The Office of the Governor of the State of California
10/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/12/2024 09:21
The California Weekly
Oct 12, 2024
The California Weekly
Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed.
News you may have missed
1. BOOSTING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The state is awarding $206 million in NEW funding to expand clean bus and rail transportation in disadvantaged communities, which face disproportionate impacts from pollution - bringing the total funding of these projects to more than $1 billion!
2. SALMON SWIM FREELY
For the first time in more than a century, salmon are swimming freely along the Klamath River and its tributaries. The final dam was successfully deconstructed earlier this month ahead of schedule and on budget. This project, years in the making, represents a major victory for the Klamath Basin tribes, the States of California and Oregon, and numerous environmental and fishing groups.
3. READY! SET! COACH!
Governor Newsom's Advisory Council and Million Coaches Challenge are joining forces to train 25,000 youth coaches in California by 2025. Coaches will learn a range of youth-centered strategies, including fostering a sense of belonging and coaching with empathy to keep youth engaged in sports and help them develop the skills needed to thrive.
4. MORE ACCOUNTABILITY TO PROTECT KIDS
With California's new hemp regulations now in effect, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control began enforcement efforts this week. The Department began visiting licensed locations across the state to confirm establishments comply with new state regulations and illegal hemp products are off shelves. And on Friday, a court denied the hemp industry's attempts to temporarily block these regulations.
Video of the week
Megan Thee Stallion lends her voice to support California youth, bringing attention to suicide prevention resources available to them.
Photo of the week
A meaty haul by California Highway Patrol.
Here's what we're reading
A Harvard Kennedy School study on California's $20 minimum wage law found that workers experienced substantial wage increases, no evidence that wage increases had unintended consequences on staffing, scheduling, or wage theft; and no evidence that wage increases were accompanied by a reduction in fringe benefits.
By the numbers
- CSUs welcomed 65,000 new students as they began their higher education journey (the second consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment).
- California has the lowest maternal mortality per capita by state at 4.0 per 100,000 - far lower than other large population states like Texas (34.5) and Florida (22.3) - though work continues to improve outcomes for all mothers.
- The Department of Housing and Community Development announced the opening of 310 new affordable homes: 138 on Treasure Island as part of the Treasure Island Master Plan project; 72 in Fairfield as part of the No Place Like Home program; and 100 in Ventura al Sur for low-income seniors.
Recent news
Court shuts down industry attempt to block enforcement of California's hemp regulations
Oct 11, 2024
News What you need to know: A court has rejected a legal maneuver to stop enforcement of California's emergency regulations banning THC-containing hemp products that harm the public, especially children. The ban remains in effect after the court affirmed that the...
State law enforcement operation in Bakersfield leads to more than 1,600 arrests since April
Oct 11, 2024
News Includes arrest of a suspect with an arsenal of illegal firearms What you need to know: The ongoing enforcement collaboration between the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement in Bakersfield continues to produce results. The collaborative effort has...
Senate approves Governor Newsom's special session proposal to stop gas price spikes
Oct 11, 2024
News What you need to know: The Senate passed Governor Newsom's proposal to prevent gasoline price spikes in the special session called by the Governor, following the Assembly's passage last week. SACRAMENTO - Today, the California Senate advanced Governor Gavin...