Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments to various positions in California's state departments and boards.

Emel Wadhwani from Sacramento has been appointed Chief Counsel at the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery. Her career includes roles such as Assistant Chief Counsel at the State Water Resources Control Board since 2018 and Acting Deputy Secretary for Law Enforcement and General Counsel at the California Environmental Protection Agency in 2024. Wadhwani is an alumna of Harvard Law School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Yale University. The position does not require Senate confirmation, and she will receive compensation of $208,440. Wadhwani is affiliated with the Democratic Party.

David Sadwick from Los Angeles has been named Chief Counsel at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Previously, he was Deputy Chief Counsel for the same department since 2024 and held several other positions including Managing Partner at Tatro Tekosky Sadwick LLP from 2003 to 2021. Sadwick graduated from Stanford Law School and the University of California, San Diego. His new role also does not require Senate confirmation, with a compensation package of $211,452. He is a Democrat.

Tonya Fairley from Pasadena will continue her service on the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology where she has served since 2021. Fairley owns multiple businesses including Strandz Hair Studio and is part of organizations such as the John Maxwell Team. Her reappointment requires Senate confirmation with a compensation rate of $100 per diem. She is a Democrat.

Yolanda Jimenez from Sacramento has also been reappointed to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology where she has served since 2022. Jimenez teaches for the Twin Rivers Unified School District and holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership from California State University institutions in San Jose and Sacramento. Her reappointment necessitates Senate confirmation with compensation set at $100 per diem. Jimenez is affiliated with the Democratic Party.

Joe Yum from Contra Costa County joins the Private Investigator Disciplinary Review Committee as an appointee. Yum brings experience as President of Clarity Investigative Services since 2021 and previously worked as a Special Agent for the FBI until that year. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Louisiana State University. His appointment does not need Senate confirmation, with a compensation rate set at $100 per diem; Yum is registered without party preference.

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