This week, our office joined the community in celebrating Filipino Heritage Month at Filipino Island Fest in Alameda. In a time when many are reflecting deeply on the direction of our country, the story of the Filipino American community offers powerful lessons in resilience and unity.
From defending freedom during World War II to advancing workers’ rights in the Delano Grape Strike and standing for democracy abroad, our Filipino brothers and sisters have long demonstrated courage and service. Their legacy strengthens California’s own commitment to justice and opportunity for all.
As the saying goes, “Makibaka, huwag matakot” — “Dare to struggle, dare to be brave.” California stands with that guiding spirit.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
You may have heard last week that ICE has rolled out their last inhumane policy in what’s being called Operation “Freaky Friday,” where the Trump-Vance administration is attempting to bribe unaccompanied minors as young as 14 into giving up their rights and self-deporting. I know this is exacerbating an already incredibly stressful time for our community as we watch our children be targeted with such cruelty.
If you have received a notice from the government offering this stipend, know that you are still entitled to legal protection. Reach out to a support organization so you can make an informed decision.
Interested in Know Your Rights Cards? Contact our office.
While the Trump-Vance administration leads with cruelty, targeting minors for deportation by ICE, California is proving another way is possible: one rooted in compassion, due process, and basic human decency. This weekend, Governor Newsom signed my bill, AB 1261, to expand access to legal counsel for young immigrants seeking refuge and safety in California. By expanding access to legal representation, we are ensuring more youth have a fair day in court and a fair shot at the California Dream. I am thankful for our advocates and for Governor Newsom standing with our immigrant communities in these tumultuous times.
Today is day 13 of the Republican Federal Government Shutdown. Rather than get back to work for the everyday American, Donald Trump and Congressional republicans are prioritizing their billionaire donors. Their proposals would take healthcare away from millions of Americans and shutter the community clinics and hospitals our communities depend on, as they once again attack the Affordable Care Act.
Under Trump’s big bad bill, we are facing a $1 trillion cut to healthcare and the expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act credits, sending insurance premiums skyrocketing, causing 4 million Americans to lose their health coverage, and countless Americans to face higher prices across the market.
I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues to address the devastation to our healthcare and health infrastructure coming from Washington, as we fight to ensure no Californian loses access to the care they deserve.
I was honored to join First 5 Alameda County and over 130 dedicated professionals at Children’s Fairyland to strategize on how to ensure every child in Alameda County grows up healthy, supported, and ready to learn. Under the current federal landscape, there are very real threats to the early childhood system in California, as the Trump administration moves to:
- Gut core safety-net programs like Medi-Cal, WIC, CalFresh, and other programs that our working families rely on for their health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
- Defund child care and early education, leaving our children and families behind.
- Target the nonprofit and local tools that children’s groups rely on to serve our community.
I was proud to reaffirm my commitment to ensure our state does all we can to safeguard the programs that give every child a healthy start.
As we speak, our bills are being signed into law!
AB 50 was recently signed into law, ensuring Medi-Cal recipients can access over-the-counter birth control without a prescription, eliminating unnecessary barriers to streamline Californians' access to FDA-approved contraception. This bill was critical to me as accessing reproductive care should never depend on your income or type of insurance.
AB 1230 was also signed into law, providing pathways back to the classroom for students who have faced expulsion, prioritizing learning, growing, and healing for our students. This bill was a needed step to combat the school-to-prison pipeline.
OOOOOOOAKLAND! OOOOOAKLAND!
Congratulations to the Oakland Ballers on their historic 2025 Pioneer League Championship! The B’s set a record for league wins before clinching victory at home in Game 5 at Raimondi Park.
The team celebrated their victory with a rally at City Hall, and a parade in West Oakland. Thank you for the deep community love that propelled this team to victory, and the countless personal stories of sacrifice and commitment to Oakland that made this moment possible.
Caltrans Oakland Alameda Access Project Update
The Oakland–Alameda Access Project (OAAP) is a long-term investment in community transportation, safety, and connectivity. This project will improve the Webster and Posey Tubes, reshape the I-880 connection to Oakland’s Chinatown and Jack London Square, and strengthen equitable access between Oakland and Alameda.
Once a construction schedule is finalized, Caltrans will host two hybrid community information meetings — one in Alameda and one in Oakland — to share project updates and gather public feedback.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
- If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, state agencies are available to help with housing and relocation, finding counseling, restraining orders, and more. Help can be found HERE or by contacting my office.
DeepDIVE First Glimpse – Saturday, November 8
- DeepDIVE is a visionary new performance project which invites you to step beneath the surface and into the mystery of the ocean.
- Join us at the REAP Climate Center for First Glimpse, the first stage of our creative journey on this fantastic multimedia project. Experience stunning visuals, original music, and design concepts. Meet the artists and share your thoughts for the continuation of our artistic process.
- Tickets are free but strictly limited. For more information and registration, click HERE.
Oakland Style – Happening Now
- Oakland Style, an annual five-day series presented by Visit Oakland, serves as a celebration of art, fashion, music, cuisine, and culture.
- For more information on events, including art competitions, a mixology and music event, art walks, fashion shows, interactive workshops, culinary celebrations, and more, please visit HERE.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
My office remains committed to helping you navigate any State resources or individualized questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office for any assistance or support with your questions.