Toni G. Atkins

BIPOC Mental Health Month brings attention to the challenges BIPOC communities face in accessing mental health care – including stigma, financial barriers, and lack of culturally competent providers. As California focuses on improving our mental health care system, we must focus on equitable access to quality care.

President Joe Biden has always been about our country first and foremost. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his personal sacrifice and responsibility to us all. A class act every step of the way. Thank you to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and the Biden family. Most especially, thank you President Biden!

Spending the morning with LEAGUE AT&T, one of the oldest LGBTQ employee resource groups in corporate America, was a great way to kick off the day! Wonderful to see them highlight our very own Lambda Archives of San Diego.

In 1974, the first Pride march in San Diego was unpermitted with LGBTQ+ community members walking on sidewalks. Some had paper bags over their heads to protect their anonymity. Organizers obtained a permit in 1975, and attracted about 400 marchers. In 1994, San Diego Pride became incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit. It was an honor to present Pride with a Senate Resolution commemorating their 50th Anniversary! Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, awardees, and the founding leadership who made it all possible. Happy Pride, San Diego!

Nelson Mandela fought for justice and equality, even when confronted with hatred, institutional backlash, and imprisonment. On Mandela Day, we celebrate his leadership in the anti-apartheid movement and the example he set for the global movement for equal rights.

Does your family have a communication plan in case of wildfire danger in your community? CAL FIRE's website includes information on how to make sure your family is on the same page if you need to evacuate. Learn more: bit.ly/3xRaYSs

Throughout my time in the legislature, I’ve worked to expand the Middle Class Scholarship so more California students could afford college. I’m pleased that in a difficult fiscal year, our budget protects this key program. College opened doors for me, and I want every Californian to have that opportunity.

On International Nonbinary People’s Day, we celebrate the nonbinary members of our LGBTQ+ community! I’ve worked on legislation to ensure drivers licenses and birth and certificates reflect people’s gender identity, because equality starts with recognition and inclusion for all!

National Parks and Recreation Month is a great time to enjoy some of the San Diego region’s incredible parks and recreation facilities! The 39th Senate District is home to beautiful outdoor areas and opportunities for summer activities like swimming, hiking, camping, and more!

The Parks After Dark program has summer fun for the whole family! It runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights through August 17th at several City of San Diego locations. Learn more → sandiego.gov/event/parks-after-dark

In a challenging budget year, investing in our children is one of the most important things we can do. We expanded state-funded child care slots to help working families, protected funding for services foster youth and families rely on every day, and much more.

I joined Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Area Chapter of NOW to reaffirm my strong support of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I’ve been a longtime advocate for the ERA and was thrilled that my home state of VA became the 38th state to ratify the ERA in 2020!

With fire season upon us, now is the time to prepare your property to prevent wildfires. Increasing the distance between grass, shrubs, and trees is key to slowing the spread of fires, and could save your home in an emergency. More tips → readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire

The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is the county’s longest running event, drawing about one million visitors a year, and is just one of many events undertaken by the State’s 22nd District Agricultural Association. Their infrastructure investments also protect our region’s coastlines and environmental ecosystems – like the recent $15 million storm water quality project to keep contaminated water from polluting local streams, lagoons and the Pacific Ocean.

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate 248 years of our nation, and continue dedicating ourselves to the ideals the United States was founded on – freedom, justice, and equality for ALL. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday celebrating our nation!

Reminder! Each year, many pets are lost or run away during 4th of July fireworks. Make sure your pet is microchipped and has a collar with a tag and secured safely inside your home. If your pet is anxious, consider consulting a veterinarian or arranging for a pet sitter.

It’s Clean Beaches Week, but beaches in the southern San Diego region have been closed for over 2 years straight due to contamination. This is an environmental and public health crisis, and I strongly support stepping up state, federal, and international efforts to address this issue.

California beach is nation's most polluted, study says. People are 'getting sick left and right' California is home to three of the 10 most polluted beaches listed in the latest Surfrider Foundation report.

This holiday weekend, make sure you’re using adequate sun protection for your skin and eyes!

✅ Wear SPF 15+ with UVA/UVB protection

✅ Wear protective clothing and sunglasses

✅ Stay in the shade during midday hours.

Today is the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. As we celebrate this turning point in our nation’s history and the formal end of segregation, we recommit to working together to build a nation where everyone has access to equity, opportunity, safety, and prosperity.

Looking for something to keep your kids busy and their minds sharp over summer break? Sign up to participate in San Diego Public Library’s summer reading program here: bit.ly/4bcJg02

The July Toni Times celebrates the 4th of July, 50 years of San Diego Pride, and the 39th Senate District’s Nonprofit of the Year! Read here: bit.ly/3W3wEEf

One of the best things about living in San Diego is that we get to celebrate another month of Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Visit San Diego Pride’s website to learn about upcoming Pride events ⬇️

Pride She Fest delivers empowering and accessible programming and content that centers LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people; creates opportunities to connect LGBTQ+ small businesses to new audiences; facilitates social events that bring people together; and invests in and celebrate the volunteer leadership....

In 2022, I created the California Dream for All Program to help more Californians become first time home buyers. I’m thrilled that 1,700 more people have been conditionally approved, bringing the total to 4,000 families that have been offered down payment assistance through this program.

Today is National HIV Testing Day! There are multiple ways to be tested for HIV, including self-testing options. Learn more about your options here: bit.ly/45OROJC

Thrilled to support SB 92 and AB 2288 on the Senate floor today – this agreement on PAGA is a significant accomplishment that will benefit our workers, employers, and our state’s economy. I appreciate the hard work of the California Labor Federation and California Chamber of Commerce in leading negotiations!

It is always a good day to right a wrong. This pardon will allow thousands from the LGBTQ community who served their country with honor the respect and benefits they deserve. Thank you, President Joe Biden.

President Biden believes our nation has a sacred obligation to all of our service members – including our brave LGBTQI+ service members. Today, he is pardoning many former service members who were convicted simply for being themselves.

After decades of relentless activism by LGBTQ+ leaders across the nation, the Obergefell decision granted the right to marry to LGBTQ+ couples, like my spouse Jennifer and I. This right is deeply personal to me, and we must never take it for granted. 🏳️‍🌈

I joined Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and local leaders on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision to discuss our efforts to protect reproductive rights and improve access to reproductive care. In California, access to abortion and contraception is a constitutional right and we will fight to protect it!

Title IX changed the game for women and girls – literally. It opened doors to playing school sports and other educational opportunities girls previously didn’t have access to. As we recognize this milestone, we also acknowledge that the fight for gender equity in education continues!