January 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy New Year! May your year be full of happiness and good health. As we step into 2026, my focus remains on being present for our community and responsive to the needs of the 53rd Assembly District. I hope to create spaces where residents can access resources and feel supported. Please keep an eye out for our emails and social media posts for updates and details on upcoming events.

It is a privilege to represent the 53rd Assembly District in the California State Legislature, serving 476,592 residents. I am pleased to share our January 2026 Newsletter and provide key updates on resources and initiatives that affect our community.

Sincerely,

member signature
Michelle Rodriguez
Assemblymember, 53rd District

District Updates

Rodriguez in the District

Turkey Giveaway

Our inaugural turkey giveaway was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. A special thanks to our community partners and volunteers who showed up with generosity and care to serve more than 750 families. Moments like these reflect the heart of our district and reinforce why it is such an honor to serve our families.

Speaking at Vina Danks Middle School

Visiting Vina Danks Middle School as a guest speaker brought me back to the place where my own educational journey began. Connecting with such motivated and thoughtful students was incredibly meaningful, and I appreciated the opportunity to encourage them to believe in themselves as they work toward their goals. Thank you to the amazing staff at Vina Danks for allowing me to reconnect with my own middle school.

Keynote Speaker for Class 241 of the San Bernardino County
Sherriff’s Department Academy

Congratulations to Class 241 of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Academy! As a mom of a deputy sheriff, I understand the dedication this journey requires, not only from the graduates, but also from the families who support them every step of the way. I am proud to have been the keynote speaker for the graduating of Class 241.

Holiday Open House and Toy Drive

Welcoming our community into the office for our Holiday Open House and Toy Drive was a rewarding way to connect with our constituents. It meant so much for me to meet the residents we have the privilege of serving and to connect with them in person. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped support children across our district through their toy donations.

Celebrating Our Toy Giveaway and the Chino Youth Christmas Parade & Fair

While families gathered for the Chino Youth Christmas Parade and Fair, our office also hosted our Inaugural Toy Giveaway for children across the 53rd Assembly District. Having both events take place on the same day highlighted the care and generosity shown to families. Thank you for helping make these moments possible for our families and youth.

Legislative Updates

“There Oughta Be a Law” Submissions Now Open

As I enter my second year of my first legislative cycle, hearing directly from the people of the 53rd Assembly District remains one of my top priorities. The most meaningful ideas come from lived experiences, and your perspective helps guide the work we bring to the Capitol.

I invite you to participate in “There Oughta Be a Law.” This is an opportunity to share ideas for new state legislation that could benefit our district and communities across California. Proposals may include local improvements, updates to existing laws, new policy ideas, or funding requests. This process is open to all residents of the 53rd Assembly District, and your voice matters.

If your proposal is selected, you may be invited to Sacramento to visit the State Capitol and could have the opportunity to speak in support of your idea as it moves through the legislative process. I look forward to continuing this work with you and ensuring our district’s voices are heard.

There Oughta Be A Law

Resources

Student Loan Empowerment Network Education Resources

Many residents in the 53rd Assembly District are managing student loan debt. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation offers free resources through its Student Loan Empowerment Network, including short self-help videos and one-on-one support to help borrowers understand repayment options.

Learn More Here

Food Assistance Resources

Families facing food insecurity can find help through local and countywide resources. If you or someone you know has been affected by the recent benefit freeze, the organizations below can provide immediate support and guidance.

Here Is What You Can Do

Call 211 to locate the nearest food pantry or distribution site
Visit the California Association of Food Banks to find a food bank near you

Food Distribution Centers in Our District

San Bernardino County (All Areas)

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County
Distribution calendar: www.capsbc.org
Phone: (909) 723-1500

Ontario

D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation
2151 E. Convention Center Way, Suite 210
Phone: (909) 906-2068
Ontario Christian Center
1336 N. Baker Ave.
Phone: (909) 983-5269

Upland

God’s Pantry
1562 W. 11th St.
Phone: (909) 766-8039
Community Heart Feed the Need
903 N. Central Ave., Suite B
Phone: (909) 946-1246

Pomona

God’s Pantry
250 E. Center St.
Phone: (909) 766-8038
Pomona Valley Food Bank
284 E. Holt Ave.
Phone: (626) 200-0356
Bithiah’s Family Resources
1035 S. Garey Ave.
Phone: (909) 671-4113

Montclair

Hope For Life Pantry
4518 San Bernardino St.
Phone: (909) 217-9349
City of Montclair Civic Center
5111 Benito St.
Phone: (909) 625-9456

Chino

Isaiah’s Rock Christian Fellowship
13031 7th St.
Phone: (909) 628-0966
God’s Pantry
14670 Ramona Ave.
Phone: (909) 766-8039
Food For Life Ministry
4712 Cheyenne Way
Phone: (909) 627-3663

CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant

CAL FIRE has awarded more than $62.6 million statewide through its Wildfire Prevention Grants Program to support projects that protect communities and reduce wildfire risk. Congratulations to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments on receiving crucial funding that will strengthen wildfire resilience and fuel reduction efforts in our region.