Golden State Today

Yasmin Vobis, a prominent figure in the field of architecture, has recently joined our faculty team. With a Bachelor's degree in architecture from UC Berkeley and a Master's degree from Princeton University, Vobis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our institution.Vobis has expressed her research interests, stating, "How materials and construction techniques - old and new - shape our ideas about architecture, our relationship to the environment, and how we live together."This new addition to our faculty is expected to greatly enrich the learning experience...

Attorney General Bonta Announces Settlement with Mariner Health for Misrepresenting Quality of Care, Putting Residents at Risk

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a settlement with Mariner Health Care, Inc. for violations related to the quality of care at their skilled nursing facilities in California. The settlement includes injunctive relief, independent monitoring, payment of costs, and civil penalties for any violations of the injunction or law.Bonta emphasized the importance of holding skilled nursing facilities accountable for providing proper care, stating, “Skilled nursing facilities should always provide their residents with the highest standard of care.” He added, “My...

Introducing Eliza Brown: A New Addition to Our Sociology Faculty

Eliza Brown, a Ph.D. graduate in sociology from New York University, has joined our faculty with a focus on medical sociology. Brown's research interests lie in the realm of reproductive technologies, particularly IVF and egg freezing. She delves into the transformation of medical uncertainties into risks to aid decision-making processes.We are thrilled to welcome Eliza Brown to our sociology department as she brings a unique perspective and expertise to our academic community.

Governor Newsom Announces Appointments 3.19.24

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a series of appointments to various state boards and commissions.Jeff Hughes, a Democrat from Oceanside, has been appointed to the State Board of Pharmacy. Hughes, who has a background as a Wellness Business Agent at the Orange County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 3631, brings a wealth of experience from his time in the fire service.J. Newell, also a Democrat, hailing from Sacramento, has joined the State Board of Pharmacy. Newell's expertise as Principal and Co-Founder of System2Solutions, along with his...

Stellantis Partners with California on Clean Car Standards

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom announced today a groundbreaking partnership between the state of California and Stellantis, the fourth-largest automaker in the world, aimed at increasing the number of clean cars on the roads and reducing pollution. The agreement includes significant commitments from Stellantis to align with California's clean car goals and invest in charging infrastructure.Governor Newsom expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Stellantis will help California achieve our ambitious goals to drastically cut pollution...

Chancellor Carol Christ Reflects on Ongoing Sather Gate Protest

Chancellor Carol Christ of the University of California, Berkeley, recently addressed the campus community regarding the ongoing protest at Sather Gate. Christ acknowledged the concerns surrounding the protest, stating, "I have been asked many questions over the past weeks about the protest at Sather Gate."Christ emphasized the importance of political protest on campus, noting that while it is a valued activity, it is also subject to regulations. She stated, "Political protest is a protected—indeed a valued—activity on the Berkeley campus, it is also subject to time,...

‘Patients Come First’ launches in California, announces executive director

By Golden State Today News Service | Mar 18, 2024

A new “patient advocacy” organization, Patients Come First, today launched in California, announcing longtime California public affairs professional Julie Gill Shuffield as the group’s executive director.

Attorney General Bonta Leads Multistate Coalition to Defend Biden Administration’s Oil and Gas Methane Rule

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed a motion to defend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Oil and Gas Methane Rule in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Bonta expressed his concerns about the challenges facing efforts to combat climate change and tackle methane emissions. He stated, “For years, this super pollutant has been overlooked while the oil and gas industry carelessly – and at times, knowingly – allowed enormous quantities of greenhouse gas to leak into our environment."CARB Chair...

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Inaugural Model Community Day Schools

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has revealed the selection of eight schools as Model Community Day Schools (MCDSs) for 2024, marking the first year of implementation. Community day schools cater to students who have faced expulsion, attendance issues, or behavioral challenges.Thurmond commended the chosen schools for their dedication to students and families, stating, “By providing students with myriad educational options, mental health resources, and other support services, these schools have addressed students’ needs, elevated their strengths...

Coffee with a Community Resource Deputy

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has announced a special event aimed at fostering community engagement and dialogue. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the event will be held at Old Town Coffee, located at 5877 Hollister Avenue, Goleta.The event, known as Coffee with a Cop, is part of a community outreach program that provides residents with an informal setting to interact with local law enforcement. According to the announcement, the initiative is designed to facilitate open dialogue, build relationships, and address any concerns...

California and New York Attorneys General Address Social Media Addiction

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and New York Attorney General Letitia James have jointly addressed the pressing issue of social media addiction in an op-ed published in USA Today. The article highlights their commitment to protecting children's mental health in the face of harmful practices by social media companies.The attorneys general emphasized their duty to defend state laws and the well-being of their constituents, stating, "As state attorney generals, we have two primary duties: defending our states’ laws and interests, and protecting the rights and...

Attorney General Bonta Celebrates District Court Decision Upholding AB 5 Protections in California Trucking Association v. Bonta

California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed satisfaction with a recent decision by the Southern District of California district court in California Trucking Association v. Bonta. The court denied the plaintiffs/intervenors' motions for preliminary injunction, ruling that AB 5 does not violate the constitution when applied to the trucking industry."We're pleased that the district court got this one right, and upheld AB 5’s protections," said Attorney General Bonta. "AB 5 was enacted to address a widespread problem of worker misclassification, including in the trucking...

Political commentator: 'The bottom line is a lot of our friends in Washington just aren't dealing with the reality' of the border crisis

Steve Hilton, a political commentator, underscored the urgency of a border bill while expressing skepticism about the likelihood of its swift resolution in a divided Congress during an election year. Hilton was a guest on a recent episode of the Next Round Podcast.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Proclaims Women’s Military History Week 2024

By Golden State Today | Mar 17, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17-23, 2024, as Women’s Military History Week. Governor Newsom highlighted the significance of women's roles in the military, stating, "Women in the military have played a significant role in shaping the history of our nation, serving in every major conflict and war, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations of servicemembers."Governor Newsom emphasized the invaluable contributions of women in the armed forces, stating, "Women have served with distinction and courage in every...

California Department of Justice Investigating Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

By Golden State Today | Mar 17, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today that the California Department of Justice is investigating an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that took place in east Los Angeles on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred at around 9:32 p.m., resulted in the death of one individual.The California Police Shooting Investigation Team, under the Department of Justice, has initiated an investigation in compliance with Assembly Bill 1506 mandates. Once the investigation is concluded, it will be passed on to the Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law...

California ranked 16th highest in the U.S. for average income in 2021

By Golden State Today | Mar 16, 2024

California ranked 16th highest for average annual earnings per resident among U.S. states, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Finance research analyst: The shift to ESG and market influence is ‘all about control’

Paul Tice, a writer, analyst, and adjunct professor, suggests that the rise of ESG investing reflects a shift towards exerting control over capital flows and implementing government-directed agendas, diverging from traditional profit-maximizing approaches in finance. Tice was a guest on a recent episode of the Next Round Podcast.

Sheriff’s Programs Unit Celebrates Inaugural Graduates of Solar Installation Training Program

The Sheriff’s Office Programs Unit in Santa Maria, California, proudly announced the graduation of the first participants from the Northern Branch Jail Solar Installation Training Program. According to the announcement, four inmates completed a 60-hour introduction to solar course offered through GRID Alternatives Central Valley.Instructors involved in the program explained that the training provided hands-on learning for individuals who may not excel in traditional educational settings. The training model followed the principles of Tell, Show, and Do, where participants...

Family History Week Coming to Sacramento April 1-6

Family History Week is set to take place in Sacramento from April 1-6, offering individuals the opportunity to delve into their family heritage. The event will feature a series of activities aimed at helping participants explore their ancestors and create a lasting family legacy.One of the event's highlights will be the display of replicas of the 1849 and 1879 State Constitutions by the California Secretary of State's Office. Natalia Visante, Acting State Archivist, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming Family History Week, highlighting the importance of building...

Engine Manufacturer Cummins Settles California Certification Procedure and Emission Violations Case for $46 Million