In light of new information from the governor’s office and public health officials regarding the novel coronavirus, ACSA has decided to cancel the upcoming Legislative Action Day. The event, which was scheduled to take place April 19-20 in Sacramento, will now pivot to a grassroots advocacy day. “We’re disappointed that we have to cancel the event but we believe in protecting the health and safety of our members and understand the directive from the governor is about protecting the public,” said Vice President for Legislative Action Barbara Martinez. The decision came after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an advisory March 11 calling for the cancelation or postponement of any public gatherings of 250 or more people through at least the end of the month. “Changing our actions for a short period of time will save the life of one or more people you know,” Newsom said. “That’s the choice before us. Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease.” ACSA Senior Director of Governmental Relations Edgar Zazueta said ACSA remains committed to advocacy and will create opportunities for members in their respective districts.  ACSA Executive Director Wes Smith said, “Our leaders are the strongest advocates students have in this state. Although we had to cancel this crucial annual event, we’ll be developing an alternative advocacy plan that will focus on grassroots advocacy with messaging prioritized around the needs of schools given the emerging COVID-19 situation.”