Dear Friends and Neighbors‚
Legislation Updates:
I returned to Sacramento on August 18th‚ which is when the entire State Legislature reconvened to hear the remaining bills for the final month of this year’s session. We have now completed the first year of the two year legislative session. There were many long days and nights to pass bills to the Governor’s Desk. From there‚ the Governor has until October 13th to sign or veto those bills.
Below is a brief update on my final bill:
SB 595: Penalties for Delinquent Local Finance Reports (Passed out of Senate and Assembly to the Governor’s Desk)
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.
Soju Day
We welcomed community leaders‚ cultural organizations‚ and elected officials to the historic Leland Stanford Mansion in Sacramento for a festival celebrating Soju and Korean culture. Senator Choi officially proclaimed September 20th as “Soju Day” in recognition of Korea’s iconic traditional distilled spirit‚ soju‚ and its growing cultural significance in the United States.
The resolution raised awareness and appreciation of Korean tradition‚ supported cultural exchange‚ and promoted the Korean American community’s contributions to the state’s vibrant multicultural identity.
To commemorate the resolution‚ a special event and cultural festival was held‚ featuring soju tasting‚ Korean cultural performances‚ and community celebration. The event brought together a diverse attendance to honor the heritage and global popularity of soju.
View photos from the day here.
Taekwondo Day
Taekwondo is the traditional Korean martial art that emphasizes discipline‚ respect‚ physical fitness‚ and mental strength. It has become one of the most practiced martial arts in the world and has greatly contributed to global health‚ culture‚ and peace.
On September 4th‚ 1994‚ the South Korean government officially designated Taekwondo as the national martial art of Korea and the California Legislature did the same on September 4th‚ 2020. Taekwondo is more than just a sport. Every student who starts as a white belt begins a journey of personal growth that requires one to face challenges head-on.
As an active participant in my community‚ one of my passions is teaching‚ not only in school but also Taekwondo. After receiving my own black belt‚ I desired to pass along the sacred knowledge and skill to other generations. I did this through PE curriculum and teaching classes over the course of three years. I even successfully trained one of my personal students to earn their own black belt.
Redistricting
Voters approved initiatives in both 2008 and 2010 to create an independent redistricting committee across party lines‚ despite opposition from the legislature. Nevertheless‚ the legislature passed AB 604 to draw a new congressional map and that will take affect if ACA 8 is passed by voters in the November special election‚ authorized by SB 280.
Watch me speak further on this issue here.
Senator S. Steven Choi‚ Ph.D.
State Senator‚ 37th District
In Other News:
Laura’s House
On August 8‚ my staff and I toured the Laura’s House facility in Aliso Viejo. Laura’s House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence and educating the public. Since 1994‚ Laura’s House has been offering critical services such as shelter‚ counseling‚ legal services‚ and a 24/7 hotline for those affected by domestic abuse. The staff and facilities are truly wonderful‚ and they provide a great service to our community. The 24/7 Crisis Hotline number is 866-489-1551.
Senate Fellow Program
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.
Angels Korean Heritage Night
On August 5‚ the Los Angeles Angels hosted a Korean Heritage Night as they played the Tampa Bay Rays. I had the honor of presenting my resolution recognizing the Angels for their commitment to celebrating Korean culture to Angels Baseball President John Carpino. A huge thanks to the team and staff for a successful night and a great celebration.
CalAsian Chamber Trailblazers Women’s Pitch Competition
On August 1‚ 2025‚ the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce‚ in collaboration with the CalAsian Foundation and the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce‚ brought us the Trailblazer Women Innovator’s Pitch Competition. In its eighth year‚ Trailblazers celebrates women’s achievements and innovation by recognizing women entrepreneurs and giving their ideas strategic support. Congratulations to the five candidates for their outstanding efforts‚ and to Kanna Ecklund‚ founder of Asaichi (formerly GreenGrip) for winning the competition.
Get Connected:
If you need assistance with a state agency‚ please contact our District Office at 714-544-1034.
For questions on legislation‚ please contact our Capitol Office at 916-651-4037.
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