For far too many in our community, 2025 has tested us in ways we never expected. Every day, I hear from families who are fighting to stay afloat in an economy where the rising cost of living makes even the basics out of reach. We have seen neighbors struggle to pay for food, for housing, and for the health care they depend on. Federal actions taken this year only made those challenges more difficult, leaving too many unsure of how they would meet their most basic needs.
And yet, in the face of these hardships, I am regularly reminded that there is still so much to be grateful for and that joy is truly all around us. I am grateful for the strength and resilience of our community. I am grateful for the neighbors, faith and community organizations who show up for our neighbors, sometimes in quiet ways, sometimes in life-changing ones. And I am grateful for the privilege of being able to serve you — not only through legislation that makes gas, health care and housing more affordable, or the $100 million in investments to our community, but through the hands-on work our office does every day to help people navigate the red tape of state agencies to make sure they can access the support they rely on.
This year, our office has focused intensely on getting real results for people who simply need a little help. Often, our work involves making phone calls, tracking down answers, and standing up for residents when systems stall or fail. And while the work is not glamorous, it makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives — especially at a time when every dollar matters. In fact, through this dedicated work, we have now secured more than $2 million from state agencies that went right back into the pockets of those in our community.
The story of one person has really stayed with me. A man in our district had his disability claim stuck in “pending processing” for two months. He had done everything right. He made more than 120 phone calls. He submitted multiple requests for status updates. Each time, he hit a dead end — no answer, no help, sometimes even getting hung up on. When he finally reached out to our office, we contacted the state department immediately. Within a short time, his claim was fixed and approved with much-needed funds going directly to him.
Afterward, he sent us a message that meant more than he may ever know. “I am so grateful to your office for responding to my request for help and quickly resolving my issue,” he wrote. “Thank you so much for caring about my situation and providing a quick and positive resolution. You really care about the people you represent.” His words reaffirm why we do this work.
Another resident, a new mom who had been waiting five long weeks for her paid family leave claim to process, reached out to us feeling defeated. She needed those funds to care for her family, and the delay was creating real hardship. Our team stepped in, identified the issue, and within just two days, her claim was finally paid. She told us that our field representative “is absolutely wonderful and extremely helpful,” adding simply, “Thank you!”
These stories are just two among hundreds of cases our office has taken on this year. Each one reminds me that while the system should work on its own, too often it doesn’t. People should not need the help of a government office just to receive the benefits and support they rely on. But until these systems improve, I am deeply proud that we can be here — to listen, to advocate, and to deliver real solutions when they matter most.
As we move into a new year, I remain hopeful. I believe in this community. I believe in our shared ability to push for a more affordable California where everyone has the dignity and stability they deserve. And I believe in the power of government — when it works — to make people’s lives better.
From my family to yours, happy holidays and a healthy, hopeful new year.
Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, represents the 40th Assembly District, which includes most of the Santa Clarita Valley in addition to the northwest San Fernando Valley. “Democratic Voices” appears Tuesdays and rotates among local Democrats.
