August 2025 Newsletter
Hello my friends,
After fighting cancer for the last eight months, I returned to the Senate Floor just in time to vote in favor of some of California’s most pressing issues. The Legislature returned to Session on August 18 and will continue voting on hundreds of remaining bill proposals through September 12. Each week since my return has been energetic and newsworthy, to say the least – but not more than the next two will prove to be, I’m sure! Here is a fun recap of my first couple of days back in the State Capitol.
There’s a lot to celebrate in this edition of my monthly newsletter. At the top of my return to Sacramento was a vote to allow California voters to decide if we should change our state’s congressional districts to counteract mid-decade redistricting in Texas and potentially other states. My mother used to tell me that if there is an injustice being done, we have an obligation to make it right. California won’t stand idly by while our democracy is under siege. You can read my statement on the Legislature’s passage of the Election Rigging Response Act here: https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/news/reyes-issues-statement-passage-election-rigging-response-act
Read further to join me in celebrating the opening of the brand new Mt. Vernon Bridge in San Bernardino after five years of closure, as well as the dozens of SD 29 small businesses who were honored by my office for their contribution to our local economy and commitment to community.
Adelante juntos!
Guess Who’s Back?
As I teased earlier, I’ve returned to work after months of medical leave! Senate leadership and my colleagues and staff have been incredibly supportive during these last several months, and my return to Session has only reinforced their support. I am humbled and grateful for the gifts of life and love, and this blessed opportunity to serve our community here in Sacramento and at home.
As busy as we are up in Sacramento, it’s no surprise that the first two weeks of Session have been fruitful, particularly for the Inland Empire. I presented SB 415 in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. This bill pertains to warehouse development and builds on the community protections achieved through passage of AB 98 last year. SB 415 passed Assembly Appropriations on an 11 to 1 vote and a full vote on the Assembly Floor is expected in the coming days.
We also passed SJR 8, which urges Congress to pass H.R. 1511 and S. 2606, legislation that would update the registry and allow immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least seven years to apply for lawful permanent resident status. SJR 8 reaffirms California's commitment to protecting and uplifting our immigrant communities. Immigrants are an integral part of California's identity and prosperity, and we must support federal action that honors their contributions and provides a long-overdue pathway to belonging.
Another major milestone occurred in August: Our Senate Fellow, Mmeli Ugochukwu was honored alongside her peers on the Senate Floor for her deep work on legislative issues since last fall. Mmeli has served the constituents of the 29th Senate district with distinction, dedication, and honor. We are so fortunate she brought her experience and knowledge to Team Reyes. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. Congratulations, Mmeli!
The Bridge is Back, Too!
Anyone of the roughly 1,000 people who attended the Mt. Vernon Bridge ribbon cutting and community celebration knows how much joy and camaraderie was in the air that day. After five years of construction that physically divided our city, Saturday’s celebration felt like a symbolic day of unity and optimism. We did our best to capture that feeling in this video. Let us know what you think!
The new bridge is modern, safe, and accessible for multiple modes of transportation, and we are now traveling with ease over the railyard to the east and west sides of San Bernardino. The reopening of this critical San Bernardino artery means that our city is now open for new business, new jobs, and new housing – all of which will benefit our region for generations to come.
It took a strong coalition of civic leaders to make this project possible, and I am so proud to have secured $31 million for initial demolition of the old, deteriorating bridge. It was one of my first accomplishments upon election to the State Assembly in 2016. Thank you to Mayor Helen Tran and the City of San Bernardino, County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., and Congressman Pete Aguilar for working in partnership to secure the funding and ongoing support for the project. Thank you to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and the contractors and workers who were on the ground, day in and day out, to get this work done, and to get it done correctly and safely. Last, but never least, congratulations to the residents of San Bernardino and Colton – I know what this Bridge means to you and your daily lives – and you deserve this!
Celebrating SD 29 Small Businesses
Each year, my team and I recognize small businesses from across the district that embody the spirit of service, passion, resilience, and purpose. In June, dozens of nominations were submitted to our office by community members from across the 29th Senate District, and 25 of these were selected as Small Businesses of Distinction. In July, a luncheon was held in San Bernardino to celebrate and uplift these business owners and their commitment to our community and local economy. At the event, Nickelodeon Pizza in Colton was named the 2025 Small Business of the Year. Congratulations to all of these small businesses – best wishes for your continued growth and success! Check out the photos here: 2025 Small Business Honorees | Senator Eloise Reyes
Opportunity Knocks
The Campaign for College Opportunity is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 cohort for the Student Leadership Institute (SLI).
This 6-month program (Nov. 2025 to May 2026) connects California public college students from across the state to build leadership, advocacy, and community engagement skills. Selected students will also receive a $1,000 stipend for their participation.
The application and supplemental information are available on their website. Click here to apply!
