Golden State Today

The state of California is investing $206 million in new funding to enhance clean bus and rail transportation in disadvantaged communities. This initiative aims to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of pollution on these areas, bringing the total funding for such projects to over $1 billion.

In environmental news, salmon are now swimming freely along the Klamath River and its tributaries for the first time in more than a century. The final dam was deconstructed earlier this month, ahead of schedule and within budget. This achievement marks a significant victory for the Klamath Basin tribes, as well as the states of California and Oregon, alongside various environmental and fishing groups.

Governor Newsom’s Advisory Council has partnered with the Million Coaches Challenge to train 25,000 youth coaches across California by 2025. The program focuses on teaching coaches youth-centered strategies that emphasize belonging and empathy to keep young people engaged in sports.

California's new hemp regulations are now being enforced by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Officials have started visiting licensed locations statewide to ensure compliance with these regulations, which aim to remove illegal hemp products from shelves. A court recently denied an attempt by the hemp industry to temporarily block these regulations.

In other developments, Megan Thee Stallion is using her platform to support California youth by highlighting available suicide prevention resources.

A study from Harvard Kennedy School examined California’s $20 minimum wage law. It found substantial wage increases for workers without negative effects on staffing or scheduling and no reduction in fringe benefits.

California State Universities have welcomed 65,000 new students this year, marking a second consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment. Additionally, California maintains the lowest maternal mortality rate per capita among U.S. states at 4.0 per 100,000 births.

The Department of Housing and Community Development announced the opening of 310 new affordable homes: 138 on Treasure Island as part of its Master Plan project; 72 in Fairfield under the No Place Like Home program; and 100 in Ventura al Sur designated for low-income seniors.