Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta released the "State of Pride Report" today, highlighting the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) actions to support and defend LGBTQ+ communities in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The report outlines ongoing efforts amidst increasing threats to justice and equality for these communities.

UC Davis chancellor addresses Gaza protest encampment conclusion

Chancellor Gary S. May issued a statement today addressing the recent encampment at UC Davis, which was set up by students protesting the violence in Gaza. The chancellor emphasized the university's commitment to maintaining an inclusive and safe campus while upholding freedom of expression and independent thought.

California issues new guidelines for handling untested sexual assault evidence kits

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an information bulletin to all California law enforcement agencies and public crime laboratories, detailing their new responsibilities under Senate Bill 464 (SB 464). Authored by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), SB 464 amends victims’ rights and mandates an audit of all untested sexual assault evidence kits. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 10, 2023, and took effect on January 1, 2024.

Assemblymember introduces "California Social Media Users Bill of Rights" aimed at safeguarding democracy

Assemblymember Lowenthal proposes new "California Social Media Users Bill of Rights"

Assemblymember proposes 'California Social Media Users Bill of Rights' amid rising digital concerns

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) unveiled today a “California Social Media Users Bill of Rights” that would declare the first set of fundamental rights and protections for users of social media platforms in the nation. The resolution is sponsored by the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), a project of California Common Cause, designed to protect democracy from digital threats.

California DOJ releases findings on officer-involved shooting in Hemet

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Joseph Thomas Tracy IV’s death from an officer-involved shooting in Hemet, California, on January 18, 2022. The incident involved the Gang Impact Team of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, which includes officers from Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Riverside Police Department, and Hemet Police Department. The report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement...

Average VA purchase loan amount in California declines from 2022 to 2023

The average VA purchase loan amount for California in the fiscal year 2023 was $592,927, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Attorney General Bonta announces felony arrests after APPS operation in Tulare County

California Attorney General Bonta, along with law enforcement partners, announced the arrests of four suspects in Tulare County and the seizure of a significant cache of illegal firearms, magazines, drugs, ammunition, and cash. The investigation began with a subject identified as prohibited through the Armed and Prohibited Persons database. Further inquiry revealed additional illegal activities leading to the arrest of suspects involved in substantial illicit drug trafficking and manufacturing.

Attorney General announces settlement against hospital over unauthorized patient data disclosure

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a settlement with Adventist Health Hanford (Adventist) over violations of the Unfair Competition Law, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s Privacy Rule (HIPAA). The case involves unauthorized disclosures to law enforcement of medical information pertaining to two patients, Adora Perez and Chelsea Becker. Both women experienced stillbirths at Adventist and subsequently had their protected health information (PHI) shared with law enforcement...

Governor Newsom announces key appointments across various departments

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced several appointments to key positions within California's state departments and agencies.

Political donations: Who contributed most in California during week ending June 15?

The top 100 political contributions made during the week ending June 15 can be found here.

Average VA purchase loan amount in California increases from 2021 to 2022

The average VA purchase loan amount for California in the fiscal year 2022 was $600,334, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Governor Newsom announces historic land return effort for Shasta Indian Nation

On the fifth anniversary of California's apology to Native Americans, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state's intention to return over 2,800 acres of ancestral land to the Shasta Indian Nation. This effort is part of California's broader initiative to address historical injustices against Native communities.

Governor Newsom issues statement on passing of Willie Mays

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement today on the passing of San Francisco Giants legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays.

Secretary Weber issues statement commemorating Juneteenth

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., today issued a statement on Juneteenth from Sacramento, Calif.

Governor Newsom declares June 2024 as Immigrant Heritage Month

Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring June 2024 as "Immigrant Heritage Month" in the State of California.

Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments across multiple California counties

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of 15 Superior Court Judges across various counties in California. The appointments include one judge in Contra Costa County, two in Los Angeles County, one each in Marin, Napa, Riverside, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties, and three judges in San Diego County.

California reports surge in arrests and recovery of stolen goods amid retail crime crackdown

State law enforcement officials in California have made 636 arrests and recovered 216,754 stolen goods valued at nearly $5.7 million in the last five months, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat organized retail crime. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year, with arrests up by 167%, recovered stolen goods rising by 525%, and their estimated value increasing by 140%.

Settlement reached with Tilting Point Media over illegal collection of children's data

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto have announced a $500,000 settlement with Tilting Point Media LLC. The settlement resolves allegations that the company violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting and sharing children’s data without parental consent through their mobile app game "SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off."

California breaks ground on three new behavioral health centers