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

Keeping Student Athletes Safe

(Sacramento) – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) is working hard to make sure our children are safe when they participate in school athletics. Among her many efforts to keep our student-athletes safe is her legislation Assembly Bill 1451. It strengthens first aid training for school athletic coaches, by requiring coaches to take concussion awareness training and response as part of their first aid certification courses. Here’s more from Assemblymember Hayashi in this Assembly Access video.

Assemblymember Hayashi Recognizes "Cinco de Mayo Week"

(Sacramento) -- Mexican Americans are an integral part of the fabric that makes up California. In recognition of that, California State Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) rose on the Assembly floor to speak in support of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 146 (Lara). ACR 146 proclaims May 1 -- 7, 2012 as "Cinco de Mayo Week" in California. Learn more in this Assembly Access Video.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Co-Authors Legislation to Save State Parks

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) announced that she is co-authoring an important bill to save California’s state parks. AB 1589, the California State Park Stewardship Act of 2012, directs the Department of Parks and Recreation to prioritize the creation of a plan to increase revenues and collect user fees at state parks.

Supporters held a press conference at the State Capitol today to discuss the importance of the bill and the need to sustain and protect California’s state park system.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Adjourns in Memory of Hayward Police Officer Rodney Pierce

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) adjourned today's Assembly floor session in memory of Hayward police officer Rodney Pierce. Officer Pierce passed away on May 11, 2012 after being injured in a serious motorcycle accident three days earlier on his way to work at the Hayward Police Department.

"Officer Rodney Pierce will be deeply missed, not just because of his contributions to the police force, but for his dedication to the community, especially Hayward's youth," stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi. "I ask that we take this moment to express our condolences to his family, as well as to his friends and colleagues at the Hayward Police Department."

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Appointed to Special Committee on Governor's Reorganization Plan

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) has been appointed by Assembly Speaker John Perez to a special committee that will assess the Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 2012. This plan proposes a reorganization of several parts of the executive branch.

"I am pleased to have this opportunity to help improve our state government, and ensure that any reorganization best serves the needs of the people of California," stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Honors Holocaust Survivor Martha Reynolds

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) will be honoring holocaust survivor Martha Reynolds on Monday, April 16, 2012. The California State Assembly is hosting a special Holocaust Memorial ceremony to honor survivors and World War II veterans, who will sit with their representatives on the Assembly floor.

"Martha Reynolds experienced one of the darkest times in world history, a time where everyday people were forced to find their deepest courage and greatest strength in order to survive," stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi. "Like many other survivors, she went on to thrive and live a fulfilling life. It's an important lesson for all of us today to remember and recognize this incredible power of the human spirit."

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Joins Commemoration of First Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) joined with leading women’s health advocates to raise awareness about mental health at the first Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day at the State Capitol. The event, in recognition of May as Perinatal Mental Health and Maternal Depression Awareness Month, featured a morning press conference and an expert panel discussion.

"Maternal depression is common and treatable, but still heavily stigmatized. We are letting families know that help is available, and that getting help is okay," stated Assemblymember Hayashi. "No new mother should have to feel isolated or ashamed by depression. Today's event and all of the dedicated advocates involved are working to make that a reality."

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi and the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus to Convene Policy Summit

SACRAMENTO, CA - Vice chair Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) and the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus are co-hosting the California Asian and Pacific Islander Policy Summit from April 30 to May 1, 2012 at the Sacramento Convention Center. The summit, entitled, "iADVOCATE" brings together Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to discuss critical policy and race issues.

"This is an important forum for Asian Pacific Islander Americans to bring attention to the many issues impacting this diverse community - from bullying and education, to immigration and healthcare," stated Assemblymember Hayashi. "These problems are not new, and are part of a long history of challenges faced by Asian Pacific Islander Americans. But every generation brings new hope, and this summit is designed to help those young people become more involved in finding the solutions."

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Honors Dr. Leroy Morishita for Excellence in Higher Education

CSU East Bay president will be recognized at the Capitol's annual Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month awards ceremony

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward), vice chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, announced that Dr. Leroy Morishita will receive the Excellence in Higher Education Award on May 14, 2012 at the State Capitol. The recognition is part of the California State Assembly's annual Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month awards ceremony.

"Dr. Morishita has been an outstanding leader for education, and a dedicated advocate for Asian and Pacific Islander communities," stated Assemblymember Hayashi. "He serves as a tremendous inspiration for young people."

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Selects Castro Valley Resident Charmaine Banther As Woman Of The Year

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi has named Charmaine Banther as her “Woman of the Year.” A resident of Castro Valley, Ms. Banther is a teacher at James Logan High School in Union City, and is a dedicated advocate for quality public education. She serves as the President of the New Haven Teachers Association and presides as Vice Chair of the California Teachers Associations’ Pacific Asian American Caucus. Ms. Banther will be recognized in a floor ceremony today at the State Capitol with other Assemblymember-selected Woman of the Year honorees from across California.

“Ms. Banther is a tremendous role model for young women and girls, demonstrating how one person can make a huge difference in both the larger public policy arena and in her local community,” stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi. “It’s an honor to have this opportunity to recognize Ms. Banther for her efforts and thank her for all the work she has done for our students and schools.”

Ms. Banther has served in several other leadership roles, including chairing the California Teachers Association Service Center for chapters within Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and as a board member of the New Haven Schools Foundation. She has organized press conferences and rallies at the State Capitol to raise awareness about the needs of students in her district and across California. She is also leading the steering committee for a proposed parcel ballot initiative in her city, which will raise the necessary revenues for public education to offset the effects of budget reductions.

“I am honored to be recognized as “Woman of the Year” by Assemblymember Mary Hayashi,” said Ms. Banther. “Her commitment to public education, her constituents, and to our community is highly commendable. I sincerely appreciate this prestigious award as it is a symbol of the years of advocacy on behalf of my students and the profession of teaching.”

Born in Oakland, Ms. Banther grew up learning Cantonese as her first language through her grandmother, and did not learn English until she was in pre-school. Education became her passion early on, as a student attending public schools in San Lorenzo and Newark. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from California State University East Bay, where she later earned her teaching credentials.

Ms. Banther’s service to her community extends beyond her work with California Teachers Association. She has partnered with the local fire department to organize CPR classes and annual toy drives to support the community where she teaches. She has partnered with the non-profit organization, K to College, which brings free school-supplies to children in need around the Bay Area. In addition, Ms. Banther chairs the Union City Relay for Life event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

The Woman of the Year award began in 1987 as a way for the California State Legislature to celebrate Women’s History Month. Each year, every Assemblymember is invited to select a woman to receive this award, and they gather together at the State Capitol to honor their accomplishments in a ceremony on the Assembly Floor.

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Chair, Assembly Select Committee on Community Colleges Invites You to a Job Fair

Chabot College – Career & Transfer Center

Tuesday, April 3rd
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Chabot College (Gymnasium, Building 2500)
25555 Hesperian Blvd.
Hayward

» View Event Flyer

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Introduces Legislation To Improve Education Benefits To Veterans

SACRAMENTO, CA –Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) introduced a bill that will provide recently-discharged veterans with an extended period of time to be eligible for in-state tuition benefits at California Community colleges. Co-sponsored by the Orange County Community College Legislative Task Force, AB 2478 will increase the waiver period for out-of-state tuition fees from one year to four.

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."

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