Dear Neighbor,
According to a recent national poll by KFF, an independent nonprofit health policy research organization, 6 in 10 voters worry about being able to afford healthcare, while nearly 6 in 10 are concerned about the cost of gas and transportation.
This year, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 125, a healthcare tax on private insurance. It is a $1.5 billion annual hit on private health insurance through 2030, adding an extra $400 a year for families of four on a health plan.
California families deserve access to quality healthcare without the added worry of rising costs. As your state Senator representing California’s 36th Senate District, I carefully consider how every piece of legislation could affect your household budget before casting my vote. Affordability must come first.
Californians deserve transparency, accountability, and a government that is working for you.
Sacramento Updates
Before the 2026 Legislative Session ended, I secured $1 million in funding for coastal protection in the City of San Clemente. This much-needed investment will help address the city’s long-standing beach erosion problem while protecting the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, an important transportation link connecting communities throughout Southern California. Our beaches and coastal infrastructure are important to Orange County communities, providing families with outdoor spaces to enjoy, supporting local businesses, and connecting our communities. My office is in ongoing communication with the City of San Clemente, the California Coastal Commission, and the California State Coastal Conservancy to coordinate the disbursement of the funding. Click HERE to read for additional information.
I have been following the evolving situations in Orange County coastal communities, including Newport Beach, San Clemente, and Dana Point, caused by the elevated surf and high tide conditions from Tropical Storm Rachel and Hurricane Marie. I visited homeowners in Dana Point’s Capistrano Bay community and Capistrano Shores in North San Clemente to hear about their concerns. My office is in constant communication with the County and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for updates.
At Capistrano Shores in North San Clemente, surveying damage.
In Dana Point’s Capistrano Bay community, surveying red- and yellow-tagged homes.
I shared this information in my September newsletter, but I want to share it with you again. After my colleagues and I delivered a bipartisan letter urging the Governor to declare a State of Emergency for the Orange County coastal region, the Governor issued a State of Emergency in preparation for El Niño. The cities of Dana Point, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente declared local emergencies, and I am grateful for the state declaration of a State of Emergency. This means resources are quickly mobilized when a disaster strikes. Click HERE to read the bipartisan letter.
Click HERE to read the bipartisan letter.
The Inspector General of the California High-Speed Rail Authority disclosed disturbing information about the alleged misuse of public funds by the project’s consultants for their luxury travel. It is your tax dollars, but these project consultants treat them like their personal ATM. I joined my colleagues in signing a letter urging the California Attorney General to investigate. At a time when California families are paying the highest gas tax in the nation to fund the high-speed rail, we cannot afford this wasteful spending. Click HERE to read the letter.
Click HERE to read the letter.
My father is my hero. Sergeant First Class Donald Strickland proudly served in the U.S. Army and dedicated his career to serving our country. I saw firsthand the impact of his service, and I will always stand with and support our veterans. I voted in support of Assembly Bill 2203, the Putting Veterans First Act. This law is meaningful to me. The law strengthens support for students from military and Medal of Honor families, removes unnecessary barriers to educational progress, and reinforces California’s commitment to higher education opportunities for veteran students. We owe it to those who served and to their families to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed.
Over the years, I’ve read far too many reports about e-bike accidents. That’s why it’s so important for riders to learn how to ride safely and understand the rules of the road. Assembly Bill 1569, authored by Assemblymember Laurie Davies, who represents the 74th Assembly District, is a step in the right direction toward better e-bike safety and training.
District Highlights
I’m grateful to the Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano for their swift, coordinated response to this month's Norte Fire and for protecting residents in both communities. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the fire, and I’m thankful that no lives were lost. The governor announced a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will help cover eligible firefighting and emergency response costs, easing the financial burden on state and local agencies and providing additional resources to support response efforts in Orange County.
At the OCFA press conference with local and federal elected officials to provide an update on the Norte Fire on Friday, October 16.
Thank you to the Seal Beach Rotary Club for the invitation to its monthly meeting to share updates on what I have been working on in Sacramento this past year. I always appreciate the chance to sit down with local leaders and talk about how we can keep working together to solve problems and come up with meaningful solutions.
At the Seal Beach Rotary Club.
I joined the Accessible Huntington Beach event, where I presented the City of Huntington Beach with a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate to celebrate being rated as the No. 1 city in California and No. 10 in the nation for people with disabilities. Making our beaches and community more accessible provides opportunities for everyone to create memories, connect, and feel at home in Surf City, USA. Thank you to Visit Huntington Beach, Wheel the World, and CultureCity for collaborating on this achievement.
At the Accessible Huntington Beach press event.
I was proud to attend the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Heroes Appreciation Luncheon, honoring the brave men and women who serve our communities. In my speech, I relayed how “We can never thank these individuals enough because they are the heroes of our community.”
I remain steadfast in supporting our police officers and firefighters and ensuring they have the resources and tools they need to keep us safe.
2026 Heroes Appreciation Luncheon in Los Alamitos.
I attended the Building Owners and Managers Association’s(BOMA) Annual Sip, Support, and Socialize event in Irvine. It was great catching up with fellow state legislators and local councilmembers, including Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Senator Steven Choi, Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Irvine City Councilmember James Mai, and Huntington Beach City Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark. Industry leaders shared exciting projects coming to our communities.
With state and local elected officials at
BOMA’s annual Sip, Support, & Socialize event.
I was glad to stop by the American Legion Huntington Beach Post 133 to honor the outstanding students who participated in Boys & Girls State. It is important to mentor the next generation of leaders and take time to recognize their commitment to leadership, citizenship, and public service. Congratulations to all.
Boys & Girls State Honorees at Huntington Beach Post 133.
Team Strickland was proud to join the Fountain Valley Rotary Club at the Ed Arnold Gala to celebrate Tam Nguyen as Volunteer of the Year. From leading in business and education, to serving on countless community boards and giving back across Orange County, Tam has dedicated years to lifting others up and strengthening our community.
Tam Nguyen receiving a special Senate Resolution from Team Strickland.
Team Strickland attended the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Breakfast and shared an update on the work we’re doing for the 36th Senate District. We also appreciated hearing from small business owners and constituents in Fountain Valley about the issues that matter to them. Thanks to everyone who attended and made it such a welcoming and informative gathering.
Team Strickland at the Fountain Valley Chamber’s Legislative Breakfast.
Team Strickland joined the Orange County Women’s Business Coalition’s HerVoice United event with Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein to hear about her priorities for the City of Garden Grove. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to connect, celebrate women in leadership, and be part of a community that continues to amplify women’s voices and impact. Thank you to the OCWBC for creating a space for connection, collaboration, and empowerment.
Team Strickland at the OC Women’s Business Coalition’s
HerVoice United event in Garden Grove.
Team Strickland joined the Optimist Club of Cerritos for an informative presentation from the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts.
The highlight of the morning was surprising Tom Jauregui, father of my staff member Zechariah Jauregui, with a Senate resolution celebrating his incredible 25 years of service to Cerritos and the surrounding Los Angeles County community. Congratulations, Tom, and thank you for everything you have done for our region.
Presenting Tom Jauregui with a Senate Resolution.
Since its debut in 2016, the Pacific Airshow has become a beloved Huntington Beach tradition, bringing world-class military and civilian aviation demonstrations to our coastline. This year’s 10th anniversary was another tremendous success, drawing more than a million spectators and showcasing the very best of Surf City. I’m incredibly proud to represent Huntington Beach in the State Senate and to see our community continue to host an event that celebrates American aviation, supports local businesses, and brings people of all ages together from across the country and around the world.
2026 Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach.
District Grand Openings
Congratulations to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) on completing the coastal rail project at Mariposa Point and reopening the San Clemente Beach Trail. This milestone represents an important step toward protecting the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, strengthening coastal resiliency, and restoring public access to a treasured community trail. This project helps safeguard vital transportation connections while preserving the coastal experience. This milestone is a strong example of bipartisan leadership, government collaboration, and working together to solve problems.
OCTA’s ribbon-cutting celebration.
I joined residents, community members, and the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce (NOCC) to celebrate the grand opening of a new McDonald’s in Buena Park. Local businesses play a vital role in creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Congratulations to the City of Buena Park for welcoming a new business, and thank you to the NOCC for its continued support of our local business community.
Grand opening of McDonald’s in Buena Park.
Grand opening of Seniornicity in Huntington Beach.
Grand opening of Woodbury Park in Garden Grove.
Memorial Grove Tree Planting Ceremony in Buena Park.
Grand Opening of Tanishq Jewelry in Artesia.
ICYMI: The Strickland Spotlight
The Orange County Register reported on the $1 million I secured for coastal protection in the City of San Clemente. Click HERE to read the story published in the Orange County Register.
Click HERE to read the story in the Orange County Register.
Thank you, Andrew Gregson, CEO of the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce, for having me on the ChamberTalk podcast to discuss a wide range of topics, including affordability, public safety, housing, energy, and the future of California. Click HERE to watch the podcast.
Click HERE to watch the podcast.
I joined Elex Michaelson, who hosts The Story Is with Elex Michaelson on CNN, to discuss a variety of issues, including the affordability crisis on the minds of many Californians. Click HERE to watch my analysis on CNN.
At the CNN studios in Burbank.
I was on FOX 40 and KTLA 5 Los Angeles to discuss my concerns about the Inspector General’s report disclosing more than $600,000 of alleged misuse of public funds by the High-Speed project consultants, which went toward luxury travel, gyms, tiki lounges, and an escape room. I was deeply troubled hearing this news because California families are paying the highest gas tax in the nation to fund this boondoggle project. Once again, I’ve urged my colleagues to defund this project altogether, which will provide some relief to California drivers. Click HERE to watch the story.
Click HERE to watch the story.
The Center Square News also covered the high-speed rail controversial spending and asked me to weigh in. I told the Center Square News, “It’s not their money. It’s the people’s money. Now, with this mismanagement, it’s shown that they are using taxpayer dollars to live large when most people are barely living paycheck to paycheck.” Click HERE to read the story published in The Center Square News.
Click HERE to listen to my interview on KFI about the high-speed rail controversy.
Fall is officially here, which means Daylight Saving Time ends November 1. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday, October 31.
November 3 is the General Election, and on Election Day, the polls open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. The Orange County Registrar of Voters offers some great resources. Click HERE to learn more about them.
Lastly, on Wednesday, November 11, my Capitol and District offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. My staff and I will return Thursday, November 12, and be ready to help you navigate state government and access the services you need. As always, you can reach me at [email protected] or call (714) 374-4000.
In Friendship,
Tony Strickland
Senator, California 36th Senate District