As spring is underway, I want to take a moment to say what an honor it is to serve the people of the 25th Assembly District. Over the past few months, I have been grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many constituents at community events across our district. It is always energizing to hear directly from residents, local leaders, and families about the issues that matter most to them. Many of those events, and the incredible people behind them, are highlighted in the articles ahead, and I hope you enjoy reading about the work happening in our community.
In Sacramento, my team and I remain focused on advancing legislation that reflects our district’s values and addresses the real challenges Californians face. This year, our legislative package includes efforts to expand access to healthcare, including CalCare 3.0 and veterinary access to care; protect workers through measures related to workers’ compensation and immigration-related coercion; and advance justice reforms while promoting equity and affordability in water policy, corporate accountability, and housing.
I remain committed to fighting for policies that make government more responsive, protect working families, and improve quality of life for all Californians. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you need assistance with a state or government agency. My team and I are here to help, and we are proud to serve you.
- Committee Updates
- Congratulations to The Recipients of CA’s AAPI Legislative Caucus Scholarship
- Happy TẾT & Lunar New Year!
- Little Saigon Highway and 51st Black April Commemoration Month
- Black History Month 2026 Honoree Celebration
- Adopt a Pet: Pepper
- Women’s History Month
- Photos from Around the Capitol, the District & Beyond
Committee Updates
Congratulations to The Recipients of CA’s AAPI Legislative Caucus Scholarship
As a member of the California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC), I’m proud to advocate for legislation that empowers the AAPI community and supports initiatives that enhance AAPI representation and participation in local and statewide organizing efforts.
Among the initiatives championed by the Caucus, the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship was created to alleviate financial barriers to higher education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students in California.
This year’s scholarship recipient in our district is Joanne Hanatan, a student leader at San José State University. Joanne has served as a mentor for freshmen and incoming students at SJSU’s Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment. A devoted volunteer at her local church, she has also supported the church’s fundraising activities by organizing resource booths at cultural and religious events.
I’m honored to join our AAPI Legislative Caucus in empowering community leaders like Ms. Joanne Hanatan in our district, who are achieving academic excellence while uplifting their communities through their work and advocacy
For more information about this or other legislative efforts, please contact my district office at (408) 286-2535.
Happy TẾT & Lunar New Year!
The City of San José in the 25th Assembly District is home to the largest Vietnamese American community of any city in the country. For many of us in the district, it never truly feels like the new year until we have finished celebrating the Lunar New Year season, or Tết. This year’s Tết symbolizes the characteristics of the Fire Horse, a mythical animal in the Vietnamese zodiac that represents energy, perseverance, and success.
I take great pride in representing a district that is home to one of the most diverse communities and one of the largest Vietnamese American communities in the nation. My office and I are pleased to attend many celebrations throughout the district.
I took the opportunity to wear my Áo Dài when I attended the 11th Tết Festival hosted by USTAR Productions and President Jody Ngo. It is the longest-running community-based Tết festival in the district, where constituents and visitors enjoyed great food, multicultural music, and performances, as well as family-friendly activities.
I was also honored to celebrate with the community at Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong’s Lunar New Year: A Children’s Celebration at Rotary PlayGarden. Supervisor Duong’s festive event highlighted Santa Clara County’s children’s resources and the wonderful diversity of our region.
In addition, my office attended the annual flag-raising ceremony in honor of the first day of Lunar New Year at the Santa Clara County Government Building, spearheaded by the United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California and many other community organizations, and the annual Vietnamese New Year Festival hosted by the Vietnamese Catholic Community (Diocese of San José).
It’s my honor to observe Tết once again with our community, this time welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse. I wish you all a year of abundance, prosperity, and wonderful opportunities ahead.
Little Saigon Highway and 51st Black April Commemoration Month
This year marks the 51st anniversary of the tragedy of the Fall of Saigon in April 1975, when communist forces overthrew the Republic of Vietnam, a strong ally of the United States. In the aftermath, millions of Vietnamese and other people across Southeast Asia fled their home countries—many by small boats or military helicopters—out of fear of retaliation from the incoming regime.
Many Vietnamese refugees arrived in the United States with little to nothing. Since then, they have worked tirelessly to build thriving communities, including San Jose’s Little Saigon in Assembly District 25, which has become one of California’s most vibrant AAPI socioeconomic hubs.
I have been a strong advocate for the Vietnamese American community, with support dating back to my tenure on the San Jose City Council. As a lifelong resident of San Jose, I have consistently admired the culture, resilience, and contributions of the Vietnamese American community. Last year, I co-hosted the Black April Commemoration at the State Capitol alongside my colleagues in the State Legislature, as well as leaders from the United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California and AAVA Chapter 201. For the first time, the former Republic of Vietnam’s flag was flown at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building, where guests, visitors, state employees, and legislators learned about the significance of Black April.
I’m pleased to report that Assembly Concurrent Resolution 71—a historic measure to permanently designate a portion of State Highway 101 in the Little Saigon area as the “Little Saigon Highway”—has been adopted by the State. This achievement is a direct result of the community’s strong advocacy and unity over the past two-year legislative cycle and beyond.
The name Little Saigon symbolizes the enduring spirit of freedom and democracy. The designation of the Little Saigon Highway, arriving ahead of Black April Commemoration Month, stands as a powerful sign of solidarity with Vietnamese communities across the state and the nation.
I’m honored to work with our Vietnamese community from both Northern and Southern California, as well as with co-authors and elected officials at all levels of government, to bring this legislation to fruition.
Black History Month 2026 Honoree Celebration
In an evening grounded in celebration, reflection, and community, I hosted the 2026 Black History Month Honoree Celebration at Kaizen Lounge in downtown San José. The gathering brought together community leaders, advocates, and residents from across Assembly District 25 to recognize the ongoing impact, leadership, and excellence of Black leaders shaping Silicon Valley today.
Opening the program, I welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of Black History Month, not only as a time to honor the past, but to uplift the living legacy of leadership, resilience, and innovation within the Black community. I emphasized that the work of advancing equity, justice, and opportunity continues through the leadership of individuals and organizations making change every day.
The evening also highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and investment in community infrastructure, with remarks from a representative of the African American Cultural Center Project. The project underscores a broader vision of creating spaces that celebrate Black history, culture, and community in San José.
The program then transitioned into honoring four outstanding leaders and organizations whose work spans business, community service, education, and lifelong public service.
The Leadership in Business Award was presented to Monisha Murray and Black and Brown, a vintage clothing boutique and creative hub that has served as a cornerstone of artistic expression and entrepreneurship in San José for over two decades. Through fashion, art, and community events, Murray has cultivated a space that uplifts culture and creativity while supporting local artists and visionaries.
The Leadership in Community Service Award recognized Ujima Adult and Family Services, an organization rooted in culturally centered care and advocacy. Since its founding, Ujima has expanded from serving African youth in the juvenile justice system to providing comprehensive, African-centered mental health and wellness services for individuals and families across the region. Their work continues to strengthen communities through healing, empowerment, and systemic advocacy.
The Leadership in Education Award was awarded to Dr. Travis D. Boyce, a professor and chair of African American Studies at San José State University. Through his leadership, Dr. Boyce has expanded academic programs, created pathways for student success, and advanced scholarship that deepens understanding of the African American experience. His work reflects a commitment not only to education but to building institutions that support and uplift future generations.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Legacy Award to the Honorable Judge LaDoris Hazzard Cordell, a trailblazing jurist, advocate, and public servant. As the first African American woman judge in Northern California, Judge Cordell has spent decades advancing justice, reforming systems, and championing equity. Her impact extends beyond the courtroom through her work in police accountability, education, and community advocacy, leaving a legacy that continues to shape institutions and inspire change.
Throughout the evening, each honoree shared reflections on their work, their communities, and the importance of continuing to build pathways for equity and opportunity. Their stories highlighted the power of leadership rooted in purpose, culture, and service.
As the program concluded, we reflected on the collective impact of the honorees, noting that their work represents the ongoing story of Black history in action. I encouraged attendees to carry forward the spirit of the evening by continuing to support, uplift, and invest in their communities.
The 2026 Black History Month Honoree Celebration served as a powerful reminder that Black history is not only something to be remembered but also something being written every day through leadership, resilience, and a shared commitment to justice and progress.
Adopt a Pet: Pepper
Thinking about adding a small but spirited companion to your life? Pepper is waiting—ready to bring curiosity, energy, and charm to a home that’s ready for her. Pepper, a playful black short-haired rabbit, has been at the San José Animal Care Center since January 2, 2026. This 9-month-old spayed female loves to explore, hopping onto chairs, squeezing into cozy nooks, and turning any space into her personal hideout.
Once she feels safe, Pepper enjoys relaxing near her people and may quietly keep you company from her favorite perch. She can warm up to calm, respectful cats over time, but would do best in a dog-free home where she can feel secure. With patience and a little space to explore, Pepper will make a fun and endearing companion.
Adoptions and fosters happen in person at 2750 Monterey Road in San José. Hours: Noon–4 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, and 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. weekends. First-come, first-served. For more information, please contact the Small Animal Specialists at (408) 250-1594.
Women’s History Month
On March 27, Assembly District 25’s Women’s History Month Celebration brought together community members at SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant to honor extraordinary women leaders and celebrate their impact. I spoke about the leadership, resilience, and contributions of women in our community, emphasizing the importance of continuing to uplift those shaping a more just and equitable future. The evening highlighted five outstanding honorees whose work reflects a shared commitment to service, advocacy, and opportunity in San José and beyond.
Kyra Kazantzis, the AD 25 Woman of the Year, exemplifies transformative leadership across systems and communities. As Chief Executive Officer of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, Kyra advances equity and strengthens the nonprofit sector through collaboration and policy leadership. Her work in housing justice, civil rights, and public policy continues to shape a more equitable future for Santa Clara County.
The Susan Hammer Legacy Award was presented to Joyce Iwasaki, whose lifelong dedication to public service and community leadership has left a profound impact. Through decades of work in education, government, and nonprofit leadership, Joyce has championed equity, mentored future leaders, and strengthened community institutions.
Noëlle Rábago, recipient of the Leadership in Community Award, has demonstrated a deep commitment to building strong, connected communities. Through her work with the City of San José and her extensive volunteer leadership, Noëlle brings people together and uplifts community voices.
Dianna Zamora-Marroquin, honored with the Leadership in Advocacy Award, has built a career advancing equity through policy and civic engagement. As Senior Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, she leads efforts in legislative advocacy and grassroots organizing, working to protect fundamental rights and empower communities.
Chrizia Dela Rosa, recipient of the Leadership in Education Award, is a dedicated educator who creates inclusive, empowering spaces for her students. As a mathematics teacher and coach, she fosters belonging and confidence, ensuring every student feels supported and equipped to succeed.
As we reflect on this year’s celebration, we are reminded that women’s history is not only something we honor—it is something we continue to build.
Photos from Around the Capitol, the District & Beyond
