For the past year and a half, it has been an honor to represent you and our neighborhoods in the California State Assembly.
While in Sacramento, I remain focused on advancing legislation to improve public safety, expand access to health care, address affordability and housing challenges, protect reproductive rights, and strengthen consumer protections. These priorities are reflected in my 23-bill legislative package this year.
This is a busy time in the legislative calendar, as bills move through the policy committee phase, where they are debated and amended. My colleagues and I have been reviewing hundreds of proposals, and I’m pleased to share that several of my bills have already advanced out of committee with strong support.
As these measures continue through the process, my focus remains clear: advancing practical solutions that improve safety, strengthen accountability, and deliver results for our communities.
Read on for updates on my latest legislation, district and Capitol activities, and helpful resources.
As always, my office is here to serve you. Whether you have questions, concerns, or need assistance with any state-related services, please do not hesitate to reach out at Assemblymember.Stefani@Assembly.ca.gov or call (415) 557-2312.
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
- Policy & Legislation
- Committee Assignments
- In the Community
- Celebrating the Lunar New Year
- Sacramento Updates
- Community Resources
- Events
- Additional Resources
Sincerely,
Catherine Stefani
Assemblymember, 19th District
Policy & Legislation
Of the 23 bills I introduced this year, I’d like to highlight a few key measures that are moving forward and delivering meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our communities.
AB 871: Combatting Elder Financial Scams and Abuse
AB 1588: Sideshow Accountability & Community Safety Act
AB 1604: Banning Toxic Chemicals in Paper Receipts
AB 1734: Count Hunger Act
AB 1877: Strengthening Protective & Stay-Away Orders for Survivors
Committee Assignments
I’m pleased to share an update on my committee assignments for this legislative session. I was thrilled to be appointed to the Budget Committee, where I will help shape the state’s fiscal priorities and ensure responsible investments that serve the needs of our neighborhoods.
I will also continue serving on four of my previous committees, maintaining a strong focus on the issues that matter most to our district, and will remain Co-Chair of the Legislative Ethics Committee. In addition, I have recently been appointed Co-Chair of the Legislature’s Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.
In the Community
175th San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade
I had a great time at the 175th annual San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
So much history, culture, and tradition in this parade for our city’s incredible Irish American communities. Proud to celebrate the generations of families who have helped shape San Francisco and keep these traditions strong.
Naari — International Women’s Day Celebration
I was honored to celebrate International Women’s Day alongside the Consulate General of India in San Francisco and the Association of Indo Americans. I am deeply grateful to have received the Trailblazer Woman Award and to stand alongside so many incredible women making meaningful change across our state.
International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the achievements of women, but also to reflect on the work that still lies ahead. Progress does not happen on its own; it happens because women step forward, raise their voices, and work tirelessly to create more opportunities for those who follow.
Claude Forever
Earlier this year, San Francisco said goodbye to Claude.
For 17 years, Claude quietly welcomed millions of us to the California Academy of Sciences, asking only that we slow down, look closely, and share a moment of wonder. Families planned visits around him. School children pressed their hands to the glass. Staff built their days around checking in on him.
My own children grew up with Claude, like so many kids in the city. Watching him taught them about curiosity, respect for living things, and the joy of simply observing the world as it is.
In a city full of icons, Claude became one of our most beloved without ever seeking the spotlight. He reminded us that presence itself can be powerful. Born different and vulnerable, he found a home in a city that celebrates misfits and originals, where his difference was honored, not hidden.
Claude lived a long and deeply loved life. The swamp may be quieter now, but the mark he leaves on San Francisco is anything but small.
Rest easy, Claude. Thank you for the calm, the wonder, and the joy. San Francisco will miss you.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Richmond District
In February, I kicked off the Year of the Horse at the Richmond Lunar New Year Parade and Night Market!
Thank you to the Richmond Neighborhood Center and all the participating organizations for bringing the neighborhood together in the heart of Richmond for a day filled with fun and festivities, while supporting small businesses and local artists!
Ocean Avenue
Later that month, I was proud to co-host the 2026 Ocean Avenue Lunar New Year Celebration alongside the Community Youth Center and Supervisors Myrna Melgar and Chyanne Chen. A big thank you to everyone who came together to make this event another major success for the Ingleside and Oceanview neighborhoods.
Lunar New Year Celebration at the State Building in San Francisco
As we closed out the Lunar New Year, I was thrilled to once again co-host the annual celebration at the State Building in San Francisco. This gathering brings together neighbors from across the city and highlights the rich cultural traditions of our Chinese American and AAPI communities.
San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
Thank you to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco for once again organizing the incredible Chinese New Year Parade! Right in the heart of our city, this parade is truly unforgettable and always a highlight of the Lunar New Year season.
Sacramento Updates
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Such an exciting opportunity to visit my alma mater, University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, for their Annual Legislative Speaker Series!
I’m especially thrilled to share that I’ll be teaching a course there this fall, Guns & Torts! We’ll tackle one of the most pressing legal questions of our time: When gun violence occurs, who can be held liable? From the constitutional and federal barriers that often block civil claims to the new litigation strategies gaining traction in courts, this class will dig into the evolving fight for accountability.
I can’t wait to be in the classroom learning alongside our next generation of advocates!
Heart Disease Awareness Month
February was Heart Disease Awareness Month, and my colleagues and I proudly wore red to show our support.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and the number one cause of maternal death for new moms. I’m proud to stand with the California Women’s Caucus and the American Heart Association of Northern California to raise awareness, save lives, and promote healthier futures for women across the state.
Mom’s Demand Action — Advocacy Day at the Capitol
As a former leader with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, I have a special place in my heart for their work and am continually impressed by their advocacy. Thank you all for coming to Sacramento to lobby for critical gun violence prevention bills. Your voices make a real impact in these halls and help advance life-saving legislation time and again.
I’m incredibly proud to work alongside these advocates and to be advancing a strong package of gun violence prevention bills this session.
UCSF School of Dentistry Grant
I was thrilled to present the UCSF School of Dentistry with $1.8 million in state funding to support dental training and expand access to oral health care across California.
Too many Californians struggle to get basic dental care because of where they live or what they earn. The DDS-ASPIRE program trains dentists from underserved communities and sends them back to serve those same communities. It works, and I’m excited to partner with UCSF to keep this critical program going.
Community Resources
California’s Unclaimed Property Law requires financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations, businesses, and certain other entities to report and submit their customers’ property to the State Controller’s Office when there has been no activity for a period of time (generally three years). Common types of unclaimed property include, but are not limited to: bank accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, wages, and safe deposit box contents. Property does not include real estate.
19th Avenue Rehabilitation Project
Caltrans is scheduled to begin the second and final phase of the 19th Avenue Rehabilitation Project in the spring, after the successful completion of the first phase in January 2026.
The second phase will repave all northbound and southbound lanes of 19th Avenue (State Route 1) between Lincoln Way and Holloway Avenue. Organizing the work in three weekend closures will reduce the impact on the public from 40 to nine days. For all three closures, two lanes are scheduled to be fully closed with one lane open for public transit, emergency responders, and local access.
The California Department of Insurance has informational guides to help you with the purchase of insurance, what you may need to know, and some related information. The information is divided into automobile, residential, health, life, business, seniors, and general insurance.
Home Match connects community members seeking housing with older adults who have extra space in their homes. Each match is personalized with the process overseen by program staff—at no cost to participants. Home Match benefits everyone. It decreases isolation, provides housing security, and above all, builds community.
Financial Assistance for Utility Bills
PG&E has several programs to provide bill assistance to residents in need. Learn more about low-income assistance, family rates, and other financial assistance programs.
Events
Neighborhood Cleanups
Richmond District Neighborhood Cleanup
Volunteers will meet on the First Thursdays of the month at One Richmond (802 Clement St) to grab supplies and form crews. Cleaning will take place from 3:30pm to 4:30pm throughout the neighborhood.
RSVP HERE.
Fort Miley Cleanup
Public parking available at El Camino del Mar Parking Lot. From the parking lot, take the paved trail marked Picnic Area to the top. Volunteers will meet every Thursday at Fort Miley (Battery Chester) to grab supplies and form crews. Then, cleaning, painting, and trail maintenance will occur every Thursday from 10am to 12pm around Fort Miley.
RSVP HERE.
Lower Divisadero Cleanup
Volunteers will meet on the last Sunday of the month at Bodhi Meditation SF (323 Divisadero St) to grab supplies and form crews. Then, cleaning will take place from 10:30am to 12am throughout the neighborhood.
RSVP HERE.
Marina Happy Hour Cleanup
Volunteers will meet every Thursday at Wilder (3154 Fillmore St) every 4th Thursday to grab supplies and form crews. Then, cleaning will take place from 4pm to 5pm throughout the neighborhood. Stay afterwards for a free round on the house and meet fellow volunteers.
RSVP HERE.
Miraloma Cleanup
Volunteers will meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Mollie Stone's Tower Market (635 Portola Dr) to grab supplies and form crews. Then, cleaning will take place from 10am to 11:30pm throughout the neighborhood. Stay afterwards for a free coffee from Starbucks and meet fellow volunteers.
RSVP HERE.
Masonic Avenue Cleanup
Volunteers will meet every Wednesday at Trader Joe’s (3 Masonic Ave) to grab supplies and form crews. Then, cleaning will take place from 9:30am to 11am throughout the neighborhood.
RSVP HERE.
Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile
Date: Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile features local vendors, makers, merchants, artists, live music, and children’s activities every Sunday at 37th Avenue and Ortega!
Share Your Input on Prospective Future SamTrans Funding
SamTrans’ Connect Bay Area Connect Bay Area (SB 63) Local Investment Plan
Connect Bay Area Local Investment Plan
This November, there could be a regional transit measure on the ballot. If it qualifies and passes, approximately $50 million will come to SamTrans every year for 14 years for public transit purposes. SamTrans wants to hear your priorities for how these funds should be spent in San Mateo County. Take the survey here: https://www.samtrans.com/projects/LocalFundingPlan
Plan de Inversión Local del Área de la Bahía (Connect Bay Area)
Una medida de tránsito regional podría estar en la boleta electoral este noviembre. Si la medida se aprueba, SamTrans recibiría aproximadamente $50 millones cada año por 14 años para propósitos de transporte público. SamTrans quiere saber sus prioridades sobre cómo invertir estos fondos en el Condado de San Mateo. Tome la encuesta aquí: https://www.samtrans.com/projects/LocalFundingPlan
Connect Bay Area 湾区地方投资计划
今年11月，一项关乎区域交通的提案可能会被纳入投票表决。如果该提案最终能够获得通过，SamTrans 将在未来14年内，每年获得约5000万美元的资金，用于改善当地的公共交通服务。SamTrans诚邀您就这笔资金在圣马特奥郡的优先使用方向建言献策。点击此处参与调查：https://www.samtrans.com/projects/LocalFundingPlan
Connect Bay Area Lokal na Plano sa Pamumuhunan
Ngayong Nobyembre ay maaaring magkaroon ng panrehiyong panukala sa balota hinggil sa transpotasyon. Kung ito ay kwalipikado at makapasa, humigit-kumulang $50 milyon ang darating sa SamTrans bawat taon sa loob ng 14 na taon para sa mga layunin ng pampublikong sasakyan. Gustong marinig ng SamTrans ang iyong mga priyoridad sa wastong paggamit ng mga pondong ito sa San Mateo County. Kumuha ng survey dito: https://www.samtrans.com/projects/LocalFundingPlan
Support Pediatric Cancer Research Through Your State Tax Return (Code 488)
Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund
Californians can now contribute directly to lifesaving childhood cancer research when filing their state tax returns. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children under 20. Still, less than 8% of federal cancer research funding goes to childhood cancer. Together, we can help close the gap by donating to the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund on the CA tax returns form. Donate any amount through your CA tax return to the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund by checking the box for code 448 and bring hope to kids with cancer and their families across our state.
La temporada de impuestos ya comenzó, y con ella llega una oportunidad clave para apoyar la investigación del cáncer infantil. El cáncer es la principal causa de muerte por enfermedad en niños menores de 20 años. Aun así, menos del 8% del financiamiento federal para la investigación del cáncer se destina al cáncer infantil. Juntos, podemos ayudar a cerrar esta brecha donando al Fondo de Investigación del Cáncer Infantil y marcando la casilla del código 448 en la declaración de impuestos de California
