerly AB 322), which would ban the sale and excessive retention of location data; and my timber harvest permitting streamlining bill (formerly AB 763).
We have a lot of great ideas in the works right now, but I want to hear more from you. If you have an idea for a new law or see an issue that should be addressed through legislation, I encourage constituents of Assembly District 78 to visit our website and submit your proposal through the bill-idea form. Many laws begin with constituents who identify a problem and bring it forward. Whether your idea is big or small, I want to hear it.
The State of Public Media
On November 12, I had the opportunity to chair an informational hearing of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism at KPBS's Conrad Prebys Media Complex at San Diego State University. We brought together leaders from PBS SoCal, KCRW, SAG-AFTRA, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR to discuss the future of public media in California and the impact of recent federal funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Panelists shared how these changes could affect local news coverage, educational programming, and access to public broadcasting, particularly in rural and underserved communities. We also explored ways the state can support local stations and ensure that Californians continue to have access to trusted, community-centered media.
IN THE DISTRICT |
The Civics Contest Is Still Open!
All the prizes for my third annual Civics Contest have officially been announced! If you would like to see a full list, please click here. If you know a student in the 4th, 8th, and 10th grade, who lives or goes to school in Assembly District 78, they are eligible to participate and win these prizes. This contest is a great opportunity for students to explore important topics related to civic engagement while flexing their creativity and critical thinking skills. The deadline is quickly approaching, so please ensure your submissions are received by Wednesday, December 17.
For more information — including contest guidelines and how to submit entries, please visit my website.
Veteran of the Year
It is my great honor to announce that our 2025 Veteran of the Year Honoree for the 78th Assembly District is the Honorable Peter Lynch, Lieutenant Colonel, US Marine Corps retired and current San Diego Superior Court Judge! As a Marine Lieutenant Colonel, his career was already remarkable, serving in support of Operation Desert Storm. But, what sets him apart is that he answered the call to come out of retirement twice to lead Marines in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning a Bronze Star for his service. When his military service concluded, his service to our community began. He became a tireless advocate for disability rights in the legal profession, and his journey culminated in his appointment as a Superior Court Judge, where he continues his public service today.
I want to thank everyone who participated in my call for nominations. Please keep an eye out for upcoming newsletters that ask for other community suggestions for honorees. I love being able to celebrate the unsung heroes in the district.
OUT IN THE COMMUNITY |
Top Left: Providing an end of year update to the Mira Mesa Town Council Top Right: Touring Lambda Archives in University Heights Bottom Left: Meeting with CalFire at the Ramona Air Attack Base Bottom Right: Chairing an informational hearing for the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism.
IN THE NEWS |
Opinion: LGBTQ+ Victory Institute proves representation is resistance
San Diego lawmaker proposes ban on 'surveillance pricing'
California public media leaders say loss of federal funding puts local news at risk
CLOSE OUT |
As always, I want to thank you for your support. I am 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