Dear Constituent,

2020 has been a challenging year. Many events - weddings, birthday celebrations, vacations, and more - were postponed or canceled, leaving a little emptiness all around.

The California Legislature was no different. This year was the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote, yet the events commemorating that anniversary and the Legislature's annual Women of the Year celebration had to be canceled.

But now that we've all learned how to celebrate virtually, I want to invite you to a celebration this coming Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. to honor and highlight a few women and organizations here in the East Bay's Senate District 9. You'll be able to watch the celebration on my Senate website.

Please join me for the virtual celebration honoring these phenomenal women:

• 2020 Woman of the Year: Jamie Almanza, executive director, BACS, Bay Area Community Services
• Women in California Leadership Scholarship Winners: Marciela Rodrigues, Shani Shay and Daniela Medina
• Women in California Leadership Community Organization Grantee Award: Young Women's Freedom Center
• Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO and founder of Roots Community Health Center, 2020 Nonprofit of the Year for District 9.

And we'll enjoy entertainment from Eleanor Wikstrom (2019 Youth Vice Poet Laureate for Oakland) and Adora Nzewi.

During the celebration, we'll meet these great women, hear about their impactful work, and enjoy some wonderful entertainment.

Again, you'll be able to watch the celebration on Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. on my Senate website.

I look forward to a festive and meaningful hour with some great East Bay (s)heroes.

Sincerely,

Nancy Skinner
Senator, 9th District