Dawn Digest: October 2025
Happy fall! In this Dawn Digest, you'll find updates on legislation, budget, your Central Coast in action and our favorite news clips. We're making progress to keep your Central Coast strong.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hardship during the federal government shutdown, please get in touch with our office or call our District Offices: San Luis Obispo (805) 459-3001 or Monterey (831) 649-2832.
Yours in solidarity,
Dawn Addis
Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health
Assemblymember, 30th District
Your Voice in the Capitol
Signed by the Governor!
The Governor has signed many of my bills into law and I want to share two in particular because they focus on what you have told me is important.
AB 1288 Environmental Health: When natural and man-made disasters strike, it's vital to have the environmental data we need to make sure our communities are safe and healthy. AB 1288 will help ensure that our public health departments can employ the Registered Environmental Health Specialists they need to conduct important water, air and soil testing. These public health workers were vital for informing the public about risks after the Moss Landing battery fires and the LA wildfires.
AB 808 Transparency: I often hear from constituents who seek greater transparency in government. I answered the call by introducing AB 808. AB 808 strengthens transparency and public trust in free and fair elections by making the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS) platform more user friendly and accessible. The new, digital platform will ensure that the public has a more seamless experience accessing campaign finance reports for both candidates and elected officials.
Recognizing Filipino American History with HR - 65
Assemblymember Addis is standing next to the monument to the landing of the first “Filipinos in the continental United States” recognition plaque.
As a co-author of HR-65, I am proud to recognize October 2025 as Filipino American History Month. This resolution is especially important to me because, as a City Councilmember, I helped Morro Bay place its monument to the first Filipinos in a beautiful location with Morro Rock as its backdrop. During my floor speech, I invited all of my colleagues to visit the Morro Bay monument. If you have never been, I hope you will visit one day soon!
Budget Update
Although we faced challenges this year, we were still able to deliver major wins for the Central Coast! Below you will find two budget items that will make a huge difference for our communities.
$1,500,000 for Catholic Charities
I am proud to have secured $1,500,000 for Catholic Charities' immigrant legal services on the Central Coast. Immigrants keep our Central Coast community and economy strong by building businesses and working in industries that keep our region thriving. These funds will help strengthen legal representation services that help families navigate complex immigration processes. Read about it on my website.
$87,487,000 for Student Housing
This year, I voted to deliver $87,487,000 to the Cabrillo College UCSC Intersegmental Student Housing Project, which will provide housing for 624 Cabrillo and UCSC students. This funding will help create the affordable housing students need, including for families. I can't wait to see this project come to fruition!
The Central Coast in Action
From the Central Coast to Climate Week NYC
Sitting with fellow state legislators and a congresswoman in front of attendees with the NRDC logo projected behind us. Photo Credit: Jazzmine Beaulieu for NRDC
While the federal administration unwinds climate progress at warp speed, I reject the notion that forward movement is dead. So, I traveled to Climate Week NYC immediately after our legislative session ended to share California's groundbreaking work and learn from others. I believe grassroots action, making polluters pay and fighting fires before they grow out of control are vital aspects of building a livable world. I recently shared the story of Climate Week and my initiatives in the Monterey Weekly. Read my full op-ed on my website.
Jeremy James and Emily Steffenhagen: "Learn by Doing" in Santa Cruz County
In front of the Ranch's sign in the great outdoors, Assemblymember Addis is standing between Jeremy James - Head of Natural Resources Management and Emily Steffenhagen - Experience Coordinator.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Swanton Pacific Ranch embodies the ethos of “learn by doing.” At the Ranch, Jeremy, Emily and their team teach students how to help California adapt to the fire, climate and ecological challenges of today. At the end of September, I had a wonderful time touring Swanton Ranch and learning about the ongoing restoration work from the 2020 CZU fire. In a time where wildfires aren't only caused by climate change but also exacerbate it, this work is truly needed.
Landon Hofman and Pam Ortega: Community Giving in Monterey County
Assemblymember Addis is standing between Pam Ortega and Landon Hofman.
Pam manages operations at the Seaside McDonald's while earning her BA in Business Administration. She has also led this McDonald's to become a hub for giving back by hosting cultural and workforce fundraisers and supporting education through Golden Grants. During my recent tour, Landon and Pam talked about their local charitable giving and taught me how to serve a McCafé. It brought me back to my college days when I was named Barista of the Year at my hometown coffee shop. I'm incredibly impressed with all that Pam does and all that Landon gives to our community.
Dr. Hansen: From Local Action to Global Change in San Luis Obispo County
Assemblymember Addis and Dr. Hansen are standing side by side in front of a mural.
In 1990, Dr. Hansen successfully worked to have the San Luis Obispo City Council become the first in the world to ban smoking in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants. Soon, our state, nation and countries around the globe followed - all because Dr. Stephen Hansen decided to change the things he could. Last month, I was proud to celebrate Dr. Hansen when he was named the 2025 Central Coast Medical Association Physician of the Year. During his acceptance speech, Dr. Hansen continued to fight for change by urging us all to engage in climate action! His work reminds us that global change begins with local action.
Independent journalism is critical to a strong democracy. I am honored to have my legislative work featured in free and fair media across our state. I hope you'll read some of our recent coverage.
Locals advocate for Los Padres Forest as efforts to rescind Roadless Rule continue.
How This Teen Pushed California to Change Special Education Policy.
California businesses, lawmakers turn up the heat in a battle over high workplace temperatures.