Message From Catherine (04/29/2025)

March and April have been a whirlwind of activity, both in our neighborhoods and at the State Capitol! From celebrating Women’s History Month and St. Patrick’s Day to welcoming the first days of spring, this has been a meaningful time to connect with our community in my new role as your Assemblymember.

In Sacramento, my colleagues and I have been hard at work reviewing hundreds of bills in committee hearings. I’m excited to share that several of my bills have already passed through committee with strong support!

Click below to read more about what I’ve been up to in the district and how I’m fighting for our neighborhoods in Sacramento!

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.

Sincerely,

Catherine Stefani 司嘉怡
Assemblymember, 19^th District

This month, I announced Wyland’s Law (AB 1363)—a bill that aims to prevent the kind of heartbreaking failure that cost 10-year-old Wyland Gomes his life.

Wyland was under the protection of a restraining order that should have stopped his father from buying a gun. But the court never transmitted that order to the Department of Justice. As a result, his father legally purchased a firearm and used it to kill his son.

Wyland’s Law will hold our courts and state agencies accountable. It ensures protective orders are properly transmitted and verifiable, with clear records accessible to families, survivors, and law enforcement.

This bill is about transparency, enforcement, and honoring Wyland’s memory by ensuring our laws protect those they’re meant to.

AB 1085: Obstructed License Plate Covers

In California, obstructed license plates are widely available for purchase and are often marketed as tools to evade tolls, parking enforcement, and red light or speed cameras. I’m proud to introduce AB 1085, a bill that would impose a $10,000 fine for each license plate cover sold, specifically targeting businesses that offer these illegal devices.

The use of these devices is not only illegal—it also endangers our communities, especially pedestrians and other drivers. Drivers who use these devices cost California agencies millions of dollars in lost revenue each year—funds critical for maintaining our state’s essential infrastructure.

I’m grateful for the past work of City Attorney David Chiu to pressure online retailers to remove these products from their platforms. AB 1085 will close existing loopholes and strengthen enforcement against license plate covers that enable far too many drivers to evade accountability and avoid paying their fair share.

AB 1417: Offshore Wind Fund for Local Community Participation

California is leading the charge on clean energy, but we must ensure offshore wind development is carried out responsibly and equitably. I’m incredibly proud to introduce AB 1417, a bold bill that ensures offshore wind development benefits the communities most impacted.

By creating a dedicated funding account, we empower local communities, nonprofits, and tribes to have a seat at the table—maximizing benefits while minimizing harm. This is about smart, sustainable growth that protects our coast and communities while securing California’s clean energy future.

Passing Bills Through Committee

This past month, several more of my bills passed out of committee with strong support, and one has already passed on the full Assembly Floor!

• ✅AB 381 will update our state’s public procurement policies to ensure that no public dollars are going towards human trafficking, forced labor or exploitation.
• ✅AB 458 will ensure that our law enforcement agencies purchase firearms only from responsible firearm vendors.
• ✅AB 627 will allow the California Health Facilities Financing Authority to provide long-term working capital financing for private, nonprofit health institutions.
• ✅AB 824 will allow a petitioner or other witness to appear remotely at a hearing for matters related to protective and restraining orders.
• ✅AB 836 will require the state to conduct an analysis of midwifery care and explore ways to improve access to this vital resource, especially as we face a critical workforce shortage in maternity and reproductive healthcare.
• ✅AB 997 will increase funding for the Child Health and Safety Fund by updating DMV pricing of the Kids Plates specialty license plate program.
• ✅AB 1213 will ensure that restitution orders to victims must be paid to the defendant first, before any other fine or fee associated with a criminal conviction is paid.
• ✅AB 1297 passed on the Assembly Floor and will ensure that children and spouses are not harmed by the cancellation of insurance coverage by a spouse seeking to dissolve a marriage.
• ✅AB 1363 will ensure that protective orders are properly transmitted and verifiable, with clear records accessible to families, survivors, and law enforcement.
• ✅AB 1417 will empower local communities and tribes to help shape California’s clean energy future.

As we marked the end of Black History Month and entered Women’s History Month, I was excited to share one of my favorite books with Ms. Edler’s 3rd-grade class at Sunset Elementary School: “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words” by the one and only Stacey Abrams.

This inspiring book tells the story of a young girl who learns that the only way to fail is if you give up and stop trying. Learning this lesson reminds her of one of her favorite words—and one of my favorites—PERSEVERANCE.

Japantenna Opening in Japantown

Japantown is one of our city’s most cherished cultural districts and the perfect home of Japantenna—a pop-up experience showcasing the incredible culture, food, and destinations across Japan!

Japantenna featured a special exhibit on the 2025 World Expo in Osaka—San Francisco’s first-ever sister city! I was honored to be part of today’s grand opening of their new exhibit, and I can’t wait to join the San Francisco delegation later this year on their trip to Osaka and continue strengthening the historic ties between California and Japan.

Learn more about this exciting experience in Japantown at Japantenna.org.

Chinese Real Estate Association of America Banquet

On March 1, I was honored to join the Chinese Real Estate Association of America to swear in their Board of Directors and Officers.

Congratulations to all those assuming new leadership roles within the organization, and thank you to everyone who helped make this night an incredible celebration!

Visiting Williams Sonoma’s Headquarters in the District

Born in Sonoma and now headquartered in San Francisco, Williams Sonoma is one of those exemplary companies that, despite rising costs and a challenging business environment, remains committed to staying and investing in its home state.

In the legislature, I’m ready to do whatever I can to support our major employers, their dedicated staff, and the investments they make in the communities we all care so deeply about.
P.S. What a thrill it was to check out the Williams Sonoma test kitchen and the former office of their founder, Chuck Williams!

Fund Her’s International Women’s Day Luncheon

What an honor to speak at Fund Her’s International Women’s Day Luncheon! With all the chaos at the federal level, it’s more important than ever for women to organize and lift each other up. We have to wake up every morning ready to fight—for our rights, our families, and our bodies. It’s easy to let despair pull you in, but resist. When we work together, we are unstoppable.

Fifty years ago, many would have called gender parity in our state government a pipe dream. But look at us now—21 women in the State Senate, and near parity in the State Assembly. And just because one man has convinced many that he’s all-powerful doesn’t mean he is. Sound familiar? Maybe an Oscar-nominated musical comes to mind? Brave women asking questions, demanding change, and refusing to accept less than they deserve.

If you care to find me, look to the California State Assembly. Cheers to Fund Her—it’s thanks to your work that so many women are defying gravity.

Armenian National Committee of America’s Hye Tad Banquet

On March 9, I was honored to join the Armenian National Committee of America for their annual Hye Tad banquet as their featured guest speaker.

With so many important Armenian cultural centers in my district—including the KZV Armenian School & Khachaturian Armenian Community Center, St. Gregory Armenian Church, St. John Armenian Church, Calvary Armenian Congregational Church, and Mt. Davidson Cross—I was grateful for the opportunity to be with this community, celebrate their contributions to our region, and share how I will be advocating for their legislative priorities in the State Assembly.

I was also gifted an incredible photo of some of the earliest Armenian immigrants in San Francisco, shown above standing on Market Street during a Fourth of July parade in 1918—thank you, ANCA Western Region.

Meeting with UCSF’s Chancellor and CEO

On March 14, I had the opportunity to meet with UCSF Health’s Chancellor Sam Hawgood and CEO Suresh Gunasekaran. I was eager to hear from leaders in healthcare about their concerns with the federal administration’s potential changes to Medicaid funding and longstanding healthcare policies.

Despite this uncertainty, it’s inspiring to see UCSF’s unwavering commitment to serving our state’s diverse communities. In the Legislature, I know we remain committed to supporting this life-saving care and are ready to push back against any federal changes that put the health of our neighbors at risk.

Community Youth Center of San Francisco’s 55th Annual Gala

The evening of March 14, I had the pleasure of joining CYC SF for their 55th annual gala! I’m truly inspired by this organization’s incredible legacy and commitment to serving thousands of AAPI, Latinx, and African American youth in our city.

Congratulations to all of the evening’s honorees! Your dedication to service is nothing short of remarkable, and because of your work, San Francisco is a brighter place for so many young people.

Thank you to everyone who came out and joined our contingent in the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

At 174 years and counting, this parade is more fun than ever, and there’s no better and exciting way to celebrate the contributions of our city’s Irish American community. Thank you to the United Irish Cultural Center for organizing another fantastic parade!

In 1999, after the tragic shooting at Columbine, I first became involved with gun violence prevention work by providing pro bono legal support at the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, now known as the Giffords Law Center.

On March 19, I was honored to join my colleagues in the legislature at the GIFFORDS Celebration of Courage and share more about our collective efforts to lead the fight against gun violence—especially in the face of ongoing attacks on our hard-fought progress by this federal administration.

Thank you, GIFFORDS, for inviting me to speak about my journey from a gun violence prevention volunteer to my work today, March 19, advocating for critical gun violence prevention legislation in the state legislature. I’m so grateful for the leadership of GIFFORDS and organizations like it for helping turn the tide against the senseless violence in our communities.

Last month, I had the opportunity to meet with South San Francisco Mayor Eddie Flores and some of the incredible public servants who help manage South City’s police, parks, public works, and other local services. I heard firsthand about the exciting work they’re doing on housing, economic development, public open spaces and so much more.

I look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting their efforts in service to the people of South San Francisco!

Happy Birthday, Tita Perla!

What an honor it was to join so many friends and community members at Daly City’s City Hall to celebrate Tita Perla’s 90th birthday on March 23! Tita Perla has dedicated her life to serving the Daly City community, especially its Filipino-American residents. At 90 years old, I’m amazed by her energy, optimism, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Thank you, Tita Perla, for all you do for our neighbors and for bringing a smile to everyone you meet. Happy birthday!

Thank you, Mayor Lurie, for meeting with me to discuss the strong and important partnership between our state and local governments.

I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of our local leaders as we build a brighter, safer, and more affordable city for our future.

I had the opportunity to visit Marine Corps Air Station Miramar—a major hub for Marine Corps aviation in San Diego. Thank you to all the marines who took the time to show me around the base, highlight the tireless work that goes into supporting Marina aviation operations and training personnel for missions and humanitarian efforts— and most of all, for your service to our country.

I visited the devastating aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. Witnessing firsthand the utter destruction in Altadena was a heartbreaking and sobering experience. Entire homes and neighborhoods were wiped out, and so many lives forever changed.

I’m especially grateful to a couple who, despite losing everything, found the strength to share their story with me. They made it out safely, but the road ahead for them and so many of their neighbors will be long and difficult.

I’m committed to doing everything I can, alongside my colleagues in the Legislature, to support these communities through the long recovery ahead. We know that a fire like this could strike so many corners of our state. It’s up to all of us to act now and do everything we can to ensure we’re better prepared for the next one. 

What a joy to celebrate our first annual Songkran Celebration at the San Francisco State Building! Songkran is a time to cleanse the past, welcome fresh beginnings, and strengthen the bonds we share with our loved ones and communities.

A heartfelt thank you to my dear friend and the unstoppable community leader Monthanus Ratanapakdee, for helping make the event so special. Monthanus has and continues to be a powerful force in the fight against anti-Asian hate, wherever and however it rears its ugly head.

Thank you to everyone who joined us–Happy Songkran!

I had the privilege of visiting Booker T. Washington Community Service Center. This institution has been a cornerstone for generations of San Franciscans—offering youth programs, senior care, affordable housing, and so much more.

Thank you to Executive Director Shakirah Simley for the inspiring tour and for your leadership in carrying forward a mission rooted in equity, resilience, and community.

I had a great time speaking with the Daly City Colma Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for the warm welcome and for bringing together such a thoughtful group of local leaders and small business champions.

It was an honor to introduce myself to more of our neighbors, share my journey from local government to the State Assembly, and talk about the work I’ve been doing in Sacramento to make our communities safer, more affordable, and more resilient. I appreciated the chance to hear directly from Chamber members—and I’m looking forward to our continued partnership.

On March 6, I joined the Public Policy Institute of California and some of my fellow women legislators to discuss our state’s most pressing issues and the critical role women’s voices have played—and must continue to play—in crafting our solutions.

On the floor of the California State Assembly, I was beyond thrilled to recognize Lesley Hu as this year’s Assembly District 19 Woman of the Year!

Lesley is the brave and unwilling founder of Pierces Pledge, an organization dedicated to keeping children safe during the stressful and emotionally volatile times of custody disputes. Working alongside lawyers, mediators, custody partners, and judges, she has led the charge to ensure that guns are stored outside the home during these difficult periods. Through her advocacy, she has become a powerful leader in the gun violence prevention movement, and has made it her mission to protect children by promoting risk management, voluntary separation from firearms, and by encouraging parents to always consider custody from the child’s perspective.

Thank you, Lesley, for your bravery and unwavering advocacy to keep children safe from gun violence.

I had a great time speaking with the Daly City Colma Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for the warm welcome and for bringing together such a thoughtful group of local leaders and small business champions.

Celebrating Ag Day 2025 at the State Capitol on March 19!

Growing up in the Central Valley, I had a firsthand look at the early mornings, long hours, and backbreaking work that go into getting food from California farms to our tables—both across the state and around the world. Thank you to all of our farmers, ranchers, CA Women for Agriculture, and Learn About Ag for coming together to highlight the incredible contributions of California’s agricultural community!

Thank you, Moms Demand Action, for making your voices heard today at the State Capitol on March 23! As a founder of the San Francisco chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, I know firsthand the power of moms.

I’m always thrilled to have the chance to meet with their leaders and grateful to everyone who came to Sacramento today for their 2025 Advocacy Day to speak with legislators about the critical pieces of gun violence prevention legislation we’re pushing forward this year.

I was honored to join my colleagues in the State Assembly to wish the trailblazer, Dolores Huerta, a very happy 95th birthday!

Dolores is a tireless champion for justice, an unstoppable force for labor, and a lifelong advocate for so many marginalized communities. At the age of 95, I continue to be amazed by her legacy and her ongoing work to stand up, speak out, and organize.

 Beginning May 7, 2025, REAL IDs will be required to board all domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and others.  Applying for a REAL ID requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  You will be asked to provide your Social Security number on your REAL ID application (exceptions may apply).  It is best to complete the online application to receive an application number, then schedule your DMV appointment.  

For more information, please visit the DMV website.

The Minerva Scholarship program was established by Women in California Leadership to support the advancement of women in the State of California. Launched in 2015, the foundation was established with the purpose of empowering women and enhancing the lives of women and girls. To this end, the foundation is committed to providing scholarships to select women of promise to help them achieve their educational objectives.

On Lok is hosting virtual open houses on the second Wednesday of each month to share information about their Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program with the community. On Lok PACE offers comprehensive services to help seniors live independently in the community. Join them for a free virtual open house to learn more about:

• What On Lok PACE is and how it works
• The benefits of joining On Lok PACE for seniors and caregivers
• How On Lok PACE provides medical, social, and daily living support
• How to enroll and the eligibility requirements

Register Here

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