Golden State Today

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has initiated the construction of a new behavioral health facility in Turlock, California. The Hope Forward Campus aims to provide essential mental health and substance use disorder treatment for children and youth in the Central Valley. This project is part of Governor Newsom’s broader initiative to enhance mental health support across the state.

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at reducing electric costs for Californians. This move seeks to encourage relief on electric bills, building on the California Climate Credit provided by the state's Cap-and-Trade program. In 2024, Californians received average credits of $146 in April and $71 in October on their electric bills.

California announced progress towards its clean energy and sustainability objectives this week. The Biden-Harris Administration is allocating over $1 billion to help California's ports transition to zero-emission operations, creating jobs in the process. Additionally, California has entered into a pioneering partnership with major airlines to promote sustainable aviation fuel, targeting 200 million gallons by 2035 to meet approximately 40% of in-state travel demand. Moreover, five new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses have been introduced in San Joaquin.

Efforts to increase affordable housing continue under the Newsom Administration. The Department of Housing Development (HCD) facilitated the opening of 90 units of affordable permanent supportive housing in Napa and a 17-unit project designed for single parents pursuing post-secondary education. Furthermore, the Department of Social Services (DSS) awarded $5.2 million to The Phoenix Project for adding 101 affordable housing units in east Oakland. Huntington Beach's attempt to challenge state housing law was unsuccessful.

In other news, Governor Newsom visited wastewater treatment facilities along both sides of the border addressing rehabilitation efforts related to the sewage crisis in the Tijuana River.

A recent analysis by Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) indicates a decrease in property crime rates over several years; now they are significantly lower than they were decades ago. Similarly, violent crime rates have also decreased compared with previous years.

By numbers:

- $179.5 million fines assessed by the Department of Managed Health Care.

- 14 Demonstration State Forests managed by CAL FIRE.

- 1,000 new service positions created in Central Valley.

- 153 million pounds of pumpkins produced by California growers in 2023.