Dear District 36,
The 2026–2027 Legislative Session will officially conclude on Monday, August 31. I have been working hard to tackle the affordability crisis, eliminate government waste, and prioritize public safety.
On the legislative side, I am proud to share that my Senate Bill 1133, the Ready Learn, Ready for Health Act, which is aimed at giving students practical information to make healthier choices in their everyday lives, has passed and is headed to the governor’s desk. My bipartisan legislation is sponsored by the national nonprofit End Chronic Disease. California joins a growing number of states across the political spectrum pursuing policies that support healthier school environments and focus on prevention. SB 1133 does not require schools to add a new class or adopt a specific curriculum. Instead, it works through California’s existing curriculum review process.
In addition, language from my measure, Senate Bill 985, the Fix 911 Act, was incorporated into a budget bill that was passed in June and signed by the governor. No family should have to wonder whether a 911 call will be answered. Advancing the Fix 911 Act and strengthening oversight of the NextGen 911 program brings us one step closer to delivering the reliable emergency response Californians deserve.
I signed on as a principal co-author to Assembly Bill 760, authored by Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster), to ensure that any financial compensation provided to victims of the Garden Grove chemical incident is not taxed on or after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2031. The bipartisan bill would only apply to residents, property owners, and businesses that receive compensation payments connected to the Garden Grove chemical incident.
Senate Bill 1392, also known as Leno’s Law, is making its way through the legislative process. I am proud to be a coauthor of this bipartisan measure, which would expand smog check exemptions for older collector cars, including vehicles from model year 1986 and older. Click HERE to learn about other legislation that I have coauthored.
With Jay Leno in 2025, and at the SB 1392 press conference at the State Capitol in August 2026.
Affordability remains one of the biggest concerns facing Californians, and I've heard those same concerns from residents throughout the 36th Senate District. A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll reinforced that reality, stating that 63 percent of Californians say the cost of energy, including gasoline, natural gas, and electric utility bills, is a big problem, up 9 points since last July.
One of the bills I introduced this year was Senate Bill 1035, the Gas Tax Relief Act. California has the highest gas tax in the nation, and my legislation would have reduced the price of a gallon of gas by $1.08, saving a family of four an estimated $1,110 per year.
Although the bill did not advance and was killed by the majority, I remain committed to addressing California's affordability crisis.
Following the passing of Jackie the Bald Eagle, I introduced Senate Resolution 140, proclaiming September 4, 2026, as California Wildlife Day in remembrance of Jackie. The beloved California icon has inspired millions of people around the world to connect with wildlife and conservation. KFI AM640 radio, owned and operated by iHeartMedia in Southern California, is the sponsor of the Senate Resolution.
I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and voted in support of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 208, declaring September 25, 2026, as California Native American Day. Click HERE to watch my floor remarks before the Senate voted on its passage.
Click HERE to watch my floor remarks before the Senate voted on its passage.
I signed a letter with a bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators representing Ladera Ranch and the surrounding South Orange County communities to request that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Public Health, and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into the cluster of pediatric cancer cases affecting children in the Ladera Ranch community. Families have been deeply affected and deserve answers. Click HERE to read the full letter.
Click HERE to read the full letter.
District Highlights: Community Recognition
The Community Recognition Day in District 36 was a special one, as I had the honor of recognizing Executive Director Rosa Chang and Outreach Specialist Yeonhee Choi for their dedication and commitment to the Korean American Special Education Center.
I also presented a special Senate Recognition to the Seal Beach Police Department for its commitment to public safety and strengthening the community, alongside Chief Michael Henderson and Seal Beach Mayor Lisa Landau.
Photo 1: With Seal Beach Police Chief Michael Henderson and Seal Beach Mayor Lisa Landau.
Photo 2: With Executive Director Rosa Chang and Outreach Specialist Yeonhee Choi with KASEC.
I spent an incredible day touring Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, and I had the opportunity to see the base’s vital operations, including meeting students from across Senate District 36 participating in the outstanding STARBASE program. Thank you to everyone at JFTB Los Alamitos for the warm welcome and for all you do to serve our region!
Visiting with students at JFTB Los Alamitos.
National Night Out events in Senate District 36:
Team Strickland was proud to attend National Night Out events across the district and recognized our incredible public safety agencies. These meaningful events are part of an annual community-building campaign that strengthens partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. I am grateful to our first responders for their dedication and hard work in keeping our communities safe.
Team Strickland with Artesia City Council & L.A. County Sheriff's Lakewood Station, which serves the cities of Artesia and Hawaiian Gardens.
Team Strickland with the Buena Park Police Department
Team Strickland with the Laguna Beach Police Department
Honoring Small Businesses:
The Artesia Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Business Tour showcasing the outstanding small businesses that help make Artesia such a vibrant community. I was honored to join the chamber in recognizing these local businesses and celebrating their contributions. During the tour, I presented Certificates of Recognition to Ashoka the Great, Chic Culture Salon, and Sankalp Yoga Shala in honor of their contributions to the community. Congratulations as well to TJ's Submarines on its 50th anniversary and Shan Jewelers on its 30th anniversary. Here's to many more years of serving the Artesia community!
Recognizing TJ’s Submarines and Shan Jewelers with the Artesia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
I was honored to join the Orange County Business Council for its Legislative Day and speak with business leaders about the issues shaping California’s future. Thank you to everyone who participated in thoughtful discussions on strengthening our economy, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for our communities.
With business leaders and stakeholders at the Orange County Business Council’s Legislative Day.
I was proud to join Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein and Mayor Pro Tem George Breitigam to celebrate the Grand Opening of Whitten Sales! Veteran-owned and operated, Whitten Sales represents American small business, service to country, and our constitutional freedoms. Congratulations to the entire Whitten Sales team on this exciting new chapter.
With Garden Grove Vice Mayor Breitigam & Mayor Klopfenstein at the grand opening of Whitten Sales.
The Free Rein Foundation’s Unbridled Hope Gala in Huntington Beach holds a special place in my heart as an animal lover. It was wonderful to celebrate an organization that is making such a meaningful difference in the lives of both animals and people. This foundation gives abused and unwanted horses a second chance while helping young people find healing, confidence, and hope. Thank you to the dedicated volunteers, supporters, and community members who keep this mission forward.
Attended the Free Rein Foundation Unbridled Hope Gala in Huntington Beach.
Keeping families and senior citizens connected is one of the best investments a community can make. I joined Los Alamitos Mayor Tanya Doby at the unveiling of the Los Al Link service and took a ride in one of its vehicles. The Los Al Link is a citywide shuttle service for residents. If you’re interested in learning how to access the shuttle service, click HERE to get more information, download the Circuit APP, or call to schedule a ride at 562-609-4121.
With Los Alamitos Mayor Tanya Doby at the unveiling of the Los AI Link service.
Grand Opening highlights in Senate District 36:
Tony Lam Park Pickleball Courts in Westminster
HAX Indoor Batting Cages in Buena Park
Grand Re-Opening of the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress
Reset Cove in Dana Point grand opening and ribbon cutting
Grand Opening of La Pasta at Los Cerritos Center
Grand opening and ribbon cutting for The Smile Lounge in Los Alamitos
In Case You Missed It: The Strickland Spotlight
Affordability is more than just a talking point for me. As your State Senator, I am working hard to lower the cost of living, including trying to suspend California’s gas tax, which is the highest in the nation. Recently, The Orange County Register published my Op-ed where I articulated my opinions about how the majority of the Legislature, and the Governor are failing to address the issue of affordability in California. Click HERE to read my Op-ed.
Click HERE to read the full Op-ed as published in The Orange County Register.
The Sacramento Bee profiled my legislation, Senate Bill 1133, which is awaiting the governor’s signature. SB 1133 would implement preventive health education in grades 1-12. Click HERE to read the profile article.
Click HERE to read The Sacramento Bee article on SB 1133.
The High-Speed Rail is making news again, and this time the Inspector General warns that funding may dry up by December 2027. Here is what I told the California Post about the latest news: “The LAO described the public-private partnership plan as ‘risky,’ highlighting the uncertainty of relying on uncommitted funding and the reality that public-private partnerships only work when viable funding sources exist.” Click HERE to read the story published in The California Post and my full analysis.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued notices to 11,000 individuals stating that their driver's licenses would be revoked unless they retake the written examinations due to concerns of cheating. As vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I have heard from Californians who have expressed their concerns about the DMV. I sent a letter to the director of the DMV requesting additional information about what happened and the steps the department is taking to address the issue. Click HERE to read my letter to the DMV and click HERE to watch the story reported by ABC 10 Sacramento.
Click HERE to watch the story reported by ABC 10 Sacramento.
The Los Angeles Times also reported on the DMV issue. [Senator] Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) sent letters to the DMV demanding information on why certain tests were flagged and steps the department took to ensure people who lawfully obtained their license were not inadvertently penalized.
I voiced my concerns about Senate Bill 125, a private healthcare bill passed by the California State Legislature, which was reported on by the California Post. The bill is expected to increase healthcare costs for a family of four by an estimated $425 per year. Click HERE to see who voted in support of this new tax. I told the California Post that “The majority party has an addiction to spending. Despite record revenues, it has passed two large tax bills that will take money out of the pockets of hardworking families across California,” said state Sen. Tony Strickland. Click HERE to read the story.
Click HERE to read the story.
The state’s minimum wage is set to go up on January 1, 2027, as reported by the California Post, where I told them, “California is already about as anti-business as it gets, and now another minimum wage increase is set to take effect next year. Small, family-owned fast-food operators are already feeling the squeeze and have seen the serious harm this policy has caused.” Click HERE to read the story published in the California Post.
The Orange County Register featured the grand opening of Huntington Beach’s new surf museum last month, which was a momentous occasion for surfing legends, fans, and residents. I had the honor of presenting Senate Proclamations to surfing legend Peter “P.T.” Townend, the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, and the World Surfing League, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Click HERE to read the article published in The Orange County Register.
At the Huntington Beach Surf Museum with honorees Peter “P.T.” Townend and the World Surf League.
Click HERE to read the article published in The Orange County Register.
I wish you a wonderful Labor Day Weekend, which is Monday, September 7. My Sacramento and District offices will be closed to observe the holiday. We will be back on Tuesday, September 8, to serve you, and as always, my team and I are here to help you navigate state government. You can contact me at Senator.Strickland@senate.ca.gov or call (714) 374-4000.
In Friendship,
Senator Tony Strickland