Latest News from Golden State Today

California seizes over 8.8 million fentanyl pills since January

By Golden State Today | Aug 29, 2024

Since January, California's state fentanyl task force has seized nearly 2.5 tons of fentanyl powder and over 8.8 million pills at California’s ports of entry—enough to potentially harm one in every four California residents.

Patients Come First national director: ‘PBMs are harming the very people they are supposed to protect’

By Golden State Today | Aug 28, 2024

Julie Gill Shuffield, the executive director for the California branch of advocacy organization Patients Come First, said pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have been "harming the very people they are supposed to protect."

California awards $789M for affordable housing in sustainable communities

By Golden State Today | Aug 28, 2024

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California awarded 20 communities with $789 million for 24 affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure projects across the state through California’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant Program.

Chancellor Lyons outlines vision for UC Berkeley's new academic year

By Golden State Today | Aug 28, 2024

As a new academic year begins, Chancellor Rich Lyons welcomes UC Berkeley’s students, staff, and faculty back with a video message. In the address, he discusses the values and aspirations that will guide his tenure in office, reaffirms the commitment to UC Berkeley’s seven principles of community, and solicits feedback and partnership as the university embarks on a new era of excellence.

Governor Newsom announces new initiatives for improving literacy among California students

By Golden State Today | Aug 28, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom marked the start of the new school year by celebrating the deployment of literacy coaches and reading specialists in hundreds of California’s highest needs schools. This initiative is part of several strategies aimed at strengthening literacy instruction and intervention for California students.

Governor Newsom announces new state appointments on August 28

By Golden State Today | Aug 28, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced several appointments.

California surpasses milestone with over 150k electric vehicle chargers

By Golden State Today | Aug 28, 2024

California continues to rapidly expand the most extensive electric vehicle charging network in the country, installing over 24,000 chargers in the first half of 2024.

Klamath River restoration milestone: Fish swim freely after a century

By Golden State Today | Aug 28, 2024

Fish are now swimming freely in the Klamath River for the first time in more than 100 years, thanks to collaboration between state, federal, and tribal partners.

California inflation under national average as of July 2024

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

As of July 2024, California experienced a 19.6% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.2% increase.

Political donations: Who contributed most in California during week ending Aug. 24?

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

The top 100 political contributions made during the week ending Aug. 24 can be found here.

Governor Newsom signs new laws addressing homelessness through expanded shelter options

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

Governor Newsom signed into law two bills aimed at expanding housing options and providing greater stability for Californians experiencing homelessness. The new laws facilitate the use of hotels and motels for emergency shelter beds and streamline the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across the state.

California invests $500M into replacing old polluting school buses

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

California launches historic effort to put next 1,000 zero-emission school buses on the road

Gary May reflects on seven years as chancellor at UC Davis

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

From the earliest moments of his childhood, Gary May was building. He recalls spending countless hours assembling structures with Lego bricks and Erector sets and creating imaginary worlds and characters inspired by the comic books he loved reading and collecting.

UC Berkeley introduces initiatives under new chancellor Rich Lyons

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

A new school year at UC Berkeley brings a fresh cohort of students and several notable changes, including the arrival of a new chancellor, Rich Lyons. The campus is also introducing a new academic department, additional student housing, programs aimed at bridging divides, and sports for students with disabilities.

Over 250 new recycling sites coming to California

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

California to establish over 250 new recycling sites across 30 counties

UC Davis recognized for excellence in multiple college rankings

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

The University of California, Davis, has been ranked No. 11 among public universities and No. 26 among all 438 national universities in the Washington Monthly 2024 College Rankings released on August 25.

Thurmond addresses smartphones in schools with input from educators

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

SACRAMENTO—Today, August 27, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond reconvened the Closing the Digital Divide Task Force to address smartphones, social media, and youth wellness from 8:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Sacramento.

UC Davis culinary training addresses post-pandemic cook shortage with award-winning initiative

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

Roger Thompson clapped his hands together. “You’ve got two hours to open. Let’s get to it.”

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office welcomes six new custody deputies

By Golden State Today | Aug 27, 2024

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed six new Custody Deputies following their graduation from the Allan Hancock CORE Custody Deputy Academy. The deputies were sworn in by Sheriff Brown on Friday, August 23, 2024, just before the graduation ceremony. Sheriff Brown also delivered the keynote speech for the CORE Custody Academy Class #17, which included Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Custody Deputies Justin Albicker-Davies, Raymond “Lamar” Dawson, Cedric Garrett, Andrew Reyes, Sara Rodriguez, and Emily Vasquez.