Latest News from Golden State Today

Suspected stolen bike recovered during arrest; owner urged to contact Isla Vista Foot Patrol

By Golden State Today | Jun 27, 2024

Isla Vista, Calif. – Deputies arrested a juvenile suspect in an animal abuse case and are attempting to locate the owner of the bicycle that he was riding. On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, deputies arrested a 14-year-old male juvenile for killing four chickens the week prior. When the juvenile suspect was contacted, he was riding a bicycle that deputies believe to be stolen but has not yet been reported.

Newsom reacts as SCOTUS allows Idaho emergency abortions temporarily

By Golden State Today | Jun 27, 2024

The U.S. Supreme Court today reinstated a lower court order that ensures hospitals in Idaho can perform emergency services, including abortions, to save the life of a pregnant patient. The Court declined, however, to make clear once and for all that federal law protects pregnant patients in emergency settings, leaving uncertainty across the country about whether hospitals outside of Idaho must provide abortion care in emergency settings.

John Lewis Youth Leadership Service Award presented to George Harris

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. – Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., presented the John Lewis Youth Leadership Service Award to George Harris on June 25, 2024, recognizing his contributions to civic engagement and voting accessibility throughout California.

Attorney General reminds pharmacies of obligations under new California law on protected health info

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued letters to eight major pharmacy chains and five health data companies, reminding them of their obligations under the state's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). The communication emphasizes compliance with new requirements introduced by Assembly Bill 352 (AB 352), which will be fully effective on July 1, 2024. The entities addressed include CVS Health, Walgreen Company, Cigna, Optum Rx, Walmart Stores, The Kroger Company, Rite Aid Corporation, Amazon Pharmacy, Airtable, Jotform, Spruce Health, TigerConnect, and...

Young voter disillusionment may impact upcoming elections

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

Millennials and Gen Z face existential risks unknown to previous generations. The Berkeley Institute for Young Americans reports that these voters — left, center, and right — want political action to address the challenges.

Governor Newsom signs multiple bills including state budget act

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

Governor Newsom signed several pieces of legislation today, including the legislative version of the 2024 state budget. The Legislature is expected to vote later today on legislation reflecting the final budget agreement.

State task force reports major seizures amid increased anti-fentanyl operations

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

Since January, the state has helped seize nearly 7 million pills containing fentanyl and 3,725 pounds of fentanyl powder across California, including at ports of entry along the southern border.

Hidden camera found in landscaping prompts public warning from sheriff's office

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

Santa Barbara, Calif. – Sheriff’s Deputies are alerting the public to an incident involving a hidden camera discovered in the landscaping of a residence. On April 16, 2024, deputies began investigating a report of a hidden camera found by gardeners in the front yard of a residence on the 200-block of Via El Encantador. The camera was buried in a landscaped area, covered with camouflage tape and plants, leaving only the center of the lens visible. The device included a battery pack, power cord, and a camera with a memory card. These items were processed for evidence and retained.

Juvenile arrested for alleged animal abuse in Isla Vista

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 14-year-old male in connection with an animal abuse case that occurred on June 16, 2024, in Isla Vista, California. The incident involved the beating to death of chickens.

California adds over 10k fast food jobs following minimum wage hike

By Golden State Today | Jun 26, 2024

According to new state and federal employment data, California’s fast food industry has added jobs every month this year, including roughly 10,600 new jobs in the two months since Governor Gavin Newsom signed the fast food minimum wage bill into law.

Who made largest political contributions in California in week ending June 22?

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

The top 100 political contributions made during the week ending June 22 can be found here.

Professor Lloyd Knox named first endowed chair in cosmology at UC Davis

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

The nature of dark energy, the origins of the universe, and the afterglow of the Big Bang are among the phenomena Professor Lloyd Knox will continue to explore as the first Michael and Ester Vaida Endowed Chair in Cosmology and Astrophysics.

Governor Newsom signs tribal-state gaming compact with Tule River Indian Tribe

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

Governor Newsom signs tribal-state gaming compact

UC Davis Police introduces therapy dog for mental health support

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

With her natural warmth, Cali is out to make friends for herself and the UC Davis Police Department. At just 14 months old, the Labrador retriever is the newest and youngest member of the police department’s CORE, or Community Outreach and Engagement, Officer Program’s K-9 unit.

California expands funding for children's hospitals

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Children’s Hospital Association (CCHA) have announced an agreement to expand health care for children in California. The expansion aims to provide additional funding for the Department of Health Care Services, supporting children's hospitals across the state.

California enhances precision medicine efforts for future pandemic preparedness

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

California is set to leverage the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to design and harness new technologies and tools for future pandemic preparedness and prevention. Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced an agreement to enhance the state’s ability to prepare for and potentially prevent the next pandemic by integrating the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine into the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) and broadening its scope to include technologies relevant to pandemic prevention.

Attorney General warns against unlawful ultrasound practices in California

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued cease and desist letters to two entities, Cali Choice and LivingHelp Center, concerning their compliance with AB 1720 (Bauer-Kahan). This legislation mandates that ultrasound technology and similar devices be used exclusively in licensed facilities or by licensed providers. In his communication, the Attorney General emphasized that any noncompliance with AB 1720 necessitates an immediate cessation of all ultrasound procedures.

UC Davis addresses viral video involving employee's offensive remarks

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

A widely circulated video has surfaced, showing a University of California, Davis employee making offensive statements. The university has condemned these comments as deeply hurtful. While acknowledging that the employee’s remarks are protected under the First Amendment, UC Davis emphasized that they do not align with the institution's core values of respect and belonging.

UC Davis offers expanded aquatic programs for all ages this summer

By Golden State Today | Jun 25, 2024

The UC Davis Campus Recreation Aquatics Unit is offering a range of aquatic programs this summer, including both new and improved options. The unit has revamped its annual summer youth swim lessons to include children from less than a year old up to 15 years old. “Before, we targeted elementary students aged 5 to 8, but this year we’ve expanded the scope to reach from less than a year old to 15,” said Aquatics Coordinator Jocelyn Morgan. Registration for these lessons is now open through the UC Davis Rec Portal.