Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several appointments to key positions within California's fire and legal sectors. Vickie Sakamoto of Sacramento has been appointed as Assistant State Fire Marshal at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Sakamoto has a long history with CAL FIRE, having served in various roles since 1989. Her new position does not require Senate confirmation, and she will receive compensation of $200,004.

Donald Butz from Carlsbad has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Butz is currently the Fire Chief at the Lakeside Fire Protection District and holds various other roles in fire safety organizations. His appointment does not require Senate confirmation and carries no compensation.

Zoraida Diaz of Hercules will also join the State Board of Fire Services. Diaz is currently serving as the Fire Chief for the City of Fremont. She brings experience from her previous roles in Oakland's fire department. Like Butz, her position does not require Senate confirmation or offer compensation.

Janet Ruiz from Oceanside has been appointed to the same board. Ruiz is known for her work as Director of Strategic Communication at the Insurance Information Institute. Her appointment follows a career in communications within insurance companies, and it similarly requires no Senate confirmation or compensation.

Yvette Roland from Los Angeles has been reappointed to the State Bar Court of California, where she has served since 2014. Roland's extensive legal background includes partnerships at law firms and clerkships with federal judges. Her role also does not need Senate confirmation but offers a salary of $222,772.