Dear Friend and Neighbor,

We have had a busy few months in the Sacramento region and in the legislature. I am pleased to report that important legislation to protect our communities from violent fatalities, screen newborn babies and protect children from second-hand smoke, have moved through key legislative committees and will receive further hearings next month.

The Governor and Legislature again joined to pass an on-time budget that greatly benefits all Californians, including $1.3 billion for state buildings in Sacramento. To view more about this great boost to our local economy, click here.

Also, between a panel discussion on divisive rhetoric, a town hall on children’s issues, and a celebration on the capitol lawn honoring local graduates, we’ve been busy with great community events!

I appreciate learning about your priorities, so please contact me by phone at (916) 262-2904 or by email at Senator.Pan@senate.ca.gov. I look forward to hearing from you so I can better serve you and our community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard Pan, State Senator 6th District

Upcoming Events

There are several upcoming events that we hope you can attend:

August 2: Annual National Night Out
Across the Sacramento region neighbors will gathered on lawns and in parks to celebrate National Night Out and work together to reduce crime. It's a great opportunity to come out and meet your neighbors. To learn more about National Night Out, go here: https://natw.org/ and to find places where your neighbors are gathering locally, check out social media sites such as NextDoor.com.

August 13-14: 70th Annual Japanese Food & Culture Bazaar/Festival
Celebrate Japanese culture by watching live performances, enjoying traditional cuisine, and perusing a festive craft fair at the 70th Annual Japanese Food & Culture Festival. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd.

Town Hall on Children's Issues

On June 18th, Dr. Pan held a Town Hall to discuss the issues that children and their families face every day in our community. Parents and childcare providers shared their stories and joined an informative discussion on a variety of issues including access to high-quality childcare, early childhood education, quality health care, and much more. The panel included former Congressmember George Miller with the Right Start Commission, Craig Cheslog with Common Sense and Kim Williams with Build Healthy Communities.

Good Samaritan Recognition

On June 15th, Dr. Pan gave a special recognition to the good Samaritans who assisted and cared for Michael Ericson, a 17 year CHP veteran was intentional hit by a vehicle on Interstate 80 near Madison Avenue. As tragic as this incident was, it was a shining example of some of Sacramento's best citizens, law enforcement and paramedics coming together.

Live United

On June 12th, Dr. Pan was proud to help kick-off the Summer Meals Program which ensures children who are on free and reduced lunch at school, don’t go hungry over summer break. The event was hosted by Mutual Assistance Network and United Way California Capital Region.

Honoring our Veterans

On June 11th, Dr. Pan was proud to address the California Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) convention where he honored their many years of service to our country as well as their communities. From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year, providing free phone cards to our nation's active-duty military personnel, to raising money for the World War II memorial, the VFW has a long history of service.

Sacramento Summer Night Lights

On June 5th, Dr. Pan met neighbors and addressed the crowd at Sacramento Summer Nights, a violence reduction program disguised as fun. The program runs for 14 weeks during the summer months in one of the city’s highest crime locations at Center Parkway and Mack Road. By creating a safe environment, the program fostered community growth and trust which resulted in a drastic reduction in violence. For more information, click here.

Sacramento Pride!

On June 4th, Dr. Pan PROUDLY marched in the Sacramento LGBTQ Pride Parade. Here he is pictured with actor Tony Goldwyn and Stuart Milk, the nephew of civil rights leader Harvey Milk.

Toll of Exclusionary Rhetoric

On May 18th, Dr. Pan hosted a free Panel Discussion, "The Toll of Exclusionary Rhetoric." He brought together community and cultural leaders to discuss how the divisive rhetoric we are exposed to takes a toll on communities. On the panel were: Basim Elkarra, Executive Director of the Sacramento Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Barry Broad, President of the Sacramento Jewish Federation and Priscilla Ouchida, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League.

California Breastfeeding Coalition Awards Ceremony

On May 14th, Dr. Pan recognized the winners of the Mother-Baby Friendly Work Place Awards from the California Breastfeeding Coalition & Breastfeeding Coalition of Greater Sacramento. The businesses that were honored have demonstrated exemplary efforts to support lactating employees by creating breastfeeding policies, ensuring all staff are aware of their polices and talking with expectant mothers about accommodating their breastfeeding needs when they return to work. For more information, click here.

Honors

In May, Dr. Pan was honored to be the California School-Based Health Alliance Legislator of the Year for his tenacious leadership on SB 277 to make California schools safer and healthier.