Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a nationwide agreement with Amneal Pharmaceuticals for its role in the opioid epidemic. The agreement will require the pharmaceutical company to pay up to $272.5 million nationally to address its involvement in the crisis. Bonta stated, “Today, I am thinking of the countless families and communities impacted by the opioid epidemic. I can’t begin to imagine the immense pain they have been through."The settlement, if finalized, will include $92.5 million in cash and $180 million nationwide in opioid overdose reversal...

Highway 1 Targeted to Reopen by May 25 as Governor Takes Action to Support Repairs in Topanga Canyon and Other Communities Damaged by Storms

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that Highway 1 is set to reopen to unrestricted signal-controlled traffic by May 25, following severe damage caused by recent storms. The Governor's proactive measures aim to secure federal funding for repairs in Topanga Canyon and other impacted areas in California."Storms in March caused significant damage to critical parts of our transportation infrastructure," Governor Newsom stated. "The state is working overtime to complete repairs as safely and as quickly as possible."The state of emergency proclamation signed by Governor...

California Governor Newsom Appoints 18 Superior Court Judges Across the State

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of 18 Superior Court Judges in various counties in the state. Each appointment aims to fill vacancies created by retirements and bring diverse legal expertise to the judiciary.In Alameda County, Michael Risher has been appointed as a Judge in the Superior Court. Risher, a Democrat, has a background in civil liberties law and legal education, having previously worked at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation.Stephanie Clarke, who is registered without party preference, has been appointed to the Contra...

Governor Newsom Announces Appointments 5.3.24

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a series of appointments on May 3, 2024, appointing individuals to various positions within California state departments and commissions.Zoe Heller of Sacramento was appointed as the Director of the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery. Heller's extensive experience includes roles at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a background in environmental policy.Catherine “Cathy” Jefferson, also from Sacramento, has been appointed as the Deputy Director of the Office of Research at the California Department of...

Governor Newsom Proclaims Day of Prayer 2024

By Golden State Today | May 2, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed May 2, 2024, as a "Day of Prayer" in the State of California. In a statement, Governor Newsom highlighted the significance of prayer in people's lives, stating, "On the National Day of Prayer, we stand with all Californians who make time for reflection and prayer in their lives, an invaluable source of solace, hope, and strength for so many of us."The proclamation also acknowledged the challenges faced by Californians in recent years, with Governor Newsom expressing, "Today, we also remember those we have lost and draw...

National Monument Expansions Bring California Closer to Conservation Milestone

By Golden State Today | May 2, 2024

In a significant move towards conservation efforts, President Biden's national monument expansion has paved the way for California to make substantial progress in conserving its lands and coastal waters to meet the 30% conservation goal by 2030.The recent announcement by President Biden to expand two national monuments in California, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument near Napa and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in Los Angeles, has been lauded for its contribution to protecting the state's unique biodiversity and culturally significant Native...

State Law Enforcement Makes 500+ Arrests, Removes Nearly 700 Pounds of Fentanyl as Part of San Francisco Operation

Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside San Francisco Mayor London Breed, announced the success of a joint public safety partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies in San Francisco, which has resulted in over 500 arrests and the seizure of nearly 700 pounds of fentanyl in the past year.In a statement, Governor Newsom highlighted the progress made in improving public safety in San Francisco, stating, “Over the last year, we have made significant, measurable progress for safety in San Francisco.” Mayor London Breed expressed gratitude for Governor Newsom's support...

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced the recipients of the 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year. Thurmond expressed his admiration for the dedication of these individuals, stating, "My heartfelt congratulations go to these outstanding employees for going the extra mile to step up and support California students so they can continue to learn."The annual Classified School Employees of the Year program recognizes outstanding classified school employees in various categories. This year's winners were chosen from 134...

Bills to Address AI’s Threats to Elections Clear First Hurdles

May 1, 2024SACRAMENTO — Yesterday, four bills aimed at addressing AI threats to elections successfully passed their initial legislative hurdles in the California state legislature. Despite facing significant opposition from the tech industry, the bills, sponsored by the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), advanced with bipartisan support.Jonathan Mehta Stein, Executive Director of California Common Cause, emphasized the importance of these bills, stating, “These bills represent the most nuanced and most aggressive attempt in the United States to...

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 Civic Learning Award Schools

SACRAMENTO—Twenty-one California schools have been named recipients of the 2024 Civic Learning Awards, an honor that recognizes measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its eleventh year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero."We know that when young people activate their voices, they can be among the strongest change agents in our communities," Thurmond expressed. "Education is the cornerstone of realizing our democratic ideals, and these schools have made...

California Governor Newsom Proclaims May 2024 as Small Business Month

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has officially declared May 2024 as "Small Business Month" in the State of California. In a proclamation issued today, Governor Newsom highlighted the vital role of small businesses in California's economy, stating, "California’s more than 4.1 million small businesses – the most of any state – embody the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the economy of the Golden State."Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of supporting all Californians in their entrepreneurial endeavors, stating, "For our economy to maintain its strength, we must...

Attorney General Bonta Announces Service Corporation International, Nation’s Largest Funeral Service Provider to Pay $23 Million Penalty and Consumer Restitution for Consumer Protection Law Violations

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the District Attorneys of Alameda and Marin counties, and the city and county of San Francisco, has announced a significant settlement with Service Corporation International (SCI), the nation's largest funeral service provider, operating in California as the Neptune Society and the Trident Society.The settlement, subject to court approval, addresses allegations that SCI violated consumer protection laws by engaging in false advertising and deceptive acts in its marketing and sale of pre-need cremation packages....

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Honored for Leadership in Holocaust and Genocide Education

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond was honored today by the California Legislative Jewish Caucus for his leadership in the area of Holocaust and Genocide Education. Thurmond was honored alongside leaders and educators from the Jewish Family & Children’s Services Holocaust Center as well as Holocaust survivors and their descendants who have chosen to share their stories as part of educational initiatives."I am deeply honored by this recognition from the California Legislative Jewish Caucus for our collective efforts in Holocaust and Genocide Education. Through...

California's Population Continues to Rise with Increase in Legal Foreign Immigration

California’s population increased by 67,000 people last year to 39,128,162, as reported by the California Department of Finance (DOF). The state’s population growth can be attributed to an increase in legal foreign immigration and natural population increasing. Governor Newsom highlighted the appeal of California, stating, “People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream and experience the success of the world’s 5th largest economy.”The improvement in federal legal immigration processing backlogs and rebounding...

Protecting the Central Valley: Results Show Initial Success in CHP's Operations to Take Down Crime

Governor Gavin Newsom's newly announced enforcement effort in Bakersfield, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Bakersfield Police Department, has yielded positive results in combating crime and enhancing public safety. In a recent 6-week period, the joint operation led to 211 arrests and the recovery of 127 stolen vehicles in the area."We are working proactively to keep Californians safe in the Central Valley. In partnership with local law enforcement, the state will continue to step up to take down criminals and make Bakersfield safer for...

Governor Newsom Proclaims May 2024 as "Older Californians Month"

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has issued a proclamation declaring May 2024 as "Older Californians Month." In this proclamation, Governor Newsom recognizes the significant contributions and diverse experiences of the nearly nine million older residents in the state.The proclamation highlights California's proactive approach in addressing the needs of its aging population, emphasizing the ongoing efforts outlined in the state's 10-year Master Plan for Aging. Governor Newsom acknowledges the importance of inclusive policies and programs that cater to the shared...

Share the Road and Look Out for One Another During Bicycle Safety Month

May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Goleta Police Department is urging both cyclists and drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. Sergeant Noel Rivas emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely...if you see a bicyclist — please slow down.”Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal concerning trends, with 1,105 bike-related fatalities and 46,195 injuries in 2022 alone. These numbers represent a troubling increase from the previous year. To address these risks, the Goleta...

Attorney General Bonta and Community Leaders Engage in a Roundtable Discussion Addressing Gun Violence in San Jose

California Attorney General Rob Bonta led a roundtable discussion in San Jose alongside gun violence prevention leaders to address the pressing issue of gun violence. The roundtable aimed to foster collaboration and community-driven solutions to eliminate gun violence and protect survivors.Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing gun violence, stating, “Preventing gun violence must begin in our communities by strengthening relationships and fostering an environment of support and collaboration.” He highlighted the state's...

California Governor Declares Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has officially proclaimed May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in California. In a statement, Newsom highlighted the significance of this celebration, emphasizing the diverse contributions of AAPI communities to the state and the nation.Governor Newsom expressed, "With more than 6 million Californians of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, California is home to dynamic AAPI communities that are an invaluable part of our state and nation." He continued by stating, "During Asian American and Pacific Islander...

Attorney General Bonta Supports Delaware’s Early Voting Law Alongside Multistate Coalition