Friends and Neighbors,
The Legislative Session kicked off on January 5th, and we are off to a busy start. I want to thank you for your continued trust and engagement. Below is a brief update on the bills I have introduced, Resolutions we recognized, and events from around the district. You can find more information on my legislation here.
Senator Steven S. Choi, Ph.D.
Representing State Senate District 37
Woman of the Year Nominations
Each year, one exceptional woman from Senate District 37 is selected to be honored as Woman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contributions and lasting impact on the community. The honoree will be invited to the State Capitol and formally recognized during a special ceremony on the California State Senate Floor. This year, nominations are due on February 11th at 5:00 PM. To nominate a woman, please complete the form here or submit the required information by email. If you have any questions, please contact our office by email at Senator.Choi@senate.ca.gov or call the district office at (714) 544-1035.
Legislative Update
Bills:
SB 897 SB 897 would explicitly authorize the City of Laguna Woods to use the funds they received from the Orange County Service Authority for Abandoned Vehicles to address Vehicle Code violations. This would enable the City to use dormant funds to enforce Vehicle Code violations on public streets.
SB 935 would repeal the January 1, 2031 sunset date of the design-build project authorization indefinitely. Studies show that design-build projects cost approximately 6% less and are delivered more than 30% faster than traditional design-bid-build projects, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office has found the method to be a valuable contracting option. In 2023, the Legislature enacted AB 400 to extend the sunset date for local agency design-build authority from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2031, and to expand the types of joint powers authorities eligible to use the method.
Resolutions:
Korean American Day
On January 12th, the California State Senate joined me in supporting Senate Concurrent Resolution 106, recognizing January 13th as Korean American Day. This day is celebrated each year to not only commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903, but also to honor Korean Americans’ immense contributions to every aspect of society, including the important advancements of Californians in the fields of finance, technology, law, medicine, education, sports, media, the arts, the military, government, and other areas. Read our press release here.
California School Board Recognition Month
On January 26th, I introduced Senate Resolution 73, recognizing January as California School Board Recognition Month, honoring the dedicated service of locally elected school board members across the state. As a member of the Senate Committee on Education, an educator, and a former Irvine Unified School District Trustee, this acknowledgement is particularly important to me. Read our press release here.
From the District
Small Business of the Month- Kaori Sushi
I am pleased to congratulate Chef Sang “Eric” Lee, and Kaori Sushi in Fullerton, CA, for being recognized as the 37th Senate District’s January Small Business of the Month. Kaori Sushi is known for its signature Japanese dishes that blend traditional cuisine with global influences. Their commitment to culinary excellence reflects a pride in their craft and an unwavering dedication to our community. They have enriched our culture, and continue to make a positive impact on our local economy. Kaori Sushi has been recognized by all levels of government and is featured in the Michelin Guide. It is my honor to recognize them last month, and I thank Chef Eric Lee for his contributions to culture and community.
Korean American Day Annual Celebration
On January 10th, I had the honor of presenting Senate Concurrent Resolution 106 in honor of Korean American Day to the Korean American Federation of Orange County. Korean American Day commemorates the history of Korean immigration to the United States, which began on January 13, 1903, when 102 Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii.
As of 2026, this day marks the 123rd anniversary of Korean immigration and serves as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the formation and growth of the Korean American community, as well as the contributions and achievements of Korean Americans across our society.
Korean American Day honors the courage, sacrifice, and strong work ethic of early Korean immigrants, while passing on a sense of identity and pride to future generations. It also stands as a reminder of the enduring friendship and cooperative relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
I extend my gratitude to the Korean American Federation of Orange County for their commitment to the Korean American community.
CA Taekwondo United Ceremony
On January 10th, I had the honor of welcoming the incoming California Taekwondo United President Hojae Yong. California Taekwondo United is the center for the Taekwondo organizations and academies within California. The organization facilitates future Taekwondo events and promotes businesses. I welcome Hojae Yong, and look forward to his contributions within this new role.
Korean American Day Association of San Francisco and Bay Area, Korean American Day Ceremony
On January 17th, I attended the 123rd anniversary of the Korean American Day Ceremony hosted by the Korean American Day Association of San Francisco and Bay Area. This celebration brought together Korean Americans from across California to honor Korean contributions and share the association’s vision for the year ahead. The event also recognized the outstanding achievements of local Koreans through an award ceremony. I extend my gratitude to the Korean Day Association of San Francisco and Bay Area for celebrating Korean culture and contributions.
Blue Buoy Swim School
On January 17th, district staff attended the Rotary Club of Tustin–Santa Ana’s second annual recognition fundraiser, the Big Splash Bash. The event celebrated Blue Buoy Swim School’s 70th anniversary, highlighting the lasting impact that John and Cindy Johnson, along with their dedicated staff, have made in our community through their commitment to water safety.
The fundraiser brought together community members, elected officials, and Rotary Club volunteers, while also supporting educator grants for Tustin Unified teachers. We extend our gratitude to the Rotary club for making this possible and to the Blue Buoy Swim School for your commitment to our community.
Irvine Chamber Annual Members Meeting
On January 21st, our office attended the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Annual Members Meeting, where business and community leaders gathered to hear a presentation by President & CEO Dave Coffaro on the 2026 Impact Report. The event also recognized members and leaders for their engagement, advocacy, and contributions to the local community.
For additional updates, sign up for our emails, visit my website, and take our Issues Survey.