Welcome to the 18th Assembly District website! I am honored to represent our diverse families and communities in the State Legislature, and encourage you to help me make a better future for California. Here you can learn more about the issues being discussed in Sacramento, and monitor the movement of legislation that affects so many aspects of our lives – from clean air and education, to health care access and privacy rights.

Recent News in the 18th District

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Introduces LGBT Specialty License Plate Legislation

SACRAMENTO, CA –Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) introduced a bill today to create the first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) specialty license plate for California. AB 1539 would make California the fourth state in the nation—after South Carolina, Indiana, and Maryland— to offer a LGBT-themed license plate.

“This will be an important opportunity for Californians to show their support for the LGBT community and address a major problem that is affecting all youth,” stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi. “LGBT youth are at an increased risk for bullying, which can have devastating effects on their health, even leading to suicide. By purchasing this plate, the public can put a stop to bullying and help make a difference for our kids.”

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Receives a Perfect Score from the California Labor Federation

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) received a 100% score from the California Labor Federation, which released its “Force for Progress” 2011 scorecard today. The annual scorecard examines legislator’s actions on bills that support workers’ rights and issues, and those that would roll back important protections for California workers.

The California Labor Federation is dedicated to promoting and defending the interests of working people and their families for the betterment of California’s communities. The California Labor Federation is made up of more than 1,200 AFL-CIO and Change to Win unions, representing 2.1 million union members in manufacturing, retail, construction, hospitality, public sector, health care, entertainment and other industries.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Introduces Legislation to Provide Concussion Training for High School Coaches

SACRAMENTO, CA –Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) introduced a bill to increase concussion knowledge and first aid response in high school athletics. AB 1451 will add training on concussions and other potentially catastrophic injuries, including asthma attacks and heatstroke, to the CPR and first aid certification required of all California high school coaches.

"Concussions pose a serious health threat to our young athletes, and it's critical that coaches receive training that will help them better respond to head injuries in high school sports," stated Assemblymember Hayashi. "Kids believe that they need to be tough and play through the pain when injuries occur, so they're unlikely to tell anyone when they think they have a concussion. We need to provide coaches with the training necessary to take appropriate action at the time a student is injured."

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Wishes You Happy Holidays and Thanks the Community for its Generous Giving at the 5th Annual Jingle Tails Holiday Event and Food Drive

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your family are having a safe and happy holiday season. I would like to thank all of you for your incredible support of last night's 5th Annual Jingle Tails Holiday Event and Food Drive at the Oakland Zoo.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Holds Her 5th Annual Jingle Tails Holiday Event and Food Drive at the Oakland Zoo

OAKLAND – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) is hosting her fifth annual district holiday event and food drive, entitled “Jingle Tails,” at the Oakland Zoo’s Main Gates this Thursday, December 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. located at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland. The event is free and open to the public. Guests will have an opportunity to discuss legislative issues, tour ZooLights themed to holiday music, and help end hunger in California by donating a non-perishable food item.

According to a United States Census Report recently released, the number of California children living in poverty has increased by 30 percent, due to the national recession. The Alameda County Community Food Bank figures show that one in six Alameda County residents rely on the donations provided by the food bank – roughly 50,000 people per week. Additionally, one in ten California households is at risk for hunger or experiences hunger. This represents nearly 2 million children statewide. Hunger impairs a child’s ability to focus on his/her lessons in school and hinders the ability to satisfactorily achieve core academic success.

Equality California Gives Assemblymember Mary Hayashi A 100% Score For Her 2011 Legislative Voting Record

SACRAMENTO, CA – Equality California recently released its 2011 Legislative Scorecard and recognized Assemblymember Mary Hayashi for having a perfect voting record for legislation aimed at protecting the LGBT community throughout California.

Equality California works to achieve equality and is committed to building a better future for all Californians by protecting youth, strengthening families and empowering communities. Each year, Equality California helps to promote and protect LGBT issues by sponsoring and supporting legislation that ensures legal protections for LGBT individuals.

California League of Conservation Voters Gives Assemblymember Mary Hayashi a 100% score for her 2011 Legislative Voting Record

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) recently released its 2011 Legislative Scorecard and gave Assemblymember Mary Hayashi a perfect 100% score for supporting legislation aimed at protecting many of California’s natural resources for the second consecutive year.

CLCV is a non-partisan environmental leadership organization focused on protecting California’s environmental qualities. Every year, the CLCV releases it scorecard to identify those Legislators who help protect the state’s precious environmental assets. In addition to her 100% score in 2011, Assemblymember Hayashi received a perfect score in 2007, 2008, and 2010, for her support of important environmental legislation.

Congress of California Seniors Gives Assemblymember Mary Hayashi a Perfect Score for Her 2011 Legislative Voting Record

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Congress of California Seniors released their 2011 Legislative Report Card and recognized Assemblymember Mary Hayashi for having a perfect voting record on legislation that protects California seniors.

Each year, the Congress of California Seniors sponsors and supports legislation that protects and improves the quality of life for seniors. Assemblymember Hayashi has received a perfect score for her legislative voting record since 2008 and continues to achieve a perfect score for her legislative action on bills that affect millions of seniors.

PawPAC Gives Assemblymember Mary Hayashi a Perfect Score for Her 2011 Legislative Voting Record

SACRAMENTO, CA – PawPAC recently released their 2011 Legislative Scorecard and recognized Assemblymember Mary Hayashi for having a perfect voting record for legislation protecting animals.

Each year, PawPAC sponsors and supports legislation dedicated to the passage of laws promoting the humane treatment of animals. In 2008, 2009, and 2010 Assemblymember Hayashi received an A for her legislative voting record to protect the welfare of animals.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Supports Occupy Oakland Day of Action

As participants prepare for the Occupy Oakland Day of Action on November 2, 2011, Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) stated her support for the purpose and values of the demonstration.

"I stand in full support of the peaceful protestors of Occupy Oakland and the Day of Action to achieve economic justice and jobs for the 99%," said Assemblymember Hayashi. "In the spirit of our country’s historic and powerful nonviolent protests, the Day of Action will provide an important opportunity for Californians to voice their unity for more jobs, public education, human services, and consumer protections."

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Participates in the Great California Shakeout Drill in Hayward

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) joined federal, state and local agencies at Hayward City Hall this morning to take part in the 4th Annual Great California Shakeout Drill in an effort to create greater awareness about earthquake preparedness and provide an opportunity for our public safety officials to practice their emergency response plans. This statewide drill involved more than 8.5 million Californians learning how to "Drop, Cover and Hold On" during an earthquake.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), residents living in the Bay Area have a 62% chance of experiencing an earthquake of 6.7 magnitude or greater within the next 30 years. There is also a 31% chance that the earthquake's epicenter will occur on the Hayward - Rodgers Creek fault line that slices through the East Bay.

Preparation for an earthquake and practicing your immediate response during an earthquake are essential for the safety of you and your family. The State of California is firmly committed to helping residents be prepared and minimize the fears and challenges that come with such disasters. Along with supporting educational efforts like today's Great Shakeout, the State offers earthquake preparedness tips and guidance for individuals, families, schools, and businesses through the California Emergency Management Agency. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi also offers an earthquake preparedness guide that can be accessed on her website, or by calling her district office at (510) 583-8818.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi, American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, California Emergency Management Agency, and the Hayward Fire Department presented the following three important steps for all Californians to take during an earthquake:

DROP to the ground.
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

It is important to discuss and practice these response steps with your family, coworkers, and neighbors prior to a disaster of such magnitude. With advance-planning, we can minimize the impact of any damage that may occur and keep our loved ones safe. Together, we can prevail through challenging times.

For more information about the Great California Shakeout, or the important emergency response agencies, please click on their icons below: