McKenna Aiello | Noticias de la zona alta

With a warmly welcomed homecoming, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) celebrated America’s Finest City during an unofficial swearing-in ceremony held on Friday, June 6 in Balboa Park. As California’s first San Diegan to hold office as Speaker of the Assembly, Atkins ensured fellow community members she would not lose sight of the city in her new role in Sacramento.

“We have so much to be proud of in San Diego,” Atkins said during the ceremony. “And, in some respects, I feel it is part of my job as Speaker to tell the San Diego story.”

Commending San Diego’s thriving business economy and university institutions paving the way in scientific research, Atkins said she felt proud to hail from San Diego.

“I’m grateful that so many of my assembly and senate colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, have joined us today,” Atkins said. “Because, like our Speaker Emeritus, I want each of you to have a special relationship with San Diego.”

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Council President Todd Gloria and former State Senator Christine Kehoe joined other City officials in congratulating Atkins on her dedication to public service.

“She always seems to do the right thing,” Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) said.

Atkins looked towards the future as well, acknowledging her commitment to reinvest in California schools, increase Californians’ access to higher education and boost the state’s economy with spending on transportation and housing.

“We will also responsibly invest in ways that help us grow our economy and considers the needs of people — of Californians. That is our charge,” Atkins said. “I’m excited about this opportunity at this time in our State’s history … So, clearly, as Speaker, my plate is full.”

Atkins was officially sworn in as Speaker of the assembly, California’s lower legislative body, on Monday, May 12.