Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This recess I have had the opportunity spend more time in our district, and I want to provide an update on some our October activities, and a bill that the governor signed into law. The Legislature will reconvene on January 5th, 2026.
SB 595: Penalties for Delinquent Local Finance Reports (signed into law by the Governor)
A handful of cities and counties across California are failing to submit annual financial audits, with some still delinquent as far back as 2022. SB 595 would impose fines on local finance officers who fail to file these critical reports within ten months of the end of their fiscal year. Transparency is not optional, and this bill sets a clear expectation for responsible financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Read our press release here.
2025 California Honor Roll
The California Department of Education released the 2025 CAASPP results, which measure student progress in English Language Arts and Mathematics across all public schools. Using this newly released data, the nonprofit data science organization Educational Results Partnership (ERP) conducted an in-depth analysis to identify schools and districts demonstrating strong, consistent performance across all student groups—not just those with high overall scores. These comprehensive results form the basis of the 2025 California ERP Honor Roll, recognizing public schools that are helping students of all backgrounds achieve at higher levels.
This year, 1,834 schools and 158 districts were named to the California Honor Roll—representing about one in five public schools statewide. Seventy-two of those schools are located right here in District 37, demonstrating that students in our community are making strong academic progress and preparing for success in college, career, and life.
Read more here.
Constituents can explore the full list of Honor Roll schools and districts statewide at www.honorrollschools.com .
18th Annual Senior Summit
On October 10, our office attended the Senior Summit hosted by Orange County Board of Supervisors at Aliso Viejo Ranch. The event brought together local leaders, organizations, and caregivers to discuss the evolving needs, interests, and challenges facing today’s seniors. Panels and resources focused on improving quality of life, promoting safety, and supporting both elders and their caretakers. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with community partners dedicated to serving Orange County’s aging population.
International Credit Union Day
On October 16, our district representatives attended the International Credit Union Day celebration hosted at SchoolsFirst Credit Union in Tustin. The event brought together credit union leaders, community members, and local officials to recognize the important role credit unions play in financial education and community service. Our office presented Certificates of Recognition to Eagle Community Credit Union and Financial Partners Credit Union in honor of their continued commitment to serving local residents. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact credit unions make across Orange County.
Senior Scam Prevention Event
On October 21, Senator Choi joined seniors and community members at Crestavilla in Laguna Niguel for a Senior Scam Prevention Event hosted in partnership with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Senator Choi, along with financial and law enforcement experts, shared practical advice and real-world examples to help attendees identify and avoid common scams. The event provided valuable tools and resources to help protect seniors from financial fraud and exploitation. Thank you to Crestavilla and all our partners for supporting efforts to keep our senior community informed and safe.
Asian Business Association-OC Event
On October 24, our office attended the 33rd Annual Harvest & Heroes Gala hosted by the Asian Business Association of Orange County at the Sonesta Hotel in Irvine. The event brought together business and community leaders to celebrate achievement, service, and cultural excellence across Orange County. Senator Choi delivered brief congratulatory remarks, and our office prepared Certificates of Recognition for the evening’s honorees. It was a memorable celebration of those who continue to make a difference in the AAPI community.
Eggs and Issues
On October 28, Senator Choi joined the Orange Chamber of Commerce for a community podcast discussion reflecting on this year’s legislative session. The conversation highlighted his recent accomplishments, key policy initiatives, and the challenges of navigating complex legislative issues in Sacramento. It was a great opportunity to share insights from the Capitol and connect with local listeners about the work being done on behalf of our district.
Watch the discussion here.
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Also on October 28, Senator Choi joined the community at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at the Great Park in Irvine. This milestone marks the beginning of a world-class facility dedicated to preserving Marine Corps aviation history and honoring the service of our Marines and aviators. The museum, expected to open in 2027, will feature educational programs and exhibits that celebrate aviation innovation and heroism. It will also serve as a major addition to the Great Park’s continued transformation into a destination of national consequence.
Senate Fellows Program Applications Now Open!
Applications for the 2026-27 Cohort of Senate Fellows are now open! Rooted in experiential learning and public service, Senate Fellows spend 11 months as part of a cohort working in the Capitol office of a California State Senator. College seniors and recent graduates are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is December 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. Start your application here today! For more information, visit the Senate Fellowship webpage or access the digital Senate Fellowship Program Brochure. This program includes a $4888/month stipend as well as health, vision, and dental benefits.