Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the allocation of more than $28.5 million in grants to 76 local government agencies as part of the California Department of Justice's Proposition 56 Tobacco Grant Program for the fiscal year 2024-2025. These grants aim to curb illegal tobacco sales to underage youth by supporting various enforcement and educational activities.

Falcon returns to hospital with unknown cause of emaciation

Nox, a young peregrine falcon from UC Berkeley, was returned to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, October 22.

California signs MOU to boost flood protection in Sacramento River Basin

State and federal agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance flood protection and wildlife habitat in the Sacramento River Basin. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the agreement, which aims to improve collaboration on projects that benefit both flood management and environmental conservation.

California boosts enforcement against sideshows; over 2,000 stolen vehicles recovered

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers have intensified their operations in Oakland, targeting sideshows and criminal activities as part of an enforcement initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom. This weekend's efforts resulted in 22 arrests and the seizure of 36 vehicles. The initiative has been ongoing since February 2024, during which time authorities have made 1,125 arrests, recovered 2,213 stolen vehicles, and confiscated 110 illegal firearms.

Californians reminded of same day voter registration option for upcoming election

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., has issued a reminder to Californians who missed the October 21 voter registration deadline for the upcoming November 5, 2024, General Election. Despite missing this traditional deadline, these individuals can still register and vote using "Same Day" voter registration at their county elections office or any voting center in their county.

UC Berkeley's youngest falcon rescued again after release

Three days after being released into the wild following surgery and rehabilitation for a broken wing, Nox, UC Berkeley’s youngest falcon, was rescued again on Monday.

California task force seizes $70M in illegal cannabis since July

Since January 2024, California has confiscated illegal cannabis valued at over $191 million, with $70.7 million seized in the past three months. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) is making significant strides in its efforts to curb illegal cannabis activities across the state.

Walmart settles $7.5M case over hazardous waste disposal violations

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a settlement with Walmart concerning allegations of illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste. The settlement, which involves the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and district attorneys from multiple counties, requires Walmart to pay $7.5 million in penalties and costs.

Coalition files amicus brief challenging Idaho’s near-total abortion ban

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 23 other attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit's en banc court. The coalition is supporting the Biden administration's challenge to Idaho's restrictive abortion laws. The brief, submitted in the case United States of America v. Idaho, argues that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandates hospitals to provide necessary abortion care during medical emergencies.

Attorneys general urge Supreme Court to uphold ACA's preventive care mandate

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general in a legal effort to protect access to preventive healthcare for Americans. The group filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court, supporting the Biden Administration's defense of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate. This mandate requires private insurers to cover certain preventive services at no cost to consumers.

Attorney General Bonta supports HUD’s discriminatory effects rule at appellate level

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced his participation in an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, supporting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Discriminatory Effects Rule. This rule, under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), addresses housing practices that appear neutral but are discriminatory, causing a "disparate impact" on certain groups.

California launches ambitious statewide service program with 10K participants

California is set to deploy 10,000 service members in the upcoming service year, providing paid positions and educational financial support for young Californians eager to contribute to their communities. Governor Gavin Newsom announced this initiative for the California Service Corps, expecting over five million service hours in 2025.

Migrant student's journey from Yuba City to UC Berkeley

October 21, 2024 Yesenia Ochoa, a first-year student at UC Berkeley, shared her journey as a migrant student with UC Berkeley News.

Attorney General Bonta announces major bust on illegal cannabis operations

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside local and federal law enforcement agencies, announced the successful eradication of 774,829 illegally cultivated cannabis plants and the seizure of 106,141 pounds of processed cannabis. This operation resulted in 282 arrests across 36 counties in California as part of the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) program. The estimated value of these seizures is approximately $353 million.

Voter registration deadline looms as California prepares for November general election