Latest News from Golden State Today

Millions of Californians to Get Average of $146 in Credits on their April Utility Bills Thanks to State’s Climate Program

By Golden State Today | Feb 29, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that millions of Californians will receive an average of $146 in credits on their April gas and electric bills. This initiative is part of the California Climate Credit program, which is a direct result of the state's Cap-and-Trade climate program that requires polluters to pay for climate action. Governor Newsom emphasized the impact of California's climate laws, stating, "Every year, California’s nation-leading climate laws deliver real climate action while giving you money back on your utility bills. This relief will support millions...

Governor Newsom Signs Legislation 2.29.24

By Golden State Today | Feb 29, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed two bills into law. The first bill, SB 263, focusing on insurance related to annuities and life insurance policies, was introduced by Senator Bill Dodd from Napa. In a separate move, Governor Newsom also signed SB 400, brought forward by Senator Aisha Wahab from Hayward, which pertains to the confidentiality of records for peace officers.Details of the bills can be accessed on the California Legislature's website at http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Sheriff’s Office Seeks Grant Funding for OHV Enforcement in Santa Barbara County

By Golden State Today | Feb 29, 2024

Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is seeking grant funding to provide increased patrolling and enforcement of areas where illegal off-road vehicles are being used. According to the Sheriff’s Office, complaints have been received regarding individuals on ATVs causing damage to private property and the environment, particularly in the Santa Ynez riverbed and surrounding areas bordering the City of Lompoc. These ATV riders are also reported to be violating various state and county ordinances.In response to these ongoing issues, the Sheriff’s...

Burch: ‘Bypassing the need for doctors to prescribe abortion-inducing pills puts the safety of women at risk’

By Golden State Today | Feb 28, 2024

Catholic Vote President Brian Burch criticizes Democrat Governors like Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) for urging the Supreme Court to allow abortion pills to be available without a physician’s authorization.

UC Berkeley Releases Preliminary Costs for Closure of People's Park

By Golden State Today | Feb 28, 2024

UC Berkeley has released preliminary costs related to the closure of People's Park for the construction of housing for students and unhoused individuals, as well as a revitalized park space. The campus spent approximately $16.1 million since August 2022 to secure the site and provide support services.According to UC Berkeley, the costs for the January operation include $2.85 million to build a perimeter around the site, $3.77 million for law enforcement operations, and $1.16 million for transitional housing and support services at the Quality Inn. The campus is still...

Juvenile Arrested for Knife Attack

By Golden State Today | Feb 28, 2024

Santa Barbara, Calif. – Deputies have arrested a juvenile for a knife attack that has left another juvenile with injuries. On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 1:32 p.m., deputies responded to the Turnpike Shopping Center for a report of a fight in progress. When they arrived, deputies found a male juvenile victim with a laceration to his hand. Additional juveniles who were involved in the altercation fled prior to deputies’ arrival.Due to the proximity to campus and the seriousness of the crime they were actively investigating, deputies requested that San...

174 California hospitals participate in federal 340B drug pricing program

By Golden State Today | Feb 27, 2024

One hundred and seventy-four California hospitals participate in the federal 340B drug pricing program.

Meet our new faculty: Alejandra Echeverri, conservation science

By Golden State Today | Feb 27, 2024

In a recent announcement, the university introduced Alejandra Echeverri as the newest addition to their faculty in the field of conservation science. Alejandra, who goes by she/her pronouns, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.Alejandra Echeverri holds a B.Sc. in biology from Universidad de los Andes, a M.Sc. in resource management and environmental studies from the University of British Columbia, and a Ph.D. in resources, environment, and sustainability also from the University of British Columbia.When asked about her research interests,...

Report highlights San Francisco's need for robust local journalism

By Golden State Today | Feb 27, 2024

California Common Cause has released a report titled "Local Voices On Local News: Community Perspectives and Policy Recommendations for Strengthening San Francisco’s Journalism Ecosystem."

Chancellor Carol Christ address incident on campus following Israeli speaker event

By Golden State Today | Feb 27, 2024

Chancellor Carol Christ and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Benjamin Hermalin of the University of California, Berkeley, addressed the campus community following an incident that disrupted an event featuring a speaker from Israel.Christ and Hermalin expressed their deep concerns in a message to the community, acknowledging the violation of fundamental values during the incident. They highlighted the importance of upholding the Principles of Community that protect free speech, diversity of perspective, and unity within the campus.The disruption occurred when a...

Governor Newsom Signs Tribal-State Gaming Compact 2.27.24

By Golden State Today | Feb 27, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission Indians of the La Posta Indian Reservation. The announcement was made today in Sacramento.In a statement, Governor Newsom said, "I am pleased to sign this tribal-state gaming compact with the La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission Indians. This agreement represents a positive step forward in our relationship and will bring economic benefits to both the tribe and the state."The details of the compact can be accessed on the official website.

Meet our new faculty: Liz Gálvez, architecture

By Golden State Today | Feb 27, 2024

On Feb 27, 2024, the university introduced Liz Gálvez as the newest addition to its faculty in the field of architecture. With an impressive educational background including an M.Arch. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S.D in architecture with a minor in philosophy from Arizona State University, Gálvez brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the institution.Described as a registered architect, Gálvez is known for directing Office e.g., and for her role in teaching courses on design and environmentalism. She divides her time between the San Francisco...

VA provides 4,946 home loans in California totaling $2.9 billion in Q4 2023

By Golden State Today | Feb 21, 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) issued 4,946 home loans totaling $2.9 billion in California during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2023, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

California explores regulating political expenditures post-Citizens United

By Golden State Today | Feb 21, 2024

California Common Cause has released a report exploring how states can regulate independent expenditures in politics, even after the Citizens United ruling.

Average VA Purchase Loan amount in California declines from Q3 to Q4 2023

By Golden State Today | Feb 20, 2024

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for California in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023 was $602,688, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index

VA home loan amount averages $579,095 in California for Q4 2023

By Golden State Today | Feb 20, 2024

The average VA loan amount in California during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2023 was $579,095, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Introducing Manisha Shah: An Economist Joining Our Faculty

By Golden State Today | Feb 20, 2024

Manisha Shah, an economist specializing in international development issues at the intersection of applied microeconomics, health, and education, has joined our faculty. Shah holds a B.A. in economics and developmental studies from UC Berkeley (1995), an M.Sc. from the London School of Economics (1997), and a Ph.D. in agriculture and resource economics from UC Berkeley (2006).Shah expressed her research interests, stating, "I work on international development issues at the intersection of applied microeconomics, health and education." With her extensive academic...