Dawn Digest: October 2026
Election Day is just around the corner! Mark your calendar, make a plan, and get ready to make your voice heard.
Find information on elections, voter registration, voting options, and other resources.
Yours in solidarity,
Dawn Addis
Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health
Assemblymember, 30th District
Your Voice in the Capitol
Legislative Update
2026 Bills Signed by the Governor
Assemblymember Dawn Addis standing in front of the California State Capitol building.
This legislative session, I had the opportunity to work on issues that matter to Central Coast families and communities. I spent months having conversations, listening, and turning ideas into meaningful legislation. I'm honored to share that all 11 of my bills sent to the Governor's desk have now been signed into law.
These policies will strengthen our democracy, protect our environment, increase healthcare access, safeguard student data, support small businesses, and ensure survivors' voices are heard.
Full List of My LegislationBudget Update
$42 Million for Permanent Protection of Wild Cherry Canyon
I am proud to have helped secure $42 million to conserve Wild Cherry Canyon, a remarkable 2,200-acre property of rolling hills, ancient oak woodlands, and sweeping ocean views just inland of Avila Beach. This landmark acquisition will help protect this extraordinary coastal landscape and wildlife habitat while creating opportunities for public access, tribal conservation and shared stewardship.
Read the ArticleChair's Corner: California Legislative Central Coast Caucus
A Clean Sweep for Central Coast Priorities
(L-R) Macaela Spencer, a student from McClatchy High School, and Assemblymember Dawn Addis at an Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection hearing for AB 1744, the Clear Labels Clear Seas Act.
Every California Legislative Central Coast Caucus priority bill that landed on the Governor's desk has been signed! This is a huge win for the Central Coast. From protecting biodiversity and taking action on climate change, to strengthening wildfire preparedness, this package delivers for our region and across California. I am especially pleased that, as part of this package, the Governor signed my bill on reef-safe sunscreen, AB 1744, that will protect our ocean creatures.
Our Full List of Priority BillsThe Central Coast In Action
Cancer Support and Advocacy in Santa Cruz County
(L-R) Kathy Doctor, Friends Committee Volunteer; Janette Waters, Program Director, WomenCARE; Socorro Alanis, Program Coordinator, Entre Nosotras; Phrani Pearl, Friends Committee Volunteer; Assemblymember Dawn Addis; Marney Cox, Friends Committee Volunteer; meeting in the WomenCARE Soquel office.
I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the dynamic team at WomenCARE and recognize them for the amazing work they do for women with cancer. From advocacy and resources to mutual support and more, they are there every step of the way. Living with cancer is something nobody should navigate alone, and WomenCARE is there in time of need.
Creating Meaningful Connections in Monterey County
(L-R) Neftali Said Pérez González, Consul General of Mexico in San Jose; Councilmember J. Jesus Quevedo Cortés, Oaxaca de Juarez; Frida Yolanda Lyle García, Councilmember of Tourism, Oaxaca de Juarez; Councilmember Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, City of Seaside; Mayor Ian Oglesby, City of Seaside; Octavia Hernández Farret, Cultural and Community Affairs at the Institute for Mexicans Abroad and recently was sworn in as a Senator of the Republic in Mexico; Evelyn Escamilla, Diosa Centeotl 2026, Miss Oaxaca for Northern California; standing on stage. (Photo credit: visita tu gente)
It was a joy to attend Oaxaca by the Sea, an annual cultural community event hosted by the City of Seaside that celebrates Oaxaca's rich traditions, heritage, and contributions. This event brings the community together through music, dance, food, art, and cultural traditions while strengthening diversity and connection across Seaside.
Bringing the State Capitol to the Classroom in San Luis Obispo County
Assemblymember Dawn Addis speaking to Intro to Law and Government/Economics students at Morro Bay High School.
There's something special about being back at the school where my kids once walked the halls.
I joined students and their teachers, answered their questions, and talked about what it's really like to serve as a State Assemblymember, from writing and passing laws, to helping shape California's budget and supporting constituents on the Central Coast. Most importantly, I wanted students to know that they don't have to wait until they are older to make a difference. Their ideas, voices, and actions matter right now.
(L-R) Laura Van Zee, teacher, Morro Bay High School; Assemblymember Dawn Addis; and Josh Waldman, teacher, Morro Bay High School; standing in the Morro Bay High School quad.
Awards and Celebrations
Celebrating Future Central Coast Healthcare Workers
Assemblymember Dawn Addis delivering a commencement address to the A.T. Still University's College for Healthy Communities. (Photo credit: ATSU)
It was an honor to receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from A.T. Still University and to address the Class of 2026 graduates of the Central Coast Physician Assistant program. I am grateful to have shared this milestone with them and am inspired by the difference they will make - one patient, one act of service, and one community at a time.
Independent journalism is critical to a strong democracy. I am honored to have my legislative work featured by news outlets across our state. I hope you will check out some of our recent coverage:
- Part of SLO County Highway Renamed for Hollywood Movie Star James Dean
- Battery Fire at Vistra's Moss Landing Power Plant
- Morro Bay to Receive $1.3 Million in State Funds for Public Safety
Dawn's Drive
When the Legislature is in session, I drive ten hours round-trip to Sacramento. Here's a taste of what I'm listening to:
The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How To Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy by Karen Walrond
It's fall recess, and that means I am traveling the Central Coast from Live Oak to Monterey to Arroyo Grande and back again - meeting lightmakers at every stop. Written for all who want to make a difference, The Lightmaker's Manifesto is a guide for kindling the change you want to see - by using your unique gifts. Each month in the Central Coast in Action, I feature lightmakers from Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties. Is there a lightmaker in your life that I should meet? Let me know by responding to this newsletter.
Do you have listening recommendations? I would love to learn about them!
Send Your RecommendationsFish of the Month
On the Central Coast, fish are essential in preserving our ecosystem, economy, and cultural identity. Please join me in learning about our Fish of the Month!
Leopard Shark
Spending most of their time cruising near the seafloor, leopard sharks rest in eelgrass beds and move through kelp forests on the Central Coast. They are highly social and even form groups with other bottom-dwelling shark species.
Nominate a FishThis newsletter was written by humans and may contain typos. It was finalized on October 6, 2026. For breaking news, please visit my social media.