Dear friend,

This week, we carried out a democratic tradition that has defined our country for over 200 years: the peaceful transition of power. The inauguration ceremony looked different this year due to COVID-19 concerns and the threat of political violence, but the extraordinary measures taken to ensure a safe and organized event allowed the ceremony to run smoothly.

I was honored to attend and represent the 52nd district at this event and thank everyone involved who organized this ceremony, as well as the law enforcement officers who kept us safe. Click here for my statement on this historic inauguration.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have been in office for two days and already hit the ground running for the American people. The administration signed a series of executive orders to rejoin the Paris Agreement, require non-citizens to be included in the Census, reverse restrictions on entry for passport holders from seven Muslim-majority countries, and fortify the DACA program. To address COVID-19, President Biden signed additional orders to expand testing capacity, enhance the nation's collection, production, sharing, and analysis of COVID-19 data, and direct FEMA to create federally-supported community vaccination centers, among many others.

I applaud the administration's swift action on these pressing issues, but we know that our work is far from over. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.

Click here for more pictures of my experience at the inauguration.

Co-sponsorship of resolution to remove deadline for ratification of the ERA

This week, a resolution I co-sponsored with Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14) was reintroduced to facilitate the expeditious ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). By removing the arbitrary deadline for ratification, the resolution clears up legal ambiguities and reaffirms Congress’ support for the ERA and women’s equality.

March for Our Lives town hall

Before leaving for Washington, D.C., I joined Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53) for a town hall hosted by March for Our Lives San Diego. We discussed the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol, the second impeachment of former President Trump, and actions to combat gun violence in our schools and our nation. Giving the next generation a seat at the table is critical for building a better future.

Volunteers for Vaccination Super Station

UC San Diego Health and the County of San Diego are currently welcoming the support of volunteers at the Vaccination Super Station near Petco Park. They are asking for volunteers, including licensed medical professionals who can perform vaccinations, administrative professionals, and non-medical professionals. Shift times will vary, but generally last 8 hours per shift. The minimum age to volunteer is 18.

Visit UC San Diego Health's website for more information.

Reminder: Individuals in Phase 1A and those age 75 and older may currently visit county-hosted vaccination sites, including the Petco Park Super Station. Click here for vaccination appointments and locations. If no appointments are currently available at your nearest site, check back regularly for openings.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or need assistance with a federal agency, reach out to us through our website or by calling the district office at 858-455-5550.

To stay updated on my work throughout the week, you can also follow my social media accounts seen below.

Stay safe and be well,