Dear John,

🍂🦃 Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of year — a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people who make a difference in our lives. I’m truly thankful for your support, your engagement, and your belief in what we can accomplish together for California’s families. Your stories, your struggles, and your successes guide my work every single day. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you, and I look forward to all we will achieve together in the year ahead.

✨ Celebrating Independence at Meristem Learning Center

🍂 In Fair Oaks, I visited Meristem — a one-of-a-kind program helping autistic and neurodiverse young adults build independence through hands-on learning and real-world skill development.

🌿 On a 13-acre campus, students grow through five pillars: Land Work, Craft Work, Movement, Independent Living, and Self Leadership. The Meristem Café and Bed & Breakfast give students real experience in culinary arts and hospitality.

Why it matters: Meristem turns potential into possibility — helping young adults ages 18–28 gain skills, confidence, and community.

🧡 Join me December 6 for Meristem’s Winter Faire & Wreath Walk from 10am–3pm!

Crafts, music, artisan gifts, and treats made by Meristem’s culinary students.

👉 https://meristem.pro/

✨ Walking, Running, and Riding for Diabetes Awareness

💙 Every 23 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with diabetes — and with more than 500 million people affected worldwide, prevention and awareness have never been more important. This month, I’m joining the 5th Annual Farr’s Best Walk, Run & Ride on November 29 to raise awareness, inspire healthier choices, and bring communities together across California. Farr’s Best Nonprofit, a certified 501(c)(3) is dedicated to diabetes education, prevention, and family leadership programs.

Why it matters: Diabetes impacts families in every community — and by moving together, we build awareness, encourage early prevention, and support healthier futures for all Californians.

🔗 Learn more: www.farrsbest.org

✨ Empowering Women at WEDO Santa Monica

🍂 Rain couldn’t stop the momentum at the 12th Annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization event in Santa Monica, where Chef Katie Chin and the WEDO leadership team brought together some of California’s most dynamic women innovators. We heard from Misbah Uraizee, Co-Founder & CEO of Nectar Social, who is building an AI-native social OS redefining community and growth; Joan Nguyen, Co-Founder & CEO of Bumo, whose bookable childcare platform is transforming access for families across LA, OC, and soon San Francisco; Helen Christoni, Co-Creator of Make Time Wellness, who is elevating women’s brain and whole-body health after personal loss; and Kelly Gores, Co-Founder of HELD and Director of HEAL, who is championing data-driven wellness rooted in the mind-body connection.

Why it matters: These leaders are driving solutions that strengthen families, expand economic opportunity, and put women’s wellness, innovation, and equity at the center of California’s future. 

✨ Shaq Brings Leadership to Sacramento State

🏀🔥 Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just a Hall of Famer — he’s a model of reinvention. From NBA dominance to building a powerhouse business empire, Shaq has shown how discipline, vision, and heart create opportunity long after the final buzzer. Now, his legacy continues as his son Shaqir O’Neal joins Sacramento State — and Shaq himself steps in as the voluntary general manager of the men’s basketball program. It’s an unpaid role, but he’s all in: mentoring players, shaping recruiting, guiding NIL strategy, and elevating the program with his unmatched network and leadership.

Why it matters: Shaq’s commitment shows what real investment in young athletes looks like — mentorship, opportunity, and believing in the next generation. 

✨ Expanding Affordable Housing in Riverside

🍁 Big progress in Riverside! Under the California Surplus Lands Act, Eden Housing is breaking ground on Goldfinch at Mulberry Gardens, a future community of 150 new affordable homes near downtown. I also had the chance to tour Sparrow, a beautiful new development with 59 senior units opening in June 2026, complete with strong amenities and intergenerational programming. Both projects will include rooftop and carport solar, helping residents save on utility costs while building a more sustainable future.

Why it matters: These projects deliver real solutions — more affordable homes, clean energy savings, and stronger communities for families and seniors across California. 

✨ Supporting Student Success at Cal State East Bay

🍂 During my visit to Cal State East Bay, I saw firsthand how the university is transforming opportunities for non-traditional students across the region. Once a community college in 1957, Cal State East Bay now serves 12,000 students — 60% of whom are first-generation and 60% transfer students — with flexible pathways that reflect real life. With 30% of classes fully online, a student body averaging age 26, and 90% of students working while in school, the campus offers an affordable, safe, and diverse environment that meets students where they are. The university also proudly supports 14 NCAA Division II sports programs, adding to its vibrant community life.

Why it matters: Cal State East Bay is proving what access, flexibility, and affordability can achieve — empowering first-generation, transfer, and working students to build stronger futures for themselves, their families, and California. 

✨ Honoring Our Veterans & Their Leadership

🗽🎖️ On November 11th we honored the service and sacrifice of veterans across California, including leaders who continue to serve our state every day. Lindsey Sin, U.S. Navy veteran and CalVet Secretary since 2023, is the first woman to lead the department since 1975—bringing her experience as an Arabic Cryptologic Technician with two tours to strengthen statewide veteran services. Senator Bob Archuleta, a U.S. Army veteran and former 82nd Airborne paratrooper, made history as the first Mexican American appointed by President Obama to West Point’s Board of Visitors and now chairs the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. And in San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria, who has strong family military ties and participated in JROTC, created the Military, Veteran, and Families Advisory Council; I’m proud to partner with him to expand affordable housing with wrap-around services tailored for our veterans across San Diego.

Why it matters: California’s veterans deserve dignity, opportunity, and support — and these leaders are ensuring we honor their service not just with words, but with action. 

✨ Celebrating Adoption Awareness Month

🍂 This month, we proudly recognize Adoption Awareness Month and the incredible families, advocates, and organizations working to support adopted and foster youth across California. I was honored to join the Mixed Roots Foundation as they relaunched their work after a five-year hiatus — celebrating 30 years of uplifting multicultural adoptees, foster youth, and their families. From community partnerships to the launch of the upcoming Mixed Roots Academy, their commitment to connection, identity, and belonging continues to make a meaningful difference.

Why it matters: Every child deserves love, stability, and opportunity — and Adoption Awareness Month reminds us how vital it is to support the families and organizations who make that possible.

✨ Connecting With Newport Beach’s Business Community

☀️ Early birds showed up strong at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce “Wake Up Newport” event, where local leaders and small business owners packed the room for a conversation on California’s economy and its impact on the region. Hosted by Steven Rosansky, Chamber President & CEO — with more than a decade of leadership and nine years on the City Council, including service as Mayor — the event highlighted the Chamber’s long legacy of supporting local business since its founding in 1907 by 16 “Harbor Boosters.” I was grateful to join as a member and share updates on the state’s economic outlook, financing tools, and how the Treasurer’s Office continues to support small businesses, infrastructure, housing, and community development across California.

Why it matters: Strong local economies depend on strong partnerships — and events like Wake Up Newport help connect state policy, local leadership, and the small businesses that power California’s growth.

💙✔️ Our Endorsement Momentum is Growing!

As we look at our current endorsements, we’re incredibly proud to have earned the support of so many dedicated Democratic Party delegates and leaders across California. Your trust is a reflection of the shared values we fight for every day—equity, opportunity, and responsible leadership. Your endorsement isn’t just a title on a list—it’s a commitment to show up, listen, and work alongside us to build a stronger, more inclusive California.

If you haven’t had a chance to endorse yet, please do so through the link on my website.

💬 Closing Thoughts

From expanding affordable housing in Riverside, to uplifting non-traditional students at Cal State East Bay, to celebrating Adoption Awareness Month and honoring veterans who continue to lead, to spotlighting innovators, athletes, and local businesses—this month’s stories remind me how strong California is when we come together. Every visit, every event, every conversation reflects the same truth: our communities thrive because of the people who show up, give back, and look out for one another.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for your partnership, your advocacy, and your belief in the work we’re doing to build a more inclusive, more resilient, and more hopeful California. Thank you for being part of this journey and for all you do to lift up your neighbors and your communities.

In Peace & Partnership,

Fiona Ma, CPA
California State Treasurer

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