Golden State Today

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, alongside State Senator Henry Stern and other prominent figures, has expressed support for the establishment of an Office of Civil Rights within the California Department of Education (CDE). The proposed office aims to investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying in California public schools.Thurmond emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, stating, "As an educator and a father, I know how critical it is for...

Attorney General Bonta Addresses Fentanyl Epidemic at California-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with various law enforcement agencies, recently focused on addressing the concerning rise in fentanyl trafficking along the California-Mexico border. The increased seizures of fentanyl at the border have raised alarms, with a substantial amount being intercepted at California Ports of Entry.During the visit, Attorney General Bonta emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Today, I want to remind Californians that our work won’t stop until the deaths from illicit fentanyl do." U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath...

Attorney General Bonta Supports EPA’s Proposed Rule on PFAS Compounds

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 12 states, has submitted a comment letter in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rule to list nine PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents. In the letter, the attorneys general express strong support for the rule and urge the EPA to consider listing all PFAS compounds as hazardous wastes in the future."We must continue to take action to comprehensively address the pervasive threat posed by PFAS," Attorney General Bonta emphasized. "The EPA’s proposed rule is a crucial step that...

2024 Deltopia Weekend Recap

Isla Vista, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has released preliminary figures regarding the recent Deltopia weekend in Isla Vista. According to the Sheriff’s Office, there were a total of 256 citations and 32 arrests made during the event, all of which were misdemeanors.The weekend, which took place from Friday, April 5, 2024, to Sunday, April 7, 2024, saw varying levels of activity. A report mentioned that the first day of the event was calm due to rain and wind. However, the following day experienced a significant increase in attendance, particularly...

Fallout Season Two Relocates to California and 11 More Television Projects to Film in the Golden State Through the State’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the California Film Commission has awarded $152 million in tax credits to 12 television projects as part of the state's Film and Television Tax Credit Program. These productions are expected to bring in over $1.1 billion to California's economy and provide employment to 4,500 cast and crew members.One of the highlighted projects is the relocation of Amazon MGM Studios' season two of Fallout from New York to California. Governor Newsom expressed his excitement, stating, “From bringing Fallout home to keeping classics in...

Attorney General Bonta Defends EPA's Rule to Strengthen Particulate Matter Pollution Standards

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a coalition of 17 attorneys general and the city of New York, has filed a motion to intervene in defense of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's final particulate matter (PM) standards rule. The rule aims to strengthen National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), also known as soot, and is currently under challenge by a coalition of states and industry groups.Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of maintaining strong standards to protect public health and well-being, stating,...

California Approves Loan & Management Change on Path to Re-Open Madera Community Hospital

California has taken significant steps towards re-opening Madera Community Hospital, with the approval of a $57 million loan and a management change application. Governor Gavin Newsom's Distressed Hospital Loan Program played a crucial role in facilitating this process. Senator Caballero and Assemblymember Soria have expressed their optimism and gratitude for the progress made towards reopening the hospital.Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of re-opening the hospital, stating, “Getting this hospital back open and on its feet financially will allow Madera County...

California: Drugs companies were the least FDA inspected companies in California in March

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted four inspections at three Drugs companies from California in March.

California Governor Declares California Library Week 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has officially proclaimed April 7-13, 2024, as "California Library Week." In a proclamation issued today, Governor Newsom highlighted the importance of libraries and library workers in the state.Governor Newsom emphasized, "During National Library Week, we celebrate the essential services, resources and opportunities that libraries and library workers provide for all Californians." He further recognized the crucial role played by California's library workers in assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds to access necessary resources...

Sociologist Harry Edwards Discusses the Power of Sport in Society

Sociologist Harry Edwards recently shared his insights on the role of sport in shaping society during a discussion at UC Berkeley. Edwards, a renowned sports activist and UC Berkeley professor emeritus of sociology, emphasized the potential for sport to influence societal perceptions and relationships.Speaking at a campus event sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues and Cal Athletics, Edwards highlighted the transformative power of sport, stating, "You can change society by changing people’s perceptions and understandings of the games they play." He...

Californians Urged to Prepare for Earthquakes During National Earthquake Preparedness Month

April is National Earthquake Preparedness Month, and Californians are being urged to take proactive steps in readiness for potential seismic events. In a statement released today, state officials emphasized the importance of preparedness and introduced resources to assist residents in getting ready for emergencies.The state is encouraging individuals to download the MyShake app, which is now available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese (traditional), Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino. This app plays a crucial role in providing early warnings to...

California Attorney General Applauds FCC's Proposed Net Neutrality Draft Order

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta has commended the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) draft order proposing to reestablish federal net neutrality protections. Bonta stated, “Everyone deserves equal access to the internet.”Bonta also highlighted California's leadership in this area, mentioning the state's strong net neutrality law, Senate Bill 822, which has been crucial in safeguarding internet access for the state's residents. He praised the federal government's initiative to reinstate net neutrality rules nationwide and acknowledged the draft order...

California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Shane Holland

OAKLAND – The California Department of Justice, under the leadership of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, has released a report on the officer-involved shooting of Shane Holland in Adelanto, California. The incident involving the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) on June 21, 2022, has been subject to thorough investigation and scrutiny.Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices, stating, "The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to working together...

Higher individual income tax revenue in California during Q3 2023

The third quarter of 2023 brought in $23 billion in individual income tax revenue for California, a 0.4% increase from the second quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

FDA conducted lowest number of inspections on Devices companies in California during March

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted four inspections at four Devices companies from California in March.

California Explores Solar-Over-Canal Projects for More Power and Water Conservation

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the state's pioneering efforts in generating clean electricity and conserving water through innovative solar-over-canal projects. The Governor highlighted the significance of these initiatives, stating, “California is pioneering innovations to tackle our biggest challenges, and here in the Central Valley we’re addressing two big challenges at the same time – generating clean electricity and conserving water."The state has invested in a $20 million solar-over-canal pilot project in Turlock, with Governor Newsom revealing...

CHANCELL-ING: Year of the Eggheads

UC Davis is celebrating the Year of the Eggheads, honoring the iconic sculptures on campus created by the late Robert Arneson. The Egghead Series, consisting of seven sculptures, has become a significant part of the university's culture and tradition.Chancellor Gary S. May expressed his acceptance of the humorous nature of the Eggheads, stating, "I’m OK with that." The sculptures have evolved into popular landmarks where students capture memorable moments during their college experience, including graduation and finals week rituals.The Year of the Eggheads marks the...

Summit advances Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in higher education

On April 2, UC Berkeley made history by hosting the nation's first-ever Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) Higher Education Leadership Development Summit. The event brought together individuals from various backgrounds to address the pressing need for educational equity and opportunity.Organized by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), along with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and in collaboration with Berkeley Engineering, Berkeley Research, and the Division of Equity...

California Leaders Announce Early Action Agreement to Significantly Reduce Budget Shortfall, Vote Planned for Next Week

Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, and Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas have announced an agreement on $17 billion in early actions to significantly reduce the existing shortfall in California's budget. The package aims to best position the state to responsibly address the budget in June by focusing on closing the gap and protecting core programs.Governor Gavin Newsom expressed gratitude towards the legislative leaders for their collaboration in addressing the shortfall, stating, “We are able to meet this challenge thanks to our...

Attorney General Bonta Announces Arrest, Charges Against a Peddler of Counterfeit Luxury Goods