Berman Bulletin: It’s Darkest Before the Dawn

I struggled a bit with how to start this newsletter. I was going to go with “Happy New Year!” but, to be honest, 2026 has gotten off to a rough start. We’ve seen masked, poorly trained, unnecessary, unaccountable, and unidentified federal agents terrorize American cities and murder two U.S. citizens in public. We’ve seen President Trump and his propagandists rush to accuse the victims, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, of being “domestic terrorists” and “assassins,” trying to convince all of us that we didn’t see what we saw with our own eyes. Small children, still wearing their Spider-Man backpacks from school, are being snatched off the street and used as bait to lure their parents for deportation. It is terrifying.

While the Trump administration wants us to be afraid, we have only gotten stronger. More Americans are willing to literally put their bodies between this goon squad and the vulnerable communities they are targeting. Communities here in California and across the country have risen and rallied against these authoritarian activities, sometimes in sub-zero temperatures. I recently spoke with the San Mateo County Youth Commission and their moral clarity on these issues and insistence that we do more to push back against those who abuse power was truly inspiring.

It is in the midst of the darkest of days that we must look for the flickers of light. Of empathy, respect, and love for our neighbors, and the strength and courage to fight for what’s right. I’m seeing it more and more, and that gives me hope as we get into 2026.

This is the beginning of my 10th year in the legislature, and I remain so grateful to serve all of you. It is a privilege to represent the 23rd Assembly District, and I am thankful for your trust.

In this Newsletter:

• Back to Sacramento
• Community Conversations in Saratoga and Woodside
• Hope for the Holidays
• Honoring our Veterans
• Public Safety Building Grand Opening
• Supporting Patients & Physicians

Sincerely,

Marc Berman
Assemblymember, 23rd District

The California State Legislature is back in session, and it was great to get back to Sacramento to continue working hard to improve the lives of all Californians.

The first day of the 2026 session was especially meaningful as I watched my dear friend Monique Limón get sworn in as the 50th President pro Tempore of the State Senate, and the first mom and woman of color to hold the position. Monique and I were elected to the Assembly together in 2016 and quickly became close friends. I am so excited for her, for the legislature, and for California.

(Assemblymember Berman with Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria)

Much of January was spent evaluating different bill ideas to introduce in 2026. I am really excited about how this year’s legislative package is coming together, including important efforts to address youth mental health, help Californians fully electrify their homes while also lowering utility bills, empower the CA Department of Justice to revoke the licenses of gun dealers who are violating the law, and helping community colleges step up to support their students who are being harmed by the Trump Administration’s destructive policies. I’ll have much more to share about this year’s bills in my next update.

Out and About in AD23

My last two community coffees in Saratoga and Woodside were a great way to wrap up 2025. I’m always impressed to see so many community members show up to share their thoughts on AI, wildfire mitigation, speeding, utilities, housing, and so much more!

These community conversations are democracy at its best, and I am grateful for all who attended. I look forward to many more discussions in the coming year and hope that you will consider attending a local community coffee in 2026!

Charitable organizations and nonprofits are lifelines to friends and neighbors in our communities who are struggling. During the holiday season, my team and I had the pleasure of helping these organizations support those in need.

In November, Team Berman volunteered with the Community Services Agency (CSA) of Mountain View and Los Altos to help distribute food to community members before the Thanksgiving holiday. Everyone went home with loads of fresh veggies and other groceries, as well as a chicken, turkey, or ham for the holiday. It’s tough to see so many neighbors in need, but great to see their smiles as they went home with bags full of food.

In December, I held my first Holiday Toy Drive and was deeply humbled by the generous support we received from the community. It was special to walk into the office and see the toys piled up and ready to be delivered to Hope’s Corner for distribution to children in need right here in the 23rd District. This generosity made a huge difference for many deserving kids during the holidays.

I was truly humbled to attend the San Mateo County Veterans Luncheon, honoring the brave men and women who have fought for our freedoms. It was inspiring to hear remarks from five World War II veterans, including one who was just 19 years old when he landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Their courage and resilience continue to inspire us and remind us of our obligation to safeguard the democratic principles they fought to defend.

Sixteen years ago I served on the City of Palo Alto’s Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Commission, and our top recommendation was to build a new, seismically safe Public Safety Building. Then, as a councilmember, I helped lead the effort to figure out how to pay for this and other critical infrastructure projects. It was wonderful to attend the grand opening of this world-class facility last fall.

Our local law enforcement plays a critical role in keeping our community safe, and this new facility ensures that these brave women and men have a safe and secure headquarters to support the rest of us.

I was honored to receive the Geri Taylor Award from the Northern California Psychiatric Society for my work on Assembly Bill 408. This bill would create a physician health and wellness program that aligns with nationally recognized best practices for protecting patients and connecting doctors with the help they need to continue practicing safely.

AB 408 is still moving through the legislative process, and I look forward to continuing to champion this important issue. Every day, we look to physicians and practitioners to care for us, and when our physicians struggle with substance use or mental health disorders, it is in the best interest of both patients and physicians to support them in getting help as soon as possible.