Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken further steps to aid in the recovery efforts following the early February storms that wreaked havoc across California. The Governor has expanded the storm state of emergency to encompass 11 additional counties, including Alameda, Butte, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, and Sutter. In a recent announcement, Governor Newsom also made a request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to assist communities that were severely affected by flooding, mudslides, and debris flows during the storms....

Berkeley Talks: Sci-fi writer Kim Stanley Robinson on the need for 'angry optimism'

In a recent Berkeley Talks episode, renowned science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson emphasized the importance of maintaining "angry optimism" in the face of challenges such as climate change and political turmoil. Robinson, known for his extensive literary works including the novel "The Ministry for the Future," shared his insights during a conversation with UC Berkeley faculty members.Reflecting on the concept of hope, Robinson highlighted its strategic significance, stating, "Not just, why should you hope? Because you need to — to stay alive and all these other...

VA provides 3,850 home purchase loans in California in Q4 2023

There were 3,850 VA home purchase loans issued in California in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2023 totaling $2.3 billion, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Checking In With Chancellor May: Celebrating Art and Innovation

UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May recently highlighted the university's dedication to art, emphasizing its crucial role in education and society. He stressed the importance of critical thinking and creativity for all students, regardless of their future career paths.May announced the upcoming celebration of the 30th anniversary of Robert Arneson’s Egghead sculptures on campus, describing them as symbols of UC Davis' culture of curiosity and commitment to public art. The Eggheads have become iconic landmarks, representing the university's emphasis on the arts.In his...

Work Accelerates on Historic Transformation of California’s Mental Health System

By Golden State Today | Mar 21, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his enthusiasm for the passage of Proposition 1, emphasizing that it marks a significant reform in California's mental health system. He stated, “This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve."The newly passed initiative, which builds on previous investments and reforms, aims to prioritize Californians with serious mental health and substance use issues, particularly those experiencing homelessness, jail, and crisis...

Additional Funding Secured to Address Tijuana River Sewage Crisis

By Golden State Today | Mar 21, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement today regarding the additional $103 million in funding allocated to tackle the Tijuana River sewage crisis as part of the FY 2024 appropriations package.Governor Newsom expressed gratitude for the increased funding, stating, "The package announced today secures urgently needed federal funding – over $100 million more than last year – to help repair the federal South Bay plant and fix the sewage crisis that San Diego communities have dealt with for far too long." He highlighted the significance of this allocation as a...

55 basketball players from California to play in women’s NCAA March Madness tournament

Los Angeles has the most players of any city representing California in the tournament.

Steve Hilton Show host: The support for moderate Democrats has ‘led to the most far-left policies anywhere in America’

Steve Hilton, a political commentator, highlighted the substantial financial support directed towards moderate Democrats in California, leading to a Democrat-majority legislature and the adoption of progressive policies, suggesting the necessity for a different approach to address the state's challenges. Hilton was a guest on a recent episode of the Next Round Podcast.

Attorney General Bonta Files Lawsuit Against Apple: Smartphone Monopolization Criticized for Harming Consumers

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside the U.S. Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 16 states attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, challenging the tech giant's anticompetitive behavior concerning its iPhone smartphones. The lawsuit alleges that Apple's actions have led to higher prices for consumers and stifled innovation in the smartphone industry.Attorney General Bonta emphasized that Apple's conduct has had a detrimental impact on consumers, stating, "Apple's anticompetitive conduct intentionally leaves consumers bearing the...

Governor Newsom Statement on Biden Administration Clean Car Rules

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration's new clean car standards."Under the leadership of President Biden, America is driving toward a clean car future. The naysayers and skeptics want you to believe that electric vehicles are just another fad. They’re lying to you, putting profits over our health and our planet," Governor Newsom expressed.He further emphasized, "California – and now America – has chosen ambition over ambivalence."Governor Newsom highlighted the progress in zero-emission vehicle sales, stating,...

ICYMI: Big Oil is Spending Millions on a Campaign Lying About Gas Prices Instead of Passing Down Savings to Consumers

SACRAMENTO — In case you missed it, the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board has criticized Big Oil for their multi-million dollar propaganda campaign that misleads Californians about gas prices. The editorial board highlighted the deceptive tactics employed by the oil industry to shift blame for high gas prices onto California’s environmental policies.According to the Los Angeles Times, the oil industry is running a multimillion-dollar ad campaign to deflect attention from its profits and portray itself as unfairly blamed for the high gas prices in the state. The industry's...

California Leaders Reach Agreement to Address Budget Gap

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, and Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas have come to an agreement to address the budget gap in California. The leaders have agreed on budget solutions worth $12 to $18 billion to tackle the shortfall.Governor Newsom expressed his gratitude towards the leadership in the Assembly and Senate, stating, “Thanks to leadership in the Assembly and Senate, California is stepping up with a balanced approach that will take a significant chunk out of the projected shortfall. Despite the uncertainty due to...

California Attorney General and Senator Introduce Legislation for New Civil Penalties on Housing Law Violations

SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senator Scott Wiener have put forth a new bill that could revolutionize the repercussions faced by local governments violating the state's housing laws. The legislation, Senate Bill 1037 (SB 1037), aims to empower the Attorney General to seek civil penalties promptly against non-compliant local authorities.The proposed bill would enable the Attorney General to impose penalties from the inception of a housing law violation, as opposed to the current practice of waiting for a court-ordered compliance period to elapse....

Custody Deputy Honored with National Law and Order Outstanding Performance Award

Custody Deputy Florice Soto was honored at the Military Order of the World Wars, Colonel George C. Woolsey Chapter 113 awards luncheon with the National Law and Order Outstanding Performance Award. The award recognizes individuals who excel in local, and national security, homeland security, law enforcement, and service to the community.Soto, a military veteran who served with the United States Army for 10 years, was commended for her outstanding work in the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office. She began her career with the office in 1998 and has since become a respected and...

Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Safeguard California Youth from Intoxicating Hemp Products

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 20 other attorneys general, has taken a firm stance against intoxicating hemp products, urging Congress to revise the language of the 2018 Farm Bill to protect Californians. In a collective effort, they have sent a letter highlighting the need for updated regulations to address the proliferation of these harmful products and the associated health and safety risks.“Our children deserve better,” emphasized Attorney General Bonta. He expressed concerns about the loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill, which has allowed the...

94 basketball players from California to play in men’s NCAA March Madness tournament

Los Angeles has the most players of any city representing California in the tournament.

Political commentator: Embracing ‘free market policies is the essence of California’

By Angie Alvarez | Mar 19, 2024

Steve Hilton, a political commentator, highlighted the significance of political systems in implementing policies and underscored California's essence as a place where people can freely pursue their aspirations. Hilton was a guest on a recent episode of the Next Round Podcast.

California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Luis Garcia-Arias

The California Department of Justice, under the leadership of Attorney General Rob Bonta, has released a report on the officer-involved shooting of Luis Garcia-Arias that occurred in Tustin, California, on August 9, 2021. This release comes in accordance with Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.Attorney General Bonta emphasized the significance of AB 1506, stating, "AB 1506 is a critical transparency and accountability tool, and our hope for this report is to provide some understanding and aid in...

Attorney General Bonta Announces Felony Charges Against Three Suspects in an Organized Retail Crime Ring

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced felony charges against three individuals allegedly involved in an organized retail crime ring that targeted high-end retail stores across California. The suspects were charged with organized retail theft, robbery, and grand theft following a spree of commercial burglaries and attempted burglaries that occurred between December 12, 2022, and February 12, 2024, resulting in over $300,000 in losses to the stores.Attorney General Bonta emphasized the impact of organized retail theft on businesses, retailers, and consumers,...

Governor Newsom Proclaims Nowrūz Day 2024