| OCTOBER 2025 NEWSLETTER |
__SALUTATION__
Fall has arrived and San Diego seems to be finally making a turn towards those chilly and cozy nights. I have finally returned to my district for the rest of the year, so that means a lot of meetings with advocacy groups, town halls with constituents, and resource booths at community fairs. I have also been waiting on my bills that I sent to Governor Newsom to be signed into law. Keep reading for a sneak peak into what we have been up to this past month.
| LEGISLATIVE UPDATE |
This year I sent nine bills to the governor's desk to sign. Of those nine, the following have been signed:
- AB 82 Health Data Privacy & Safety Protections : Strengthens protections for individuals seeking and providing legally protected health services in California by safeguarding health data privacy and expanding safety measures, particularly for those involved in gender-affirming care.
- AB 253 - Permitting Reform: Allows homeowners and developers to use third-party licensed professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits.
- AB 368 - Passive Housing Standards: Directs the California Energy Commission to evaluate the adoption of certified Passive House energy efficiency standards as an alternative compliance pathway to existing Title 24 building efficiency standards.
- AB 518 - Low Impact Camping: Streamlines the permitting process for Low Impact Camping Areas or commercially available campgrounds that are approved by and meet all requirements set by local governments.
- AB 629 - School Districts Equipment Inventory: Updates an old rule that made schools track every item worth over $500 by raising the limit to $1,500, saving time and money by cutting down on unnecessary paperwork and keeping up with today's prices.
- AB 930 - Electoral Efficiency Act: Makes voting and recounts in California more fair and transparent by giving voters more time to return mail ballots, improving how recounts are handled, and requiring clearer public reporting of results.
- AB 1103 - Research Advisory Panel of California (RAP-C) Reform: Streamlines RAP-C's processes for approving medical and scientific research about medicines used for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorder, and other conditions driving the disproportionate incidence of suicide among veterans.
I want to thank Governor Gavin Newsom for his partnership in making sure we continue to eliminate cumbersome barriers for California families, work to reduce the cost-of-living for working Californians, and provide real world solutions to protecting our communities from the dangerous policies of the Trump Administration.
During this fall recess, my team and I begin to look at legislation that we might want to introduce this coming year and I would love to hear from you. I get some of my best ideas for legislation from constituents who are facing unique challenges within California. If you think you have a piece of legislation or a challenge you want addressed, please consider submitting your ideas here. My team will reach out to you before the end of the year to discuss submitted ideas.
| IN THE DISTRICT |
This weekend, Team Ward and I will be having resource booths at both Clairemont's 75th Birthday Bash and the Talmadge Block Party. If you are looking to chat, get resources, or test your California trivia knowledge to win a popsicle, please consider stopping by!
| OUT IN THE COMMUNITY |
Top Left: Presented my summer intern, Ethan Schnur, with a certificate of completion for his internship. Top Right: Joined Bay Park Elementary Students and the Barona Band of Mission Indians to present the Stingray students with the $5000 Barona Education Grant. Bottom Left: Hosted a legislative discussion with Jewish Family Services and other local partners to address how the cuts made by the Trump Administration have adversely affected our most vulnerable communities. Bottom Right: Walked with Team Ward at this year's Walk to Defeat ALS.
| IN THE NEWS |
San Diego Assemblymember Chris Ward's awaits Newsom's signature on nine of his bills
California Legislature passes bill to expedite residential building permits
Dr. Fabiola Bagula Named Assembly District 78 Latino Heritage Month Honoree
| 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