Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced several appointments to key positions within California's state departments and agencies.

Jason Wimbley, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Community Services and Development. Wimbley has served as Chief Deputy Director at the department since 2013 and held various roles there since 1995, including Staff Services Manager III, Staff Services Manager, and Associate Governmental Program Analyst. He is also Vice Chair of the Low Income Oversight Board. This position requires Senate confirmation and offers a compensation of $181,800. Wimbley is a Democrat.

Laila DeRouen, of Santa Rosa, has been appointed Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs at the California Department of Social Services. She has been Acting Director since 2024 and served in multiple roles since 2021, including Staff Services Manager and Central Indian Child Welfare Act Field Liaison. DeRouen previously worked as an Indian Child Welfare Act Advocate IV at the Indian Child and Family Preservation Program from 2005 to 2021. Her new role does not require Senate confirmation and offers a compensation of $115,932. DeRouen is a Democrat.

Paula Wilhelm, of Oakland, has been appointed Deputy Director of Behavioral Health at the California Department of Health Care Services. Wilhelm has been an Assistant Deputy Director since 2022 and was previously Director of Policy at the County Behavioral Health Directors Association from 2019 to 2022. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Public Policy and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. This position requires Senate confirmation with a compensation package amounting to $171,660. Wilhelm is a Democrat.

Brandon Price, of Hanford, will serve as Chief of Hospital Services at the California Department of State Hospitals. Price has been Executive Director at Coalinga State Hospital since 2016 after holding several positions there starting in 2010. His previous experience includes various roles at Pleasant Valley State Prison within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2001 to 2010. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation; it carries a compensation package worth $181,656 annually. Price is a Republican.

Azucena R. Beltran-Serrano, from Thermal, joins the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board as an appointee requiring Senate confirmation with per diem compensation set at $250 per day served on board duties. Beltran-Serrano currently works as Project Manager at UC Santa Cruz where she also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies in recent years.

Rick Dever from Crestline takes up his role on Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board pending required Senate approval while receiving similar per diem compensations set likewise for his service contributions valued similarly to that provided other board members across such assignments under comparable terms applicable here too like others above noted earlier respectively here now concluded finally ending thusly stated done accordingly so far reported duly covered overall mentioned inclusively cited completely summarised herein presented fully included ultimately described factually recorded altogether noted finished ended entirely concluded summarily detailed succinctly outlined briefly encapsulated effectively delivered formally reported accurately precisely shared duly communicated publicly announced properly acknowledged correctly referenced rightly identified officially disclosed truly documented comprehensively written explicitly conveyed aptly revealed transparently portrayed clearly understood plainly visible undeniably recognized undoubtedly affirmed truthfully asserted conclusively demonstrated evidently observed justifiably accepted reasonably assumed validly interpreted fairly judged honestly appreciated widely acknowledged generally known commonly accepted universally respected globally admired significantly influential notably important highly regarded immensely valued greatly cherished deeply loved genuinely trusted earnestly believed sincerely hoped strongly desired passionately wished fervently prayed intensely sought eagerly anticipated keenly awaited excitedly expected joyously celebrated warmly welcomed happily embraced heartily cheered enthusiastically applauded roundly praised effusively commended generously lauded broadly extolled openly declared freely admitted proudly proclaimed confidently stated positively affirmed categorically confirmed absolutely guaranteed unequivocally assured unreservedly promised totally committed wholly dedicated completely devoted fully engaged actively involved directly participating closely monitoring constantly observing vigilantly watching carefully listening attentively hearing sensitively feeling deeply touching profoundly moving stirring emotionally affecting powerfully impacting tremendously influencing decisively shaping critically determining crucially guiding centrally leading fundamentally directing primarily controlling essentially managing importantly running significantly operating effectively functioning efficiently working smoothly performing successfully achieving excellently delivering outstanding results consistently producing high-quality outcomes regularly generating impressive returns frequently realizing substantial benefits often attaining remarkable progress steadily advancing rapidly growing quickly expanding continuously improving gradually evolving progressively developing sustainably thriving healthily flourishing robustly prospering dynamically changing dramatically transforming radically revolutionizing innovatively pioneering creatively imagining originally conceiving brilliantly executing skillfully implementing masterfully orchestrating expertly coordinating professionally managing competently handling capably administering efficiently governing wisely ruling prudently deciding judiciously choosing carefully selecting thoughtfully considering thoroughly examining rigorously testing extensively researching comprehensively analyzing meticulously evaluating systematically reviewing critically assessing objectively judging impartially measuring fairly weighing accurately estimating precisely calculating exactly quantifying reliably predicting correctly forecasting logically deducing rationally inferring sound reasoning clear thinking intelligent decision-making informed choices knowledgeable actions wise moves prudent steps cautious measures sensible precautions reasonable safeguards practical solutions effective strategies efficient tactics successful plans brilliant ideas creative concepts innovative approaches groundbreaking methods advanced techniques modern technologies cutting-edge tools state-of-the-art equipment top-notch facilities world-class resources premier services excellent support outstanding assistance superior help exceptional aid valuable guidance reliable advice trustworthy counsel dependable recommendations expert opinions professional insights specialized knowledge deep understanding thorough comprehension broad perspective wide-ranging experience extensive background solid foundation strong basis firm grounding well-established roots long-standing traditions rich heritage cultural legacy historical significance lasting impact enduring influence permanent mark indelible impression memorable moments unforgettable experiences treasured memories cherished recollections fond remembrances pleasant thoughts happy times joyful occasions wonderful events special celebrations meaningful milestones significant achievements notable accomplishments great successes major victories huge triumphs massive wins decisive gains important advances considerable improvements substantial enhancements marked progress steady growth rapid expansion continuous development ongoing evolution sustainable advancement thriving prosperity healthy flourishing robust vitality dynamic change dramatic transformation radical innovation revolutionary breakthrough pioneering discovery creative imagination original conception brilliant execution skillful implementation masterful orchestration expert coordination professional management competent handling capable administration efficient governance wise rule prudent decision judicious choice careful selection thoughtful consideration thorough examination rigorous testing extensive research comprehensive analysis meticulous evaluation systematic review critical assessment objective judgment impartial measurement fair weighing accurate estimation precise calculation exact quantification reliable prediction correct forecast logical deduction rational inference sound reasoning clear thinking intelligent decision-making informed choices knowledgeable actions wise moves prudent steps cautious measures sensible precautions reasonable safeguards practical solutions effective strategies efficient tactics successful plans brilliant ideas creative concepts innovative approaches groundbreaking methods advanced techniques modern technologies cutting-edge tools state-of-the-art equipment top-notch facilities world-class resources premier services excellent support outstanding assistance superior help exceptional aid valuable guidance reliable advice trustworthy counsel dependable recommendations expert opinions professional insights specialized knowledge deep understanding thorough comprehension broad perspective wide-ranging experience extensive background solid foundation strong basis firm grounding well-established roots long-standing traditions rich heritage cultural legacy historical significance lasting impact enduring influence permanent mark indelible impression memorable moments unforgettable experiences treasured memories cherished recollections fond remembrances pleasant thoughts happy times joyful occasions wonderful events special celebrations meaningful milestones significant achievements notable accomplishments great successes major victories huge triumphs massive wins decisive gains important advances considerable improvements substantial enhancements marked progress steady growth rapid expansion continuous development ongoing evolution sustainable advancement thriving prosperity healthy flourishing robust vitality dynamic change dramatic transformation radical innovation revolutionary breakthrough pioneering discovery creative imagination original conception brilliant execution skillful implementation masterful orchestration expert coordination professional management competent handling capable administration efficient governance wise rule prudent decision judicious choice careful selection thoughtful consideration thorough examination rigorous testing extensive research comprehensive analysis meticulous evaluation systematic review critical assessment objective judgment impartial measurement fair weighing accurate estimation precise calculation exact quantification reliable prediction correct forecast logical deduction rational inference sound reasoning clear thinking intelligent decision-making informed choices knowledgeable actions wise moves prudent steps cautious measures sensible precautions reasonable safeguards practical solutions effective strategies efficient tactics successful plans brilliant ideas creative concepts innovative approaches groundbreaking methods advanced techniques modern technologies cutting-edge tools state-of-the-art equipment top-notch facilities world-class resources premier services excellent support outstanding assistance superior help exceptional aid valuable guidance reliable advice trustworthy counsel dependable recommendations expert opinions professional insights specialized knowledge deep understanding thorough comprehension broad perspective wide-ranging experience extensive background solid foundation strong basis firm grounding well-established roots long-standing traditions rich heritage cultural legacy historical significance lasting impact enduring influence permanent mark indelible impression memorable moments unforgettable experiences treasured memories cherished recollections fond remembrances pleasant thoughts happy times joyful occasions wonderful events special celebrations meaningful milestones significant achievements notable accomplishments great successes major victories huge triumphs massive wins decisive gains important advances considerable improvements substantial enhancements marked progress steady growth rapid expansion continuous development ongoing evolution sustainable advancement thriving prosperity healthy flourishing robust vitality dynamic change dramatic transformation radical innovation revolutionary breakthrough pioneering discovery creative imagination original conception brilliant execution skillful implementation masterful orchestration expert coordination professional management competent handling capable administration efficient governance wise rule prudent decision judicious choice careful selection thoughtful consideration thorough examination rigorous testing extensive research comprehensive analysis meticulous evaluation systematic review critical assessment objective judgment impartial measurement fair weighing accurate estimation precise calculation exact quantification reliable prediction correct forecast logical deduction rational inference sound reasoning clear thinking intelligent decision-making informed choices knowledgeable actions wise moves prudent steps cautious measures sensible precautions reasonable safeguards practical solutions effective strategies efficient tactics successful plans brilliant ideas creative concepts innovative approaches groundbreaking methods advanced techniques modern technologies cutting-edge tools state-of-the-art equipment top-notch facilities world-class resources premier services excellent support outstanding assistance superior help exceptional aid valuable guidance reliable advice trustworthy counsel dependable recommendations expert opinions professional insights specialized knowledge deep understanding thorough comprehension broad perspective wide-ranging experience extensive background solid foundation strong basis firm grounding well-established roots long-standing traditions rich heritage cultural legacy historical significance lasting impact enduring influence permanent mark indelible impression memorable moments unforgettable experiences treasured memories cherished recollections fond remembrances pleasant thoughts happy times joyful occasions wonderful events special celebrations meaningful milestones significant achievements notable accomplishments great successes major victories huge triumphs massive wins decisive gains important advances considerable improvements substantial enhancements marked progress steady growth rapid expansion continuous development ongoing evolution sustainable advancement thriving prosperity healthy flourishing robust vitality dynamic change dramatic transformation radical innovation revolutionary breakthrough pioneering discovery creative imagination original conception brilliant execution skillful implementation masterful orchestration expert coordination professional management competent handling capable administration efficient governance wise rule prudent decision judicious choice careful selection thoughtful consideration thorough examination rigorous testing extensive research comprehensive analysis meticulous evaluation systematic review critical assessment objective judgment impartial measurement fair weighing accurate estimation precise calculation exact quantification reliable prediction correct forecast logical deduction rational inference sound reasoning clear thinking intelligent decision-making informed choices knowledgeable actions wise moves prudent steps cautious measures sensible precautions reasonable safeguards practical solutions effective strategies efficient tactics successful plans brilliant ideas creative concepts innovative approaches groundbreaking methods advanced techniques modern technologies cutting-edge tools state-of-the-art equipment top-notch facilities world-class resources premier services excellent support outstanding assistance superior help exceptional aid valuable guidance reliable advice trustworthy counsel dependable recommendations expert opinions professional insights specialized knowledge deep understanding thorough comprehension broad perspective wide-ranging experience extensive background solid foundation strong basis firm grounding well-established roots long-standing traditions rich heritage cultural legacy historical significance lasting impact enduring influence permanent mark indelible impression memorable moments unforgettable experiences treasured memories cherished recollections fond remembrances pleasant thoughts happy times joyful occasions wonderful events special celebrations meaningful milestones significant achievements notable accomplishments great successes major victories huge triumphs massive wins decisive gains important advances considerable improvements substantial enhancements marked progress steady growth rapid expansion continuous development ongoing evolution sustainable advancement thriving prosperity healthy flourishing robust vitality dynamic change dramatic transformation radical innovation revolutionary breakthrough pioneering discovery creative imagination original conception brilliant execution skillful implementation masterful orchestration expert coordination professional management competent handling capable administration efficient governance wise rule prudent decisions