Golden State Today

The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) issued 5,199 home loans totaling $3.1 billion in California during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

California Secretary of State encourages voter registration before upcoming general election

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., is encouraging eligible residents to register to vote before the October 21, 2024 deadline for the November 5, 2024 General Election. Eligible voters can register online at registertovote.ca.gov.

Fire safety measures emphasized for UC Berkeley's Homecoming weekend amid red flag warning

As of October 19, fire conditions in Berkeley have been downgraded from Extreme Fire Weather to a Red Flag Warning.

California advances marine conservation and affordable housing initiatives

California has marked the federal designation of the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary, a significant step in recognizing Native American cultural heritage and enabling tribal co-stewardship of its lands and waters.

Attorneys general file amicus brief supporting mifepristone access in North Carolina

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the case Bryant v. Stein. The brief aims to protect access to mifepristone in North Carolina. Filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the attorneys general are urging the court to uphold a District Court decision that prevents North Carolina from imposing restrictions on mifepristone that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed unnecessary for patient safety.

Berkeley Talks explores implications of Project 2025 with Bradley Onishi

In a recent episode of Berkeley Talks, Bradley Onishi, a scholar of religion and former evangelical minister, shared insights on Project 2025, Christian nationalism, and the upcoming November elections. The discussion was part of the 2024 Berkeley Lecture on Religious Tolerance held on October 1.

UC Berkeley welcomes Rich Lyons as new chancellor amid calls for unity

The inauguration of Rich Lyons as the new Chancellor of UC Berkeley took place on Friday afternoon at Zellerbach Hall.

California begins reporting early voting statistics ahead of November general election

The California Secretary of State's office has begun reporting ballot return statistics for the upcoming November 5, 2024, General Election. According to the latest data, over 1.5 million vote-by-mail ballots have already been returned by voters across the state.

California AG warns telecom firm over illegal robocalls

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a coalition of 51 bipartisan attorneys general, has issued a warning to iDentidad Advertising Development LLC, also known as iDentidad Telecom. The company is accused of transmitting illegal robocall traffic that includes impersonations of government officials and misuse of hotlines such as one used by the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

California maintains strong job growth as economic expansion continues

California's economy continues to demonstrate robust growth, adding 14,700 new jobs in September. The state has averaged 16,500 new jobs per month this year, maintaining an annualized growth rate of 1.1%, which surpasses last year's average monthly job increase of 12,900 and a growth rate of 0.9%. The unemployment rate remained steady at 5.3%, with gains reported across seven economic sectors.

California promotes early warning system on Great ShakeOut Day

At 10:17 a.m. today, Californians will engage in an earthquake safety drill to practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," or "Lock, Cover, and Hold On" for those using wheelchairs or assistive devices. This exercise is part of the international Great ShakeOut drill, which underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and highlights California's Earthquake Early Warning system.

California emphasizes seismic readiness with national first early warning system

Californians across the state are participating in an earthquake safety drill today, emphasizing the importance of early warning systems. The event coincides with the Great ShakeOut, an international drill that highlights preparedness measures for seismic activity. California's early warning system, a pioneering initiative in the United States, aims to provide residents with critical seconds to take protective actions before feeling tremors.

Attorney General Bonta emphasizes cybersecurity awareness with practical tips

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has highlighted the importance of online safety during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As part of this annual October event, Bonta offered guidance for both consumers and businesses to bolster their defenses against cyber threats.

Southern California dentist faces charges for alleged $900k Medi-Cal fraud

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced criminal charges against Husam Aldairi, a dentist from Southern California, and five of his employees. They are accused of defrauding the state's Medi-Cal program of nearly $900,000 through a fraudulent billing scheme.

California unveils new laws targeting organized retail crime

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a new law enforcement bulletin detailing 10 new California Organized Retail Crime (ORC) bills. These bills, signed into law by the Governor on August 16, 2024, aim to combat organized retail crime in the state. The laws will be effective from January 1, 2025, with the exception of AB 1972, which took effect immediately.

California principals receive national recognition for outstanding leadership

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has extended his congratulations to two California school principals who have been honored with the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership for 2024. Principal Paulette Smith of Madison Elementary School in the San Leandro Unified School District and Principal Belinda Averill of South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District were named as recipients by United States Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona. They are among nine school leaders nationwide selected from the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Affordable housing community opens on former state land in South Lake Tahoe

A new affordable housing project in South Lake Tahoe, named Sugar Pine Village, has opened its doors to residents. This development is part of Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative to transform underutilized state land into housing. The project aims to provide 248 homes for families and workers in the region, with 68 units now available.

California receives $285.7 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans during Q3