Senator Catherine S. Blakespear

My statement in response to recent reports of allegations of sexual abuse made against Cesar Chavez.

Happy to report that the Senate Public Safety Committee has just passed #SB936, my legislation aimed at preventing the widespread abuse of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug by limiting its sale to specific uses in certain industries. In the hearing, I displayed a large canister of nitrous oxide. These types of canisters are often marketed to youths and not for legitimate purposes, such as culinary or medical use. This is dangerous for individuals and for public safety.

Delighted to honor Caroline Matthews today as Senate District 38 Woman of the Year! A resident of Solana Beach, Caroline is the supervising attorney at Pathways to Citizenship, an immigration law nonprofit dedicated to keeping families together and helping eligible immigrants move toward permanent status and citizenship. Nowadays, hardworking immigrant families are fearful of our immigration system and often lack trust in others for help, but thanks to Caroline and people like her, they can get the support and guidance they need to understand the law, follow it and keep their families together. Caroline is an inspiration!

Today we celebrate the birthday of trailblazing U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away in 2020. She was a fierce advocate for social justice and gender equity, and moved the needle enormously for women's rights. Her endless fight for justice and equity for all makes her a lasting role model and inspiration for all Americans.

I enjoyed meeting the new Director of @Scripps_Ocean Meena Wadhwa this week. Meena's background and scientific expertise are phenomenal, and I know she'll do a terrific job. It's an honor to represent @UCSanDiego's Scripps Institution, a world-renowned center for important earth science research and education.

A helpful reminder from @SDSheriff about knowing the difference between an e-bike and an e-motorcycle. My bill, #SB1167, ensures consumers can trust they're buying an e-bike, not something else. @CalBike @peopleforbikes @streetsforall @Streets4Every1

On #InternationalWomensDay, I’m inspired by the generations of women who shattered barriers and opened doors for others. This week, I had the joy of celebrating the incredible women in our community who are strong role models lighting the way for the next generation. 💜

This wildlife crossing for animals to get across our massive freeway system is so cool!

Electric two-wheeled vehicles can go very fast and be dangerous for riders. My #SB1167 makes sure consumers know what they are getting when they purchase these vehicles, and know the risks and safety requirements. I am thankful that this e-bike accident in La Jolla did not result in life-threatening injuries, but it illustrates the dangers and the precautions that should be taken. lajolla.ca/news/public-sa…

Transit agencies across CA face extraordinary costs, near-term fiscal insolvency and declining ridership. That’s a fact, but there is a solution. We need bold, transformative reforms in our transit networks that result in higher, more reliable frequencies, a better experience for riders and easier access to service. I am glad to be in dialogue with @ToksOmishakin to talk about how we can improve rail and transit service in Southern CA and statewide.

Today I had the pleasure of visiting San Diego’s @right2dream Academy, a remarkable scholarship-based program that’s opening doors for student-athletes to pursue their dreams both on and off the field. The academy blends elite soccer training with strong academics and residential support, expanding access to opportunity for talented youth from across our region. My sincere thanks to Jeff Cook and the entire Right to Dream team for investing in San Diego’s future and helping the next generation of student-athletes reach their full potential.

SB 1088 makes sure there are no ambiguities or uncertainties about end-of-life care, if a person documents their wishes on an advanced care planning form. People should have control over the end of their lives and the care they receive, even if they are unconscious, and that’s what this legislation helps provide. Read more: sd38.senate.ca.gov/news/sen-blake…

We need to optimize rail service during events like the Olympics, the World Cup or big concerts or sporting events. SB 1136 will improve transportation planning for large events, so passengers can more easily and directly use rail services to get to them. A more customer-friendly approach will boost ridership and operator revenues. Read more: sd38.senate.ca.gov/news/sen-blake…

Faster and more powerful electric motorcycles are being marketed as e-bikes, which is dangerous to children and adults. SB 1167 makes clear to consumers whether they are buying an e-bike, which has defined limits for power and speed, or something else. Read more: sd38.senate.ca.gov/news/sen-blake…

@johndoe22791 I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you and your wife are having with the EDD. Please contact my Carlsbad District Office so my staff can assist you. You can reach them at (760) 438-2005.

@SenBlakespear Good morning Senator. My disabled wife has called EDD numerous times to try and get her 1099-G tax form for her disability but is unable to get a human. It says high call volume and then disconnects. How would you recommend we get this resolved??

Refinery closures are extremely complex and impactful to California. We need to know in advance of all the potential costs and consequences when oil refineries close so we can be prepared and limit the negative impact to communities, workers, local governments and the state as a whole. Read more: sd38.senate.ca.gov/news/sen-blake…

I was delighted this morning to present a $300K check to @CitySolanaBeach to use for a project to extend the Coastal Rail Trail through the city's north end to Encinitas. This ensures that cyclists and pedestrians will have a safe, continuous path through the entire city.

@Defenders @CaliforniaDFW Thank you for your support!

Thank you, @SenBlakespear for introducing SB 1135 – critically important legislation to provide @CaliforniaDFW with the staff & tools they need to successfully foster wildlife coexistence statewide as California's human population continues to grow while its natural areas shrink.

Our coastlines can’t thrive without sand. It protects our beaches, ecosystems, and way of life. The @CityofOceanside is taking action to tackle this challenge head-on. I had the privilege of joining city leaders for a briefing where researchers are testing the RE:BEACH artificial reef through wave simulations, which will help guide the reef’s final design. This groundbreaking project could become a model for coastal communities across California facing erosion challenges.