Gavin Newsom

California Groups Urge Newsom to Stop Glyphosate Use After Study Retraction

By Josiah OlguinAugust 8, 2026

A coalition of Northern California residents, advocates, and professors has formally urged Governor Gavin Newsom to implement an immediate moratorium on glyphosate spraying in state and private forests. This demand follows the November 2025 retraction of a 2000 scientific study, which had previously deemed the herbicide safe, after revelations that a Monsanto employee ghostwrote the research. Citing escalating health and environmental risks, the coalition highlights increased glyphosate use for wildfire suppression following Newsom’s March 2025 emergency declaration, alongside conflicting safety assessments from the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency.

International Coalition Urges Newsom to Commute California’s Death Sentences before Leaving Office

By David M. GreenwaldAugust 3, 2026

A coalition comprising 46 international human rights and abolitionist organizations has formally urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to commute all death sentences within the state during the final months of his administration. The organizations contend such an action would eliminate the threat of execution for over 550 individuals and transmit a significant global message advocating for the cessation of capital punishment.

Newsom Accuses Feds of Weaponizing Immigration Enforcement for Political Ends

By Hannah KennedyJuly 30, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom maintained Wednesday that recently disclosed federal court documents, encompassing sworn deposition testimony and internal communications from Homeland Security personnel, corroborate his long-standing assertion that a 2025 immigration enforcement operation conducted outside one of his political rallies was politically motivated.

Monday Morning Commentary | State Enforcement, Local Planning Signal California’s Housing Landscape Has Changed

By David M. GreenwaldJuly 20, 2026

The State of California has escalated its enforcement of housing statutes, filing lawsuits against five cities—Calexico, Costa Mesa, Half Moon Bay, Ridgecrest, and Turlock—for non-compliance with Housing Element mandates. This enforcement, alongside local planning adjustments such as Dixon’s environmental review for over 7,100 housing units, indicates a fundamental transformation in the state’s approach to its housing deficit.

Newsom Administration Sues Five Cities for Ongoing Housing Law Violations

By David M. GreenwaldJuly 17, 2026

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom initiated legal action against five California municipalities—Calexico, Costa Mesa, Half Moon Bay, Ridgecrest, and Turlock—for alleged non-compliance with the state’s Housing Element Law, escalating efforts to enforce housing planning requirements amid California’s persistent housing crisis.

Newsom Signs AB 179 to Streamline Affordable Housing Development, Expand Homelessness Funding

By David M. GreenwaldJuly 14, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 179, enacting sweeping changes to California’s affordable housing finance system that state officials contend will reduce construction costs, accelerate housing production, and extend funding for homelessness programs, while also establishing a new California Housing and Homelessness Agency to consolidate housing initiatives and enhance inter-agency coordination.

Newsom Signs Sweeping Education Legislation at Davis’ Willett Elementary

By David M. GreenwaldJuly 10, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom signed California’s 2026 education budget, which constitutes a landmark investment in public education. The legislation prioritizes students with disabilities, evidenced by a $2.4 billion increase in special education funding, alongside provisions for community schools, educator recruitment and retention, and structural reforms designed to strengthen the state’s educational system.

Is ‘Taxing the Rich’ Possible in California? Many Scholars Think So

By Frida Diaz-EsquivelJuly 10, 2026

California voters are poised to consider a November ballot measure proposing a one-time 5% tax on residents with a net worth exceeding $1 billion. Proponents assert the levy, projected to generate $100 billion over five years, would fund state healthcare, education, and food support programs. The measure seeks to mitigate anticipated funding shortfalls attributed to recent federal legislative changes.

Newsom’s Final Budget Leaves Gaps in Health, Food Aid Amid Federal Cuts

By Farhana IslamJuly 10, 2026

End Child Poverty California (ECPCA) reported that the final 2026-27 California state budget, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, includes significant new revenue measures to protect low-income families. The organization, however, warned the spending plan still leaves major gaps in health care and food assistance for Californians affected by federal cuts.

Protest Held and Assembly Bill in Process in Reaction to Newsom’s Return to Office Order

By Lily KenrowJuly 7, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order mandating a four-day in-person work week for state employees took effect on July 1. The directive, which increased the previous two-day requirement, elicited significant opposition from SEIU Local 1000, a prominent state workers’ union. Concurrently, Assembly Bill 1729 was introduced, seeking to establish greater flexibility for state personnel regarding workplace attendance.

Governor Newsom Signs Bipartisan Bill Expanding Judicial Discretion in Mental Health Diversion Cases

By Vanguard AdministratorJune 30, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 46, legislation intended to clarify California’s mental health diversion statute. The measure expands judicial authority, allowing judges to consider public safety when determining a defendant’s eligibility for diversion. This action aims to restore broader judicial discretion, preserving access to treatment for appropriate candidates while safeguarding communities.

Newsom Proclaims Pride Month Amid Federal Challenges to LGBTQ Progress

By Vanguard AdministratorJune 29, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting LGBTQ rights and acknowledging the community’s historical contributions to civil rights and social justice movements. The proclamation, issued amid renewed national challenges, emphasized California’s support for the LGBTQ community and its legacy of resistance against discrimination.

California Lawmakers Propose $11.25 Billion Bond to Confront Housing Crisis

By David M. GreenwaldJune 23, 2026

California lawmakers and Governor Gavin Newsom announced an agreement to place an $11.25 billion affordable housing and homeownership bond before voters in November 2026. The proposed Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 aims to address the state’s persistent housing affordability crisis by funding construction, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing, alongside expanding homeownership opportunities and supporting veterans’ housing programs.

Newsom Condemns DOJ Probe as Baseless, Links Trump Pardons to Systemic Fraud

By Hannah KennedyJune 20, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the U.S. Department of Justice for commencing an investigation into his administration, which he described as “baseless.” The Governor’s remarks coincided with the announcement of new entries to a state-run database detailing individuals with criminal convictions, fraud histories, or connections to the January 6 Capitol attack who received clemency or other favorable dispositions from President Donald Trump.