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 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...
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 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...
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...
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...
Max Staller, a Ph.D. graduate from Harvard University in 2015, has joined our faculty as a specialist in qualitative biology. Staller's research interests focus on understanding how cells activate genes. When asked to describe his work, Staller shared, "We study how cells turn on genes."Aside from his academic endeavors, Staller also has a variety of hobbies. He enjoys parenting, cooking, hiking, and skiing in his free time. This well-rounded approach to life is sure to bring a unique perspective to our academic community.As we welcome Max Staller to our team, we...
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...
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in backing Delaware’s early voting law. The coalition is supporting Delaware’s election officials in defending a challenge to the state's early voting law in Albence v. Mennella."Early voting is an important and lawful manner of increasing the ability of citizens to participate in our democracy," expressed Attorney General Bonta in a statement.The attorneys general argue in an amicus brief that Delaware’s "election day" provision does not prohibit the state legislature from implementing...
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill, SB 586 by Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) – Flood management: Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley.This legislation focuses on flood management in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley, aiming to address and mitigate potential risks associated with flooding in the region.For those interested in reading the full text of the bill, it can be accessed at http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.This move underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and preparedness for natural disasters...
In a recent development, the Office of Health Care Affordability’s Board in California voted to cap health care cost increases, aiming to tackle the rising healthcare expenses in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the significance of this decision, stating, "Making quality health care affordable is a top priority for our administration. This action is a crucial first step forward in our efforts to rein in outrageous health care costs and make health care more affordable."The board's decision to implement a 3% cap on health care cost increases over five years is...
California is set to purchase CalRx-branded over-the-counter naloxone for $24, almost half of the current market price. Governor Newsom announced the partnership with Amneal Pharmaceuticals, allowing for a significant reduction in the cost of the life-saving medication. The move aims to make naloxone more affordable and accessible for Californians, especially for those in need.Governor Newsom highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “California is disrupting the drug industry with CalRx — securing life-saving drugs at lower and transparent prices. As we...
Solvang, Calif. – A 23-year-old man, Eduardo Andres Sanchez, was arrested in Solvang for driving under the influence and found in possession of an illegal rifle. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 28, 2024, around 12:40 a.m. when a deputy stopped Sanchez's vehicle for missing a front license plate on Mission Drive at Pine Street.According to authorities, Sanchez was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the arrest. A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded, un-serialized short barreled rifle, along with narcotics. Following the...
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the opening of proposals for the 2024-2025 Tobacco Grant Program, which aims to address the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors. With approximately $28.5 million in grant funding available, local agencies are encouraged to apply and utilize the funds to enforce laws related to tobacco sales and marketing.Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of collaboration with local law enforcement to combat the dangers of illicit tobacco products. He stated, "We must continue to enforce California’s laws around...
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general in calling on U.S. House and Senate leaders to fully fund the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), a vital resource for providing civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of LSC in ensuring equal access to justice, stating, "The Legal Services Corporation provides on-the-ground legal assistance to Americans experiencing seemingly insurmountable obstacles."Bonta highlighted the diverse range of individuals who benefit from...
Native Hawaiians have successfully completed the largest repatriation of cultural items in Hawaiian history from UC Berkeley, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to return sacred objects to their Indigenous homelands. Mana Cáceres, a Native Hawaiian repatriation specialist, expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative process, stating, "It was really refreshing to work with people who recognize the healing that could be done for everybody in the room — not just on our side." The repatriation effort involved the return of 335 items, including 34...
California is leading a statewide campaign to support students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and has extended the application deadline for state financial aid programs to May 2, 2024. Governor Gavin Newsom has emphasized the importance of financial aid in making college more accessible and supporting student success. The Governor highlighted the state's outreach efforts to ensure students have the opportunity to access financial aid by participating in workshops and other resources provided across the state.In a letter issued by...
Estella Atekwana, dean of the College of Letters and Science at the University of California, Davis, expressed her gratitude upon being elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. "I’m still absorbing it all," said Atekwana, who is also a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. She added, "This recognition carries profound meaning for both myself and my family. I owe immense gratitude to my parents who allowed me to pursue my passions in earth sciences despite their initial hopes for me to pursue a career in medicine."Atekwana,...
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his condolences following the passing of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jonathan Stewart, who tragically died on April 27, 2024, at the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station. In a statement, Governor Newsom said, “Deputy Stewart’s service to the people of Los Angeles will always be remembered. During this time of mourning, Jennifer and I send our sincere condolences to his family and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”Deputy Stewart, 41, began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2006 as a...
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has declared April 28, 2024, as “Workers’ Memorial Day” in California. In a proclamation issued today, Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of honoring and remembering those who have lost their lives or been injured on the job.Governor Newsom stated, "On Workers’ Memorial Day, we acknowledge, remember, and honor all those who lost their lives or were injured on the job, and renew our commitment to securing safe and healthy working conditions for all workers." He further highlighted the risks that workers face daily in various...