Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom of California, along with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has enacted a new legislative package aimed at supporting women, children, and families in the state. This move comes as some national Republican leaders have been accused of hindering policies that support these groups.

UC warns of fraud in retirement savings plans managed by Fidelity

The University of California Office of the President's Retirement Program Services division has alerted recipients of the UC Retirement Savings Plans to recent fraudulent activities affecting accounts maintained by Fidelity. According to a statement from the division, "Fidelity’s cybersecurity team has identified the issue, closed the vulnerability, and taken immediate steps to protect all potentially affected accounts. Outreach to the 120 affected participants has begun."

Teen driver safety week highlights parental role in preventing risky behavior

National Teen Driver Safety Week, observed from October 20 to 26, aims to address the significant issue of car crashes being a leading cause of death for teenagers aged 15 to 18 in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2022, there were 2,514 fatalities involving teen drivers. In California alone, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes despite representing only 5% of licensed drivers nationwide.

Santa Barbara County hosts public forum on TRUTH Act

Residents of Santa Barbara County are invited to participate in a community forum on California's TRUTH Act and the access local governments can provide to federal immigration authorities. The event is scheduled for December 10, 2024, during the Board of Supervisors meeting at the Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building in Santa Maria. The board meeting will start at 9 a.m., with the TRUTH Act Forum expected to begin after 2 p.m. Participation is available both virtually and in person.

California expands Medi-Cal coverage to include traditional healing practices

California is set to expand access to culturally-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, marking a significant development in the state's healthcare system. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that for the first time, Medi-Cal will cover traditional health care practices deeply rooted in cultural traditions. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes, particularly for individuals with SUDs.

Santa Barbara County announces TRUTH Act Forum on December 10

Santa Barbara County will hold a forum to discuss the TRUTH Act, focusing on the access provided to federal immigration authorities. This community forum is scheduled during the Board of Supervisors meeting on December 10, 2024, at the Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building in Santa Maria. The session is expected to begin after 2:00 p.m., with virtual and in-person participation options available.

California universities charging more in 2022-23 school year

College tuition fees rose 1.4% in California in the 2022-23 school year, according to the latest disclosure from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Shirley N. Weber encourages Californians to use early voting options

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., is urging Californians to take advantage of early voting options for the upcoming General Election. In a statement, she highlighted the convenience of early voting, stating: “California voters are no longer limited to a single day of voting. Why wait in line on Election Day when you have early voting options?”

Salton Sea restoration expands with new funding

The state of California has commenced an expansion of the restoration project at the Salton Sea, aiming to improve conditions for wildlife and nearby communities. This initiative follows a recent allocation of $175 million in federal funding, part of a larger $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act. The project is further supported by over $500 million in state funds.

California's task force recovers millions in stolen goods

In a recent announcement, Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the ongoing efforts of California's Organized Retail Crime Task Force, led by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), in combating organized retail theft across the state. The task force has made significant strides this year with 621 investigations resulting in 1,123 arrests and the recovery of 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million.

Federal grant supports San Gabriel Mountains conservation efforts

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $3.5 million federal grant aimed at enhancing access and water quality in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The funding will be directed towards cleanup efforts, including trash removal projects, new walking trails, and additional restrooms along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River.

California increases battery storage by over 3 GW amid record heat

California's battery storage capacity has seen significant growth, increasing by 3,012 megawatts (MW) over the past six months to reach a total of 13,391 MW. This represents a 30% increase since April 2024 and highlights the state's progress in enhancing its clean energy infrastructure during an exceptionally hot summer.

California Attorney General warns against unlawful job mobility restraints

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert regarding unlawful restraints on employee mobility, such as no-poach agreements, non-compete agreements, and Training Reimbursement Agreement Provisions (TRAPS). These types of agreements can limit job mobility, suppress wages, and hinder career advancement in violation of California law.

Court blocks Meta's bid to dismiss child mental health lawsuit

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, with support from a bipartisan group of 33 attorneys general, has succeeded in preventing Meta's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the company of contributing to a mental health crisis among children. The lawsuit, initiated in October 2023 and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims that Meta misled the public about features on Instagram and Facebook that allegedly harm children by fostering addiction.

Lower property tax revenue in California during Q2

The second quarter brought in $890 million in property tax revenue for California, a 6.2% decrease from the first quarter, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

California introduces law to curb gas price hikes

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