Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new piece of legislation aimed at preventing gas price spikes in California. The measure, known as ABX2-1, was authored by Assemblymembers Gregg Hart and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry along with Senator Nancy Skinner. It grants the state authority to require oil refiners to maintain a minimum inventory of fuel, which is intended to prevent supply shortages that can lead to increased gasoline prices for consumers.

World Humanities Report warns about risks threatening human knowledge

The World Humanities Report, directed by Sara Guyer of UC Berkeley, has been released after a six-year global effort. The report highlights the importance of humanities in addressing challenges such as climate change, authoritarianism, and economic collapse. It includes 10 recommendations for protecting the humanities from extinction.

Attorney General Bonta files amicus brief on protecting California's waterways

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have submitted an amicus brief to the California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District. This action supports environmental plaintiffs in the case Bring Back the Kern v. City of Bakersfield. The legal matter centers on a preliminary injunction granted last year that requires Bakersfield to stop completely drying up the Kern River, in accordance with California Fish and Game Code section 5937.

Governor Newsom proclaims October 14 as 'Indigenous Peoples' Day

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation designating October 14, 2024, as "Indigenous Peoples' Day" in California. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the state has observed this day.

Newsom appoints four to key state positions

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments to various positions within California's government. Joe Shea, from Los Angeles, will serve as Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Shea has held multiple roles in Governor Newsom's office since 2019, including Deputy Cabinet Secretary and Special Assistant to the Governor. He also worked on Newsom's transition team and campaign. Shea holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan and is affiliated with the Democratic Party. His new...

California enacts law to curb oil price hikes

California has enacted a new law, ABX2-1, aimed at stabilizing the state's oil market and protecting consumers from abrupt gas price hikes. The legislation was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and co-sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta. It was authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), and Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley).

VA Purchase Loans in California average $616,650 for Q3

By Golden State Today | Oct 13, 2024

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for California in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $616,650, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

California: Biologics companies were the second most FDA inspected companies in California in Q3

By Golden State Today | Oct 12, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted 18 inspections at 18 Biologics companies from California in the third quarter of 2024.

California invests $206 million in clean transportation for disadvantaged communities

By Golden State Today | Oct 12, 2024

The state of California is investing $206 million in new funding to enhance clean bus and rail transportation in disadvantaged communities. This initiative aims to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of pollution on these areas, bringing the total funding for such projects to over $1 billion.

FDA conducted lowest number of inspections on Drugs companies in California during Q3

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted seven inspections at seven Drugs companies from California in the third quarter of 2024.

Bakersfield operation leads to over 1,600 arrests since April

The ongoing collaboration between the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local law enforcement in Bakersfield has led to significant results, with over 1,600 arrests since April. This initiative is part of Governor Gavin Newsom's strategy to enhance public safety in the Central Valley. The operation has resulted in 1,623 arrests, the recovery of 677 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 47 firearms linked to criminal activities.

California Senate backs plan against gasoline price hikes

The California Senate has approved Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal aimed at preventing gasoline price spikes. This development follows the Assembly's approval of the measure last week.

Court upholds California's ban on THC-containing hemp product sales

A court has upheld California's emergency regulations that prohibit the sale of THC-containing hemp products, a move aimed at protecting public health, particularly that of children. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the decision, emphasizing that the regulations are necessary to safeguard Californians from potentially harmful intoxicating hemp products.

California Attorney General issues consumer alerts on allowable rent hike limits

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two consumer alerts to inform residents about legal limits on rent increases. The first alert, titled "Know Your Rights as a California Tenant," details the maximum annual rent increase allowed under state law, specifically the Tenant Protection Act (TPA). According to the TPA, landlords are restricted from raising rent by more than 10% total or 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living—whichever is lower—over a year. The second alert outlines local rent control or stabilization laws across California, noting that if...

VA home loan amount averages $594,565 in California for Q3

The average VA home loan amount in California during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024 was $594,565, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Pacific Research Institute director: Current 340B program 'ultimately detracts from the stated mission of the program'

Sally Pipes, the director of the Pacific Research Institute (PRI) in California, said the current system of the 340B drug program, meant to decrease prices for patients, is not sufficiently monitored and, as a result, is not benefitting patients as intended.

California sees student progress with focus on equity gaps

The California Department of Education (CDE) has published the 2023-24 statewide assessment results, indicating progress among K-12 students. The data shows improvements in closing equity gaps for socioeconomically disadvantaged, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino students.

California launches new dashboards to track wildfire prevention progress

California has introduced new dashboards designed to track the state's efforts in wildfire prevention. These tools aim to provide a comprehensive view of fuels management work, which is crucial for protecting communities from wildfires and improving forest health.

Governor Newsom announces new appointments across various state departments

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several new appointments across various state departments and committees. Kristen Erickson-Donadee, from Folsom, has been appointed as the Director of the California Department of Child Support Services. She has been with the department since 2009, holding roles such as Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel. Erickson-Donadee's appointment requires Senate confirmation, and she will receive a compensation of $226,334.

Newsom pays tribute to Ethel Kennedy's legacy in civil rights