Newsletter
Senator Umberg October Newsletter
A Note from Tom Umberg:
October was another busy month across the 34th Senate District, celebrating new businesses, recognizing community leaders, and spending time with friends and neighbors. One of the highlights of the month was our Community Harvest Festival & Food Drive at our District Office.
Eight years ago, we opened our doors with an open house and backpack giveaway, so it was only fitting to begin wrapping up our time in office with another community celebration.
My thanks to our district team for organizing the event, and to La Casa Garcia, Cancun Ice Cream, DiLusso Event Planning and United Across Borders Foundation for helping make it possible. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us and has supported our work over the years.
As we enter our final full month representing the 34th Senate District, my office remains committed to serving you. We are also working to ensure my successor has the resources and information needed to continue providing the representation you deserve.
I look forward to seeing many of you around the district in the weeks ahead. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your families.
Legislative Update
Eight Umberg Bills Signed Into Law
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed eight bills in my 2026 legislative package, marking a successful conclusion to this year's legislative session.
These new laws address some of the most pressing challenges facing Californians, including protecting voters from intimidation and interference at the polls, preventing dangerous chemical incidents, establishing safeguards for artificial intelligence in our legal system, and strengthening consumer and public safety protections.
I'm proud of what we accomplished this year and grateful to my colleagues and community partners who helped move these important measures across the finish line.
Here's a closer look at the eight bills signed into law this year:
SB 884 – Protect Our Polls Act: Expands early voting options and protects voters from intimidation and immigration enforcement at polling locations.
SB 883 – Preventing Chemical Explosions: Strengthens oversight of reactive chemical storage facilities and improves emergency preparedness to protect surrounding communities.
SB 574 – Court A.I. Protection Act: Establishes safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence by attorneys and arbitrators, protecting client confidentiality and ensuring human oversight.
SB 623 – Fair Medical Billing & Rideshare Safety Act: Protects accident victims from excessive medical charges and strengthens rideshare safety through annual driver background checks.
SB 758 – Substance Control and Retail Integrity Act: Restricts the sale of nitrous oxide by tobacco-licensed retailers, with exemptions for grocery stores and general retailers with grocery departments.
SB 25 – Pre-Merger Notification Act: Gives California's Attorney General earlier access to federal merger filings to better identify and address anticompetitive transactions.
SB 342 – Contractors Licensure Fairness Act: Allows contractors to recover payment for work performed while properly licensed, even if their license lapses during a project.
SB 96 – CALM Act Modernization: Prohibits streaming and social media platforms from playing advertisements louder than the content users are watching or listening to.
Read more here: Press Release
Budget Wins for Orange County
Delivering $6 Million for Orange County
I'm proud to have secured $6 million in state funding to support important projects and organizations across Orange County. These investments will strengthen community services, expand access to legal assistance, support vulnerable youth, and improve local facilities and educational opportunities.
$1 Million for the City of Fullerton
Funding to renovate and reopen the gymnasium at Independence Park, restoring a valuable recreational space for local families, students and the community.
$300,000 for the City of Orange
Funding for a new monument at the El Modena Library honoring the families of the landmark Mendez et al. v. Westminster case and their fight against school segregation.
$1.7 Million for Discovery Cube Orange County
Funding for the Lysanne Ray Kelp Farming Aquarium, expanding hands-on educational opportunities focused on marine science and conservation.
$1 Million for the Public Law Center
Funding to expand immigration legal services and provide critical legal assistance to immigrants and families in Orange County.
$1 Million for the Orangewood Foundation
Funding to support Youth Emergency Services, providing critical assistance and resources to vulnerable youth in Orange County.
$1 Million for United Across Borders
Funding to support the organization's community assistance programs serving Orange County families.
In the News
Los Angeles Daily News - Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bills meant to stop Trump changes in CA elections
District Update
This month, our district team connected with over 35 organizations and community members, recognized more than 284 individuals, and assisted 9 constituents with issues involving state agencies.
S.H.E. Influences Conference & Business Expo
My team joined the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce for its S.H.E. Influences Conference & Business Expo, where we had the opportunity to recognize Centralia Elementary School District Superintendent Norma Martinez for her outstanding leadership and service to our community.
Since becoming Superintendent in 2015, Norma has dedicated herself to supporting students and strengthening educational opportunities across the district. Her commitment to the community extends beyond the classroom through her involvement with organizations including the Anaheim Community Foundation and SchoolsFirst Education Foundation.
Congratulations to Superintendent Martinez on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your years of dedication to our students and families!
La Habra Mercado González Grand Opening
Congratulations to the González family on the grand opening of Mercado González in La Habra. Building on the success of Northgate Market, this new location brings together authentic Mexican cuisine, shopping and gathering spaces in a vibrant celebration of Mexican-American culture.
It was wonderful to celebrate this exciting addition to La Habra, and I look forward to seeing Mercado González continue to grow and thrive.
Anaheim Fall Festival and Parade
Anaheim's annual Fall Festival and Parade is always a highlight of the Halloween season. I had a wonderful time celebrating with my family, including my nephews Jack and Grant, who joined in on some “despicable” fun. We may not have stolen the moon, but we certainly enjoyed seeing so many families out celebrating.
A special thank-you to Ann, Siobhan, Missy and Gabbi for their hard work organizing this beloved tradition and bringing thousands of community members together year after year. Looking forward to next year's festivities.
Upcoming Event
Anaheim Turkey Trot 5k/10k & Fun Run
Date and Time:
November 22, 2026
8:00 – 11:00 am
Location:
ARTIC Parking Lot
2610 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
The Anaheim Santa Ana River Trail Turkey Trot returns this November, rain or shine. Runners and walkers of all ages can enjoy a 5K, 10K or 1-mile fun run along the scenic Santa Ana River Trail, with views of Angel Stadium along the way. Participants can look forward to finisher medals, street tacos and tamales at the finish line. Click for more information and to register.