HONORS & AWARDS
1998
Named “Rookie of the Year” by California Journal for integrity, intelligence, hardest working and most influential.
1999
Awarded “Legislator of the Year” by the California School Employees Association.
Received the National Center for Lesbian Rights “Lesbian Leadership Award.”
2000
Recognized with the “Affordable Housing Leadership Award.”
Honored by UCSF for work related to organ transplants for HIV⁺ recipients.
2001
Named “Legislator of the Year” by the National Organization for Women.
Cesar Chavez Foundation, “Si, se puede” Award
2002
Named “Best Legislator of the Year” by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Recognized by the United Way Board of Directors for volunteer service.
2005
Recognized by the California Correctional Officers’ Association for the creation of an HIV/AIDS clinic.
2007
Received the Planned Parenthood “Defenders of Choice” Award.
Awarded for legislation Senate Bill 39 (Child First) holding state/local government accountable for childcare deaths.
Awarded by the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program for contributions to maternal/child health.
2008
Honored by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for public policy advocacy.
2023
Awarded the California Community Choice Aggregation Association Award.