Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the success of 'Operation Holiday Watch,' a statewide enforcement initiative conducted by the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies. This operation, aimed at combating organized retail crime during the holiday season, led to 117 arrests, recovery of over $38,000 in stolen goods, seizure of two illegal firearms, and retrieval of three stolen vehicles.

The California Energy Commission reported a decrease in gasoline prices, with the average price per gallon dropping 20 cents compared to last year and 70 cents compared to 2022. This reduction is attributed partly to new transparency rules implemented by the Newsom Administration for the oil industry.

In an effort to address cross-border pollution from the Tijuana River, Governor Newsom secured an additional $250 million in federal funding. This investment will enable full repair and expansion of the South Bay sewage treatment plant, reducing untreated sewage flows into California's coastal waters.

The California Department of Social Services announced progress on two housing projects funded by the Community Care Expansion (CCE) program. In Downey, rehabilitation has begun on a facility that will house 120 people as an Adult Residential Facility.

To enhance cybersecurity resilience, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is distributing more than $22 million in grants. These funds aim to protect local governments, school districts, special districts, and federally recognized tribes from cyber threats.