Latest News from Golden State Today

California allocates $470M for Golden State Pathways Program

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

California is releasing new funding to improve opportunities for students and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow through the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP). Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the awarding of $470 million to 302 local educational agencies (LEAs) from the GSPP. This program integrates college preparatory coursework meeting the A–G course requirements for admission to state universities, offering students the opportunity to earn 12 college credits alongside career exploration, career...

California DOJ investigates off-duty LAPD officer-involved shooting under AB 1506

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating a shooting involving an off-duty Los Angeles Police officer. The incident, which occurred in Ontario, California on May 30, 2024, resulted in the death of one individual.

California allocates $470M for student career pathways

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the allocation of $470 million to 302 local educational agencies (LEAs) from the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP). This initiative aims to enhance student access to higher education and career opportunities by integrating college preparatory coursework, career exploration, technical education courses, and work-based learning.

Goleta Police Department announces DUI checkpoint amid efforts to deter impaired driving

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

The Goleta Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Friday, May 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the City of Goleta. Checkpoint locations are selected based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary objective of these checkpoints is to promote public safety by deterring impaired driving rather than making arrests. During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Governor Newsom signs legislation delaying minimum wage for healthcare workers

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:

Attorney General Bonta announces arrests in high-end jewelry store theft ring

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced arrests and charges against four individuals allegedly involved in organized retail theft, robbery, burglary, and grand theft targeting jewelry stores across the state. The incidents occurred between April 4, 2023, and May 8, 2024, resulting in over $1.5 million in losses. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) led the investigation with support from various local law enforcement agencies.

Governor Newsom announces new tribal partnerships for wildfire preparedness

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

During Wildfire Preparedness Month, the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System secured historic partnerships with three California tribal nations, enhancing all-hazards emergency response capacity statewide.

Coalition supports Title IX protections amidst conservative challenges

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, New Jersey Attorney General Mathew J. Platkin, and Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle A. Henry led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a multistate amicus brief supporting the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 Title IX Final Rule amidst lawsuits from conservative states and groups seeking to undermine the rule’s enhanced protections. The final rule aims to restore strong protections against sexual harassment and assault while reinforcing critical protection for LGBTQ+ students.

Governor Newsom announces early reopening of Topanga Canyon Boulevard

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that a portion of the heavily damaged Topanga Canyon Boulevard on State Route 27 in Los Angeles County will reopen on June 2, three months ahead of initial estimates.

Governor Newsom appoints new appointments secretary

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Morgan Carvajal as Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor, succeeding Cathryn Rivera, who has held the role since June 2019.

Memoirist Sonali Deraniyagala discusses writing about tragic loss

By Golden State Today | May 31, 2024

Sonali Deraniyagala, whose family perished in a 2004 tsunami while on vacation in Sri Lanka, shared her journey of writing about unimaginable loss during an episode of Berkeley Talks. "I'm an accidental writer ... I was writing to make sense of, firstly, what had happened," said Deraniyagala.

Average VA IRRRL Loan amount in California increases from 2022 to 2023

By Golden State Today | May 30, 2024

The average VA IRRRL Loan amount for California in 2023 was $579,095, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

AG Bonta warns Californians about rising threat of AI-generated scams

By Golden State Today | May 30, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert today, warning Californians about the increasing prevalence of scams utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) or “deepfakes” to impersonate government officials, distressed family members, or other trusted figures.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office honors volunteers supporting inmate rehabilitation

By Golden State Today | May 30, 2024

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office hosted two events to recognize over 50 volunteers and service providers who dedicate their time, skills, and compassion to support the rehabilitation and well-being of individuals within county jails. Volunteers and service providers at the Main Jail were honored on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, and at the Northern Branch Jail on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. This recognition underscores the contributions of volunteers in fostering positive change within jail facilities.

Supreme Court upholds state's right to enforce consumer protection laws

By Golden State Today | May 30, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement today following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn a Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Cantero v. Bank of America. The Supreme Court determined that the lower court did not apply the correct standard for assessing whether a New York state law mandating mortgage lenders to pay a 2% minimum interest rate on funds held in mortgage escrow accounts is preempted by the National Bank Act as it pertains to national banks. This ruling permits states to enforce consumer financial protection laws against both...

Bonta leads Fresno roundtable on combating gun violence

By Golden State Today | May 30, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta convened a roundtable discussion in Fresno today with gun violence prevention leaders from Central California. This event marks the fourth in a series of statewide meetings aimed at addressing gun violence through community-based solutions.

Governor Newsom announces new appointments to state boards

By Golden State Today | May 30, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced several reappointments to various state boards and commissions.

Law enforcement concludes 'Operation Red Rooster' with 41 arrests targeting Norteño gang

By Golden State Today | May 30, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside law enforcement partners, announced the results of "Operation Red Rooster," targeting Norteño criminal street gang activity in Merced County. The 18-month operation concluded with 41 arrests, over 60 pounds of narcotics seized, and 27 guns confiscated. The suspects face charges including homicide, attempted homicide, gun trafficking, and drug trafficking with gang enhancements.

Attorney General Bonta announces reforms with Redlands Unified School District on handling sexual misconduct

By Golden State Today | May 29, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has entered into a proposed stipulated judgment with the Redlands Unified School District to address critical and systemic shortfalls in the District's policies and practices regarding their response to allegations and complaints of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse of students. The stipulated judgment follows a comprehensive civil rights investigation into the District’s handling of these complaints. This investigation was initiated after concerning reports emerged from...