September 2026 Newsletter

Hey San Diego! As we head into fall, my office is continuing to work hard for you and the incredible district we're proud to call home.

Adams Avenue Street Fair

The Adams Avenue Street Fair is back for its 44th year celebrating local music, food, and community! My office will be hosting a resource booth on Saturday, September 19, where staff will be on hand to connect and share community resources. Be sure to stop by and say hello. I hope to see you on Adams Avenue!

Latino Lawn Program

September is recognized as Latino Heritage Month across California. Each year, my office honors an outstanding leader who goes above and beyond to uplift the Latino community and celebrate our rich cultural heritage. I invite you to join me on Saturday, September 19, at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages Latino Lawn Program in Balboa Park as we recognize this year's honoree, Gloria Cruz Cardenas.

Top Left: Met with constituents in Allied Gardens at a community coffee where we discussed the outcome of this legislative session and issues that they would like to see addressed in the future.

Top Right: Enjoyed some time playing California Trivia and handing out popsicles at my booth at Clairemont Family Day.

Bottom Left: Had the honor to speak at the USD Kroc School of Peace Studies' 9/11 Remembrance Event.

Bottom Right: Honored labor leaders and up-and-coming young labor organizers and scholarship recipients at the John S. Lyons Memorial Foundation Celebration.

Make Your Voice Heard!

As this year's legislative session comes to a close, I'm already beginning to craft my legislative package for next year — and I want to hear from YOU!

If you have an idea for a new law or a change you think California should make, I encourage you to submit a bill proposal through my website. My team and I will review submissions as we consider legislation to introduce next year.

Constituent ideas can make a real difference. This year alone, I authored four proposals that came directly from constituents in our district. Your idea could be next!

Surveillance Pricing Update

As some of you are aware, my surveillance pricing bill (AB 2564) unfortunately did not make it out of the Assembly, but the fight to stop surveillance pricing is far from over. With AI rapidly integrating into our daily lives, the silent targeting and pickpocketing of Californians trying to shop affordably will only get worse.

I am grateful to my colleagues who supported this effort, engaged seriously with the issue, and asked the tough questions. At its core, AB 2564 was a common-sense solution: companies should not be able to secretly use our personal data to exploit how much we pay.

I made significant improvements to the policy this year despite fierce opposition from those benefiting from the status quo. I also began organizing with legislators from other states to compare approaches, knowing the Trump administration is turning a blind eye to consumers. I will continue to lead with truth and transparency, build on this year's progress, and carry this fight into next year.

Californians deserve an affordable marketplace that is fair, transparent, and does not weaponize their personal information against them.

Awaiting Signature from the Governor

As we count down the days until September 30, I am awaiting the Governor's signature on the remainder of my legislative package. From helping local newsrooms keep their doors open, to strengthening protections for our most sensitive data, to keeping utility costs affordable, these bills will make a real difference for Californians.

To see the full list of bills I introduced this year, click HERE.

Left: Spoke at a press conference before the end of session about AB 1813, which expands access to community solar and storage, helping more Californians benefit from clean energy and lower utility bills.

Right: Joined in on the fun up in Sacramento for our annual Spirit Week shenanigans! This year, I teamed up with my staff to dress as "twins".

California lawmaker pushes to ban AI-powered surveillance pricing before legislative deadline

'Surveillance pricing' is legal gouging. California legislators don't seem to care

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