Got a young person curious about how government works or passionate about community change? The Young Legislators Program deadline is Fri, Feb 27! Free, June–Dec, monthly meetings, hands-on experience with state & local leaders in AD80.
Apply now: alvarez.asmdc.org/young-legisl...
AB 107 matters. It cuts through administrative barriers so Prop 4 dollars reach every corner of California faster. For us in San Diego, this means resources for the Tijuana River Valley crisis can flow without delay. Proud the Assembly voted 59-3 to move this forward. #AD80 #SanDiego
$46 million coming to South Bay! Proud to announce we secured critical funding for the Tijuana River Valley crisis. This will help our families, businesses, and communities get the relief they deserve. More work ahead, but this is a huge step forward. 🙌 #SouthBay #TijuanaRiver #SanDiego #SiSePuede
Finishing your associate degree shouldn’t mean choosing between school, work, and family—or leaving South County. That’s why AB 664 matters. It expands workforce-aligned bachelor’s programs at Southwestern College so students can stay local and move forward. #HigherEd #ChulaVista
What happened in Minnesota, and the federal defense of it, reflects the worst of what our country can be. We’re facing an administration that ignores the rule of law.
Watch my full statement here: youtu.be/Z_gFzh6KuT4?...
It is my honor to announce I have earned a 100% score on the 2025 Equality California State Legislative Scorecard. Today and every day, we must continue to work to build a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people.
Beto describes witnessing prison riots that claimed lives and the powerlessness that followed. Locked down, isolated, and forced to reflect.
This was a turning point in his story.
Watch the full episode of Dreaming Big Working Hard:
https://youtu.be/VfEMLn_x0Ok
Beto knew he was in trouble the first time he got locked up as a teenager, sitting in juvenile hall, angry, resentful, calling home.
That moment stayed with him.
Watch the full episode to hear how it affected Beto and how he broke the cycle.
https://youtu.be/VfEMLn_x0Ok
“You get stripped down — literally.”
Beto describes entering the system and losing dignity until dehumanization feels normal. This episode is about what the system gets wrong — and what real second chances require.
New episode of Dreaming Big. Working Hard out now.
https://youtu.be/VfEMLn_x0Ok
REMINDER I'm inviting you to Noche de Lucha Libre, an afternoon that honors the vibrant spirit of our South Bay communities. Mariachi filling the streets. Food that reminds you of home. This is how we build movements, with familia, culture, and the kind of joy that makes our neighborhoods strong.
I've heard from too many families who watch their kids commute hours away because we don't have these programs locally. AB 664 addresses immediate workforce gaps that our community identified as critical.
Write a letter in support https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/
When the holidays fade and January feels heavy, Father Scott offers a simple reminder: it might not feel like God is with you, but God is with you. Faith isn’t just for celebrations. It’s found in everyday life.
🎧 https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
As the new year begins, I speak honestly about the moment we are in. What is happening right now is not just tragic. It is traumatic, especially for immigrant communities. A New Year’s reflection on faith, fear, and hope.
🎧 Watch: https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
As the new year is about to begin, Father Scott offers a simple reminder: we’re all carrying a lot, and we need spaces that let us breathe again. Sometimes faith looks like an hour’s break from the noise—together.
🎧 Watch: https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
#NewYear #Faith #Community
“We belong.”
Father Scott shares how fear is causing people to doubt their own worth—and why faith in action must restore dignity and belonging.
🎧 Watch: https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
#FaithInAction #HumanDignity
Sometimes faith looks like simply showing up.
Father Scott shares how accompanying immigrants to court became an act of presence that changed how people were treated. A reminder that love means sharing what we have—our presence, courage, and action.
🎧 Watch: https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
How does faith move from accompaniment to advocacy?
I asked Father Scott how supporting immigrant families led him to engage more deeply in advocacy around what’s happening in our city, state, and country. A powerful reminder that faith often leads to action.
🎧 Watch: https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
I talk with Father Scott Santarosa at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish about immigrant families living in fear this holiday season—and how the story of the Holy Family reminds us that Christmas is about dignity, refuge, and showing up for one another.
🎧 Watch: https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
In a special holiday episode of Dreaming Big, Working Hard, I speak with Father Scott Santarosa, SJ about immigration, human dignity, and the Holy Family as refugees—an ancient story that feels urgently present today.
🎧 Watch: https://youtu.be/yYqyb3rLKGQ
One missed paycheck can change everything. During the 43-day shutdown, 400K SNAP recipients lost benefits and 150K federal & military workers faced missed paychecks. Families with jobs suddenly needed food help. Stability is more fragile than we think.
USMCA renegotiation is coming in 2026. It affects every California job tied to cross-border trade. We're hosting a joint hearing Dec 12 in Chula Vista to examine how we protect our economy and strengthen ties with Mexico. Real talk about real stakes. #AD80
I sat down with Casey Castillo from the San Diego Food Bank. We talked about what 848,000 neighbors facing hunger really looks like. Teachers. Seniors. Military families going without meals.
Watch: youtu.be/95sP-NJB4kc
I've lived near our coast my whole life. Watched families build lives around it. Now DC wants to risk oil spills for pennies while our coastal economy brings in $51B. We're pushing back hard. California's coast isn't for sale. #AD80 #ProtectOurCoast
300 students & families showed up on a rainy day—because college dreams matter. 🌧️🎓 Our South Bay College Fair brought 30+ schools, real financial-aid help, and big oportunidades. Gracias to Southwest High, volunteers, and every student who showed up. Next year’s fair coming soon! #AD80 #SiSePuede
Join us for this important conversation about building educational pathways for our community. Bring your questions, ideas, and experiences - your input helps shape the policies that will create more opportunities for the next generation.
youtube.com/live/TnJmIvi...
Want to shape the future of higher education in South Bay? Join me tomorrow at Southwestern College for our Town Hall with local education leaders. Let's discuss new investments and expanded opportunities for our students. 10AM-11AM. #AD80
🎓 Every first-gen student's story matters. Proud to share these powerful voices from our community speaking their truth about the college journey. Watch the full video now at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TAN... #AD80
Comedy opens hearts before minds. Join me and Macedonio Arteaga on the latest Dreaming Big Working Hard podcast as we explore how humor can tackle community issues and create real change. Watch now: youtu.be/SeNKP5G5iA0 #AD80
Proud to award The Alvarez Family Scholarship to Saira Garcia Barron and Luis Angel Perez Muñoz this week! These bright South Bay students represent our community's future in teaching and science. #AD80 #SouthBayPride
🎙️ "You do the work because of that memory - someone who sacrificed for you. You do it for friends & neighbors whose lives you can change." Tune in to hear what drives our public service mission. #AD80
