December Newsletter: Season’s Greetings as we ring in 2026!

We are days away from my return to Sacramento in January, where I will continue fighting for families, businesses, students, and everyone who calls Senate District 36 home. I’ve enjoyed my time in the district over the past several months, where I’ve been meeting with various groups, listening to constituents, and partnering with local law enforcement to support our senior citizens and bring smiles to young faces during this holiday season. When I return to Sacramento, I remain committed to advocating for adequate funding for Proposition 36, the anti-crime initiative; eliminating government waste, such as the failed high-speed rail project, as California faces a projected $18 billion budget deficit; and advancing legislation to rein in unaccountable and unelected boards and commissions that create policies affecting the daily lives of Californians without proper legislative oversight or transparency.

This month, I want to share with you what’s been happening in Senate District 36. December is a season of joy, with celebrations of Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year. It’s also a time of transition in our local governments, as leaders are appointed to new positions and others hang up their hats to begin the next chapter of their lives. 

I extend my congratulations and gratitude to those who are stepping forward to serve, and to those whose service has made a lasting impact on our community. Below are some highlights.

Leadership Highlights:  

Thank you to Pat Burns for your leadership over the past year as Mayor of Huntington Beach, and congratulations to Huntington Beach Mayor, Casey McKeon.

I presented outgoing Huntington Beach Mayor, Pat Burns with a California State Senate Resolution.

I look forward to working with Mayor Jim Cunneen, who will take on the leadership role for the City of Fountain Valley.

Congrats to Fountain Valley’s new Mayor, Jim Cunneen. 

Thank you, Mayor Lisa Landau, for your steady leadership over the past year with the City of Seal Beach, as you begin your second term as mayor. 

Team Strickland presented her with a Certificate of Recognition.

Meanwhile, I wished Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung the best in her well-earned retirement, and to Dana Point City Manager Mike Killebrew for 18 years of dedicated service to the city! 

Top photo: Outgoing Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung 

Bottom photo: Outgoing Dana Point City Manager Mike Killebrew

I recognized Ed Molina with a California State Senate Resolution in appreciation of his outstanding leadership and service as President of the Orange County REALTORS, and Dave Stefanides for his impactful work as CEO of the organization.

Left to right: Ed Molina and Dave Stefanides

Laguna Beach Realtors Installation Breakfast: I’m grateful to support a dedicated group of professionals who play a vital role in our community. Thank you for having me, and it was a pleasure to install the incoming Board of Directors. Congrats to the new board and thank you to the outgoing board for your service.

It was a packed house at the Laguna Realtors Installation Breakfast!

Healthcare Briefing: I have continued to hold discussions with various trade associations in the district to learn more about their concerns as I prepare to return to Sacramento in January. Recently, I sat down with a group of healthcare professionals from the California Hospital Association (CHA) and the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) to understand concerns such as healthcare costs, regulations, and access. 

With members of CHA and HASC. 

Championing Our Local Educational Institution: I’m proud to represent Cerritos College, an outstanding public community college in Senate District 36 that continues to deliver for our students and families, earning the distinction of being ranked #1 in California. Thank you to the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who hosted my tour and shared more about the wide range of Career Technical Education programs at Cerritos College.

With Cerritos College Culinary Arts Instructor Jesusita Lopez and President/Superintendent Jose Fierro.

Focusing on our Senior Citizens: I teamed up with the Huntington Beach Police Department, the Automobile Club of Southern California, and the California Department of Insurance to host the   Keeping the Keys event at the Huntington Beach Central Library. Presenters shared tips and resources to help our senior drivers stay confident and safe on the roads.

Thank you to AAA, California Dept. of Insurance, and the Huntington Beach Police Department for your partnership! 

In the News: 

Another somber issue is the projected $18 billion budget deficit, $5 billion higher than originally anticipated. Despite California’s higher revenue outlook for 2026, wasteful government spending and poor planning continue to negatively impact our State. Click HERE to watch my interview on KTLA 5 Los Angeles. 

During an interview with Nexstar California Capitol Correspondent Eytan Wallace.

I also spoke with The Daily Caller about California’s housing and affordability crises. With the average cost of a home now ranging between $800,000 and $900,000, the American Dream of homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many families. Click HERE to read the article and learn more about my perspective.