What a year it has been! Thank you for letting me continue to serve you by representing the 74th District in the State Assembly. My final column features another successful year in review.
In February, we hosted a wildfire preparedness event. Representatives from the Office of Insurance, OC Fire Authority and the OC Sheriff provided tips on home hardening, preventative measures, insurance cost savings and evacuation procedures in the case of a wildfire.
In March, we recognized more than a dozen leaders nominated for Woman of the Year. They came from all types of backgrounds and accomplishments, and I was honored to learn of their many impressive achievements. I also hosted a Veterans Affairs Advisory Board Meeting in March, discussing community issues and concerns with local retired servicemen in attendance.
For Earth Day, I had the opportunity to partner with Stand Up to Trash to host a beach cleanup at the San Clemente Pier. This organization leads programs to remove trash that hurts marine life. Surfing and fishing lessons were also provided by the Coastal Conservation Association of California.
In June, we successfully fought against proposed revisions to rules offered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. These would have required homeowners to replace their gas appliances (such as water heaters and stoves) with more expensive electric alternatives once the existing units broke down.
In June, we also organized a Senior Scam Seminar featuring OC Sheriff Don Barnes and OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Speakers gave presentations on how to better protect our seniors from computer, mail and other common scams. We were proud to welcome seniors, their caregivers and families to this free, informative gathering.
Throughout the year, we celebrated several sand installations as part of the $125 million grant for the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Coastal Rail Infrastructure Resiliency Project. The funding is provided to protect the LOSSAN rail corridor and prevent future emergency track closures and service disruptions along seven miles of coastal rail in San Clemente.
In November, we hosted the 2025 Veteran Service Member Awards. The ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of local veterans and service members who serve in the community. The 74th Assembly District, which includes Camp Pendleton, is home to over 18,000 Veterans and Service Members.
We also honored Hispanic Heritage leaders. These individuals have made a real difference in our communities through their dedication, service and passion. Their work shows young people what’s possible by being a shining example of Latino success.
I am pleased to announce that I had seven bills signed into law. Almost all passed through their committees unanimously, proving bipartisanship and a common-sense approach. Highlights include:
AB 424: Establishes a requirement for Department of Health Care Services to notify a complainant within 10 days of receiving the complaint about a substance-abuse treatment facility and again upon its resolution.
AB 544: Requires all e-bikes to have front and back lights attached to the device.
AB 545: Prohibits the sale of software applications that illegally modify an electric bicycle (e-bike) to increase its maximum speed.
AB 587: Requires one of the existing three General Public Representatives on the 15-person CA Student Aid Commission to be an individual with expertise in veteran-specific educational benefits.
AB 1005: Provides education and expands opportunities to children and families on drowning prevention and water safety practices.
Also this year, I took major steps in opposing the battery storage project proposed for San Juan Capistrano. I sent a letter of opposition to the California Energy Commission (CEC) outlining the glaring danger for residents and met with CEC officials and local City Councils to share our concerns. I toured the site and will continue to actively fight against the project.
A few of my other favorite events included: Red Ribbon Week, the San Clemente Exchange awards for Firefighter of the Year and Sheriff Deputy of the Year, and presenting a resolution to the Acjachemen Nation and City of San Juan Capistrano to launch a yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the San Juan Mission.
Finally, as a member of the State Allocation Board, I helped secure almost $1.8 million for Capo Unified School District’s infrastructure projects.
Thank you for letting me serve you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Laurie Davies is a small business owner and former mayor who was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022 and 2024. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County — down through Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in North San Diego County.