Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several appointments in the state of California.

Fidencio Guzman, from Imperial, has been appointed Warden at Centinela State Prison. Guzman has served as Acting Warden since 2023 and held various roles within the prison system since 1999. His past positions include Chief Deputy Warden, Correctional Administrator, and Sergeant. Guzman also served in the California Army National Guard from 2002 to 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation and comes with a compensation of $193,524. Guzman is a Republican.

Edward Borla, from Paso Robles, has been appointed Warden at the Correctional Training Facility. Borla has been Acting Warden since 2023 and previously worked as Correctional Administrator at Salinas Valley State Prison and Captain at the Correctional Training Facility. His career in corrections began in 1997 with multiple roles at California Men’s Colony. This position does not require Senate confirmation and offers a compensation of $193,524. Borla is a Republican.

Allison Ganter, from Davis, has been named In-Custody Death Review Director at the Board of State and Community Corrections. Ganter has been Deputy Director since 2014 and previously served as Field Representative and Compliance Monitor for over a decade. Her background includes work with the New York Commission of Correction and the New York State Assembly. She holds both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University at Albany, State University of New York. This position requires Senate confirmation with a compensation of $186,876. Ganter is a Democrat.

Jennifer Branning, from Susanville, joins the Board of State and Community Corrections after serving as Chief Probation Officer of Lassen County since 2013. Branning was President of the Chief Probation Officers of California in 2023 and is active with Lassen Crime Stoppers. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. This appointment requires Senate confirmation but carries no compensation. Branning is registered without party preference.

Karen Lai, from Berkeley, has also been appointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Lai is currently a Physician at Traditions Behavioral Health and has held fellowships at prestigious institutions including UCLA and UCSF. She holds degrees in Medicine from Duke University, Public Health from UCLA, Biomechanical Engineering (both Master's and Bachelor's) from Stanford University. Lai's appointment requires Senate confirmation but does not offer compensation. She is a Democrat.

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