Golden State Today

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted three inspections at three Devices companies from California in April.

Chancellor Carol Christ reflects on tenure amid ongoing campus protests

Ahead of her retirement at the end of next month, Chancellor Carol Christ reflected Thursday on her seven-year tenure leading UC Berkeley, recapping her proudest accomplishments and regrets. However, the encampment outside Sproul Hall and the protests sweeping college campuses nationwide were the focus of much of her final Campus Conversations event.

Chancellor Carol Christ reflects on tenure at final Campus Conversations event

As her retirement looms at the end of next month, Chancellor Carol Christ reflected on her seven-year tenure at UC Berkeley this past Thursday. Her reflections spanned her proudest accomplishments and deepest regrets, with a particular focus on the encampment outside Sproul Hall and the protests that have been sweeping college campuses nationwide.

Attorney General Bonta Announces $273 Million Nationwide Agreement with Amneal Pharmaceuticals

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a nationwide agreement with Amneal Pharmaceuticals for its role in the opioid epidemic. The agreement will require the pharmaceutical company to pay up to $272.5 million nationally to address its involvement in the crisis. Bonta stated, “Today, I am thinking of the countless families and communities impacted by the opioid epidemic. I can’t begin to imagine the immense pain they have been through."The settlement, if finalized, will include $92.5 million in cash and $180 million nationwide in opioid overdose reversal...

Ruth Simmons on the Importance of Equal Access and Fairness in Education

Ruth Simmons, a prominent academic figure, recently delivered the 2024 Clark Kerr Lecture at UC Berkeley, where she emphasized the importance of addressing issues related to discrimination and equal access in education. Simmons, who has a long history in academia, highlighted the ongoing challenges in achieving fairness and equality in the education system, stressing the crucial role educators play in advancing necessary changes.

Highway 1 Targeted to Reopen by May 25 as Governor Takes Action to Support Repairs in Topanga Canyon and Other Communities Damaged by Storms

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that Highway 1 is set to reopen to unrestricted signal-controlled traffic by May 25, following severe damage caused by recent storms. The Governor's proactive measures aim to secure federal funding for repairs in Topanga Canyon and other impacted areas in California."Storms in March caused significant damage to critical parts of our transportation infrastructure," Governor Newsom stated. "The state is working overtime to complete repairs as safely and as quickly as possible."The state of emergency proclamation signed by Governor...

California Governor Newsom Appoints 18 Superior Court Judges Across the State

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of 18 Superior Court Judges in various counties in the state. Each appointment aims to fill vacancies created by retirements and bring diverse legal expertise to the judiciary.In Alameda County, Michael Risher has been appointed as a Judge in the Superior Court. Risher, a Democrat, has a background in civil liberties law and legal education, having previously worked at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation.Stephanie Clarke, who is registered without party preference, has been appointed to the Contra...

Governor Newsom Announces Appointments 5.3.24

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a series of appointments on May 3, 2024, appointing individuals to various positions within California state departments and commissions.Zoe Heller of Sacramento was appointed as the Director of the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery. Heller's extensive experience includes roles at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a background in environmental policy.Catherine “Cathy” Jefferson, also from Sacramento, has been appointed as the Deputy Director of the Office of Research at the California Department of...

FDA conducted second highest number of inspections on Veterinary companies in California during April

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted five inspections at five Veterinary companies from California in April.

Governor Newsom Proclaims Day of Prayer 2024

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed May 2, 2024, as a "Day of Prayer" in the State of California. In a statement, Governor Newsom highlighted the significance of prayer in people's lives, stating, "On the National Day of Prayer, we stand with all Californians who make time for reflection and prayer in their lives, an invaluable source of solace, hope, and strength for so many of us."The proclamation also acknowledged the challenges faced by Californians in recent years, with Governor Newsom expressing, "Today, we also remember those we have lost and draw...

National Monument Expansions Bring California Closer to Conservation Milestone

In a significant move towards conservation efforts, President Biden's national monument expansion has paved the way for California to make substantial progress in conserving its lands and coastal waters to meet the 30% conservation goal by 2030.The recent announcement by President Biden to expand two national monuments in California, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument near Napa and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in Los Angeles, has been lauded for its contribution to protecting the state's unique biodiversity and culturally significant Native...

Middle school students explore historic musical treasures at UC Berkeley collection

Middle school students explore musical treasures from special Berkeley collections

California experiences lower inflation rate than national average as of April 2024

As of April 2024, California experienced a 19.9% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 19.9% increase.

Which type of California companies were inspected the most by FDA in April?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted 49 inspections at 49 Food and Cosmetics companies from California in April.

State Law Enforcement Makes 500+ Arrests, Removes Nearly 700 Pounds of Fentanyl as Part of San Francisco Operation

Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside San Francisco Mayor London Breed, announced the success of a joint public safety partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies in San Francisco, which has resulted in over 500 arrests and the seizure of nearly 700 pounds of fentanyl in the past year.In a statement, Governor Newsom highlighted the progress made in improving public safety in San Francisco, stating, “Over the last year, we have made significant, measurable progress for safety in San Francisco.” Mayor London Breed expressed gratitude for Governor Newsom's support...

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced the recipients of the 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year. Thurmond expressed his admiration for the dedication of these individuals, stating, "My heartfelt congratulations go to these outstanding employees for going the extra mile to step up and support California students so they can continue to learn."The annual Classified School Employees of the Year program recognizes outstanding classified school employees in various categories. This year's winners were chosen from 134...

Bills to Address AI’s Threats to Elections Clear First Hurdles

May 1, 2024SACRAMENTO — Yesterday, four bills aimed at addressing AI threats to elections successfully passed their initial legislative hurdles in the California state legislature. Despite facing significant opposition from the tech industry, the bills, sponsored by the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), advanced with bipartisan support.Jonathan Mehta Stein, Executive Director of California Common Cause, emphasized the importance of these bills, stating, “These bills represent the most nuanced and most aggressive attempt in the United States to...

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 Civic Learning Award Schools

SACRAMENTO—Twenty-one California schools have been named recipients of the 2024 Civic Learning Awards, an honor that recognizes measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its eleventh year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero."We know that when young people activate their voices, they can be among the strongest change agents in our communities," Thurmond expressed. "Education is the cornerstone of realizing our democratic ideals, and these schools have made...

California Governor Newsom Proclaims May 2024 as Small Business Month

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has officially declared May 2024 as "Small Business Month" in the State of California. In a proclamation issued today, Governor Newsom highlighted the vital role of small businesses in California's economy, stating, "California’s more than 4.1 million small businesses – the most of any state – embody the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the economy of the Golden State."Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of supporting all Californians in their entrepreneurial endeavors, stating, "For our economy to maintain its strength, we must...

Attorney General Bonta Announces Service Corporation International, Nation’s Largest Funeral Service Provider to Pay $23 Million Penalty and Consumer Restitution for Consumer Protection Law Violations