Latest News from Golden State Today

UC Berkeley launches naming contest for four new falcon chicks

By Golden State Today | May 15, 2024

The quadruplets — Annie's 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd chicks — received a checkup and their ID bands this morning. By Gretchen Kell May 15, 2024.

UC Davis leaders engage with student encampment representatives

By Golden State Today | May 15, 2024

On May 13, leaders from UC Davis convened with students representing the PULP (Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine) encampment located on the Memorial Union Quad. The campus authorities expressed their appreciation for the students' efforts in maintaining a peaceful and safe environment within the encampment, while also addressing concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

UC Davis addresses student protests and labor strikes

By Golden State Today | May 15, 2024

On May 6, a group named Davis Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine erected tents on the Quad at UC Davis, mirroring actions taken on campuses nationwide. On May 15, the United Auto Workers Local 4811 authorized a strike against the University of California, with strike activities commencing on the UC Davis campus on May 27. The university has issued statements and provided information regarding its response to these developments.

Who made largest political contributions in California in week ending May 11?

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

The top 100 political contributions made during the week ending May 11 can be found here.

CA Credit Union League: Proposed federal credit card regs ‘will ultimately cost consumers money’

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

A spokesperson for the California Credit Union League (CCUL) said her organization is opposed to proposed credit card regulations pending in the U.S. Senate because she said they will cost consumers money and could lead to an increase in credit card fraud.

California Common Cause launches campaign finance reform resource

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif — California Common Cause has launched a unique index and report on campaign finance laws in California cities. This innovative resource is designed to assist activists, academics, and elected officials in their research and reform efforts. The report, titled "Local Dollars and Local Democracy," documents and analyzes all campaign finance reforms across California cities as of December 2022.

Los Angeles City Council retains control over ethics matters

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to maintain its authority over ethics matters, a move that contradicts the recommendations of academics and democracy reform advocates. The council's decision effectively curtails the Ethics Commission's power to independently enforce the city's ethics laws.

Newsom announces early reopening of storm-damaged Highway 1

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that a section of Highway 1 near Big Sur, severely damaged by recent storms, is set to reopen more than a week ahead of schedule on Friday, May 17. Caltrans will open the portion of Highway 1 closed by the Rocky Creek slip-out to traffic at 6:30 a.m., eight days sooner than previously expected.

California seizes $61 million in illegal cannabis products since 2024 start

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

As part of its ongoing efforts to support the legal and regulated cannabis market, California has seized over $61 million in illegal cannabis products since the start of 2024. The state's Governor, Gavin Newsom, announced that these law enforcement operations have included the eradication of 62,135 unlicensed cannabis plants and the seizure of 36,619 pounds of unlicensed cannabis products.

California accelerates funding distribution for statewide mental health system overhaul

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

California is expediting the distribution of billions of dollars in new funding to counties and other entities for the construction of outpatient, inpatient, and residential behavioral health facilities. The state aims to create new mental health resources for Californians across the state.

California's fourth Apostille Pop-Up Event serves hundreds in San Diego

By Golden State Today | May 14, 2024

The California Secretary of State's office has announced the successful completion of its latest Apostille Pop-Up Shop event, which took place in San Diego on May 13 and 14. The event, part of the nation’s first series of apostille pop-up events, witnessed an impressive turnout with Secretary of State staff serving 441 customers and issuing 918 apostilles on the first day alone.

Which California political committees received the most contributions during week ending May 11?

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

Here are the 50 California political committees that received the largest financial contributions during the week ending May 11.

UC Davis to honor Gold Star Aggies at annual Memorial Day Ceremony

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

UC Davis is set to honor its 136 Gold Star Aggies — students and alumni who sacrificed their lives in military service for the United States — at the university’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 23. The ceremony, which will take place on the Memorial Union’s North Courtyard, will feature various campus and guest speakers, a rendition of the national anthem, and a reading of all 136 names listed in the Golden Memory Book.

Berkeley graduates told 'The ball is in your hands' by keynote speaker

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

Cynt Marshall, the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team and a UC Berkeley graduate, was the keynote speaker at UC Berkeley's commencement ceremony. Marshall is notable for being the first Black woman to serve as CEO in NBA history.

Chancellor Christ addresses grads amid ongoing campus protests

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

Chancellor Christ addressed the graduating class of 2024 with a message that highlighted both their achievements and the pressing issues facing the world today. "Let me begin by offering my heartfelt congratulations to you, the members of this remarkable and resilient graduating class," she said. Acknowledging the challenges posed by recent events, she praised the graduates for their perseverance.

UC Berkeley celebrates commencement ceremony for class of 2024

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, nearly 8,000 students gathered at California Memorial Stadium to receive their bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from UC Berkeley. The commencement ceremony was attended by approximately 20,000 family members and friends of the graduates.

Governor Newsom pays tribute to fallen state correctional officer Frank Salas

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement on the passing of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Correctional Officer Frank Salas. The governor expressed his and his wife's deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Salas, stating: "As we remember Correctional Officer Frank Salas for his passionate and professional demeanor, Jennifer and I offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers during this time. We are grateful for his years of service to the people of California.”

University Medalist urges graduates to "look beyond the label" in commencement speech

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

Christopher Ying, the 2024 University Medalist, addressed his fellow graduates in a heartfelt commencement speech on Saturday, May 11. Ying, who was recognized as the top graduating senior, shared his unique experiences and insights during the ceremony at UC Berkeley.

Chancellor Christ addresses UC Berkeley's 2024 graduating class

By Golden State Today | May 13, 2024

Chancellor Carol Christ imparted words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduating class at UC Berkeley's 2024 commencement ceremony. She began by extending her heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, acknowledging their resilience in overcoming unprecedented challenges.