States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces Settlement With Two Generic Drug Companies, Joins Lawsuit Against a Third
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 3 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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South Dakota Attorney General Jackley Announces Settlement With Two Generic Drug Companies, Joins Lawsuit Against a Third
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and a coalition of 48 states and territories announce settlements with Lannett Company, Inc. ("Lannett") and Bausch Health US, LLC and Bausch Health Americas, Inc. ("Bausch"), totaling $17.85 million to resolve allegations that both companies engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 3 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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South Dakota Attorney General Jackley Announces Settlement With Two Generic Drug Companies, Joins Lawsuit Against a Third
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and a coalition of 48 states and territories announce settlements with Lannett Company, Inc. ("Lannett") and Bausch Health US, LLC and Bausch Health Americas, Inc. ("Bausch"), totaling $17.85 million to resolve allegations that both companies engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificiallyinflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs.
Attorney General Jackley also is part of another group of Attorneys General representing 42 states and territories who have filed a new lawsuit against Novartis and its generic subsidiary Sandoz alleging a systemic campaign to conspire with other generic manufacturers to fix prices, allocate markets and rig bids for 31 different generic drugs.
"This is part of the effort by Attorneys General nationwide to hold these companies accountable when they artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade with regard to numerous generic prescription drugs," said Attorney General Jackley. "Consumers should not be forced to pay higher prices for the illegal actions of these companies."
South Dakotans who purchased a generic prescription drug manufactured by either Lannett or Bausch between May 2009 and December 2019, may be eligible for compensation. To determine eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email info@AGGenericDrugs.com or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.
Other states and territories settling Monday with Lannett and Bausch include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.
South Dakota is joined in filing the new complaint against Novartis and Sandoz with the Attorneys General of Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Viginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3002
N.H. Governor Unveils Commemorative License Plate for America's 250th Birthday
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Governor Unveils Commemorative License Plate for America's 250th Birthday
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte unveiled the design for a commemorative license plate ahead of the 250th birthday of the United States of America on July 4, 2026.
Announcing the new plate, Governor Ayotte said, "As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, I'm excited to unveil New Hampshire's commemorative license plate. From the Pine Tree Riot to the First in the Nation Primary, our state has
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Governor Unveils Commemorative License Plate for America's 250th Birthday
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte unveiled the design for a commemorative license plate ahead of the 250th birthday of the United States of America on July 4, 2026.
Announcing the new plate, Governor Ayotte said, "As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, I'm excited to unveil New Hampshire's commemorative license plate. From the Pine Tree Riot to the First in the Nation Primary, our state hasplayed a pivotal role in shaping our nation's history. I hope Granite Staters will join me in celebrating this historic milestone for our nation by purchasing a plate."
The design puts a patriotic spin on New Hampshire's classic license plate, which features the Old Man of the Mountain. The commemorative plate will be a cover plate, which would replace the front license plate on a vehicle. Buyers will be able to display the plate on their vehicle for a year after purchase.
Plates can be ordered on the Division of Motor Vehicles website and will be shipped directly to customers. Proceeds from the plate sales will support historic and natural resource preservation in New Hampshire.
"The New Hampshire DMV is honored to offer these commemorative plates that celebrate this major milestone in American history," said Division of Motor Vehicles Director John C. Marasco. "We've taken steps to make the ordering process simple and easy for Granite Staters. Commemorative plates can be conveniently purchased at dmv.nh.gov, and they will be shipped directly to buyers."
Last year, Governor Ayotte signed HB 260, which authorized the design, sale, and distribution of the plate.
"This commemorative plate is a proud display of the history and spirit of New Hampshire," said State Rep. Stephen Pearson of Derry, who sponsored the bill. "I was glad to sponsor the legislation that enabled this exciting moment for our state, and I hope people will join in the celebration of our country's 250th birthday by buying a plate."
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-unveils-commemorative-license-plate-americas-250th-birthday
Ga. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones Reaffirms Commitment to Parents and Students
ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 3 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Burt Jones Reaffirms Commitment to Parents and Students
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced a priority for the 2026 Legislative Session - reaffirming his commitment to empowering parents, expanding educational opportunity, and ensuring every Georgia child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. The legislation, Senate Bill 446, directs the Dept. of Revenue to maintain Georgia's permanent participation in the federal tax credit program
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 3 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Burt Jones Reaffirms Commitment to Parents and Students
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced a priority for the 2026 Legislative Session - reaffirming his commitment to empowering parents, expanding educational opportunity, and ensuring every Georgia child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. The legislation, Senate Bill 446, directs the Dept. of Revenue to maintain Georgia's permanent participation in the federal tax credit programfor scholarship granting organizations, which Governor Brian Kemp opted the state into via executive action earlier this month.
"Every Georgia parent deserves the freedom to choose the educational environment that best meets their child's unique needs," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "As Lieutenant Governor, I have fought to put parents back in the driver's seat of their children's education -- and we delivered. I was honored to join President Trump during School Choice Week in D.C. as he works to expand educational opportunities and empower parents. School choice is about opportunity, accountability, and putting students and their unique needs first. When parents are empowered, schools improve, and children succeed. Georgia is leading the way -- and we're just getting started."
Under Lt. Governor Jones' leadership, Georgia achieved the most significant school choice victory in state history with the passage of SB 233, creating the Georgia Promise Scholarship in 2024. The program expanded education options for families across the state and opened new doors for students who need alternatives to traditional classrooms.
Senate Bill 446 is sponsored by Senator Clint Dixon (R - Gwinnett). This legislation codifies action taken by Governor Brian Kemp on January 20, 2026, to opt Georgia into a new federal tax credit for donations to school choice programs as outlined in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Under Senate Bill 446, the Dept. of Revenue would be required to perpetually keep Georgia in the program.
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Original text here: https://ltgov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-02-02/lt-governor-burt-jones-reaffirms-commitment-parents-and-students
Delivering Results at the Border: Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Record $506 Million in Illicit Fentanyl Seized Since Launching Counterdrug Operations
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Delivering results at the border: Governor Newsom announces record $506 million in illicit fentanyl seized since launching counterdrug operations
SAN DIEGO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a record-breaking public safety milestone stemming from a strategy he launched in 2021: more than $506 million worth of illicit fentanyl seized through California's expanded border drug-interdiction operations.
Beginning in 2021, Governor Newsom directed the California National
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SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Delivering results at the border: Governor Newsom announces record $506 million in illicit fentanyl seized since launching counterdrug operations
SAN DIEGO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a record-breaking public safety milestone stemming from a strategy he launched in 2021: more than $506 million worth of illicit fentanyl seized through California's expanded border drug-interdiction operations.
Beginning in 2021, Governor Newsom directed the California NationalGuard to support drug trafficking, search-and-seizure operations, and intelligence-driven enforcement at ports of entry. Backed by a $30 million state investment, that approach is delivering historic results: CalGuard servicemembers assigned to the state's Counter Drug Task Force have supported the seizure of 34,357 pounds of fentanyl, including more than 50 million lethal pills, before the drugs could reach California neighborhoods. The seized fentanyl carries an estimated street value of $506 million.
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Fentanyl is killing Californians every day -- and we are meeting this crisis with action, not rhetoric. In 2021, we launched a focused effort to stop traffickers at the border and along our transportation corridors. The results are clear: lives saved, communities protected, and criminal networks disrupted.
Governor Gavin Newsom
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These results are powered by a $30 million state investment, proposed by Governor Newsom and enacted in the state budget, to expand the Guard's drug interdiction efforts and strengthen coordination with High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs. Unlike recent chaotic federal crackdowns and politically motivated military deployments, California's approach is focused, lawful, and effective.
"The integration of dedicated state funding alongside our federal resources is a force multiplier, allowing us to surge personnel to critical ports of entry and deepen our support for our law enforcement partners," said Major General Beevers, Adjutant General of the California Military Department. This sustained investment ensures the California National Guard remains at the forefront of disrupting criminal organizations and protecting our communities from illicit narcotics."
CalGuard servicemembers are doing exactly what they are trained to do -- supporting criminal investigations and using air and ground assets to stop transnational criminal organizations at ports of entry. These Guard members are embedded in cross-government task forces, working side by side with partners to disrupt fentanyl trafficking networks that prey on communities across the nation.
Trump stopped this critical work
These successful drug interdiction efforts were disrupted when President Trump illegally removed California Guard members from this mission and the Joint Task Force Rattlesnake wildfire mission, pulling them away from drug interdiction and wildfire prevention. After the Guard was returned to state control, Governor Newsom moved quickly to restore these operations and get service members back to protecting Californians.
California stops criminal activity - at the border and in our communities
Beyond the border, the California Highway Patrol is stopping criminals inside the state, ensuring dangerous drugs and weapons never make it to neighborhood streets. Through ongoing, targeted deployments of CHP crime suppression teams, officers are saturating high-crime areas, holding repeat offenders accountable, and taking weapons and narcotics off the streets. These collaborative regional crime suppression teams have made 11,700 arrests, recovered more than 6,200 stolen vehicles and seized nearly 500 illicit firearms, since regional efforts began in 2024.
"Drug trafficking and illegal firearms threaten the safety of every California community, but these results show the power of proactive enforcement and strong partnerships," said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "By working alongside our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we are disrupting criminal networks, seizing record amounts of guns and drugs, and preventing violence and overdoses before lives are lost."
In partnership with local leaders, CHP teams are currently operating across San Diego, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, the Central Valley, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area. In the San Diego region alone, since 2025, CHP has conducted 83 operations, leading to 404 arrests, the recovery of 29 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 104 pounds of illegal drugs.
Saving lives
Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through ports of entry. Producing illicit fentanyl is not an exact science, but an estimated two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person's body size, tolerance and past usage. About 225,000 deadly doses are in just one pound of fentanyl.
Fentanyl is being mixed into illicit drugs for potency, sold as powders, nasal sprays, or pressed into lethal counterfeit pills. Drug dealers are also mixing fentanyl with other drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, due to its potency and low cost, significantly increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.
As part of Governor Newsom's Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, over-the-counter CalRx(R)-branded naloxone is now available across the state. Through the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP), CalRx(R)-branded over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, is available for free to eligible organizations through the state or for sale for $24 per twin-pack through Amneal.
CalRx's lower-priced naloxone led to a 22% drop in overall generic naloxone prices in one quarter. California has saved over $40.9 million in under two years with CalRx naloxone, reinvesting the savings to fight the opioid crisis. Through the Naloxone Distribution Project, California provides free naloxone to communities, first responders, and local agencies statewide, resulting in over 400,000 overdose reversals so far.
The state also launched opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment, as well as information on how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug-traffickers accountable in this crisis.
New data shows violent crime is down
Through more than $2.1 billion in investments to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety since 2019, the results are obvious - crime is down.
According to new data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, crime is down nearly across the board in California year-over-year. There's been an 18% drop in homicides, an 18% drop in robberies, and a 9% drop in aggravated assaults. Overall violent crime was down in each jurisdiction reporting data, with the overall largest declines in violent crimes being reported by law enforcement officials in Oakland (25%) and San Francisco (21%). Not every major city is seeing California's same results: violent crime increased in Atlanta (+19%) and Omaha (+4%), and homicides rose in El Paso (+26%) and Arlington (+20%).
How we got here
Last year, the Governor increased the number of CalGuard service members deployed to interdict drugs at U.S. ports of entry along the border by approximately 50%. CalGuard's coordinated drug interdiction efforts in the state are funded in part by California's $30 million investment to expand CalGuard's work to prevent drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations.
In 2023, as part of California's Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/02/delivering-results-at-the-border-governor-newsom-announces-record-506-million-in-illicit-fentanyl-seized-since-launching-counterdrug-operations/
Calif. Gov. Newsom: California Closes in on Completing the World's Largest Wildlife Crossing
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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California closes in on completing the world's largest wildlife crossing
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing has received funding that will provide the final push needed to complete the project. The crossing is the first of its kind in California and provides safe passage for wildlife across US 101, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and supporting long-term species viability by allowing movement.
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The Annenberg Wildlife
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SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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California closes in on completing the world's largest wildlife crossing
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing has received funding that will provide the final push needed to complete the project. The crossing is the first of its kind in California and provides safe passage for wildlife across US 101, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and supporting long-term species viability by allowing movement.
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The Annenberg WildlifeCrossing is an ambitious project, one that bridges the gap between conservation and urban development. The crossing will make life safer for both Los Angeles wildlife and drivers frequenting US 101 - and will ensure people and animals can thrive together for generations to come.
Governor Gavin Newsom
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The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $18.8 million for the crossing from the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, which was established in 1989 to support projects that mitigate environmental impacts associated with modifying new or existing transportation facilities. Alongside this funding, the CTC approved nearly $1 billion to expand transit capabilities, add new highway safety features, and boost the state's climate goals. Bolstered by Governor Gavin Newsom's Build More, Faster - For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer and more climate resilient.
The project is a public-private partnership of monumental scope, leveraging the expertise and leadership of dozens of organizations and institutions to protect and restore wildlife habitats in Southern California. After more than 30 years of conservation work in the area, this wildlife crossing will reconnect protected lands in the Santa Monica Mountains and the Sierra Madre Range on both sides of the highway. This expansion of interconnected conserved lands and waters will protect and restore biodiversity while also supporting transportation infrastructure. The bridge will feature coastal sage scrub plant species native to the Santa Monica Mountains, contributing to the overall environmental restoration strategy that includes 12 acres of open space and 50,000 native plants.
On Earth Day 2022, Governor Newsom joined the late Wallis Annenberg for the project's groundbreaking. Annenberg was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2025, shortly after her passing. The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.
California's conservation leadership in action
The Golden State is leading the nation in protecting its natural resources. Through California's 30x30 initiative, a commitment to conserve 30% of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030, California added over 1 million acres of conserved land and waters in a single year. That's larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
Under Governor Newsom's leadership in just the last year, California helped establish two new national monuments, launched a major project restoring shallow water habitats at the Salton Sea, and received international recognition for protecting marine habitats. California is also ensuring that all residents can access the state's natural wonders with programs like State Parks' discount pass programs and our Youth Community Access Program.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/02/california-closes-in-on-completing-the-worlds-largest-wildlife-crossing/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Judicial Appointments
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments
Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of ten Superior Court Judges: two in Alameda County, one in Fresno County, one in Lake County, one in Los Angeles County, one in Orange County, two in San Francisco County, one in San Mateo County, and one in Shasta County.
Alameda Superior Court
Novella Coleman, of Santa Clara County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Coleman has
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SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments
Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of ten Superior Court Judges: two in Alameda County, one in Fresno County, one in Lake County, one in Los Angeles County, one in Orange County, two in San Francisco County, one in San Mateo County, and one in Shasta County.
Alameda Superior Court
Novella Coleman, of Santa Clara County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Coleman hasworked as an Assistant Chief Counsel at the California Civil Rights Department since 2023. She was the Litigation Director at the Bay Area Legal Aid from 2020 to 2023. Coleman worked as a Staff Attorney at PolicyLink in 2019 and at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California from 2013 to 2019. She worked as a Civil Rights Fellow at Equal Justice Society from 2012 to 2013. Coleman received a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jo-Lynne Q. Lee. Coleman is a Democrat.
Kathleen Vermazen Radez, of Alameda County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Radez has served as a Deputy City Attorney at the San Francisco City Attorney's Office since 2024. She served as a Supervising Chambers Attorney at the California Supreme Court from 2018 to 2024. Radez worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco from 2022 to 2024. She served several roles at the California Department of Justice including as a Deputy Attorney General from 2016 to 2018 and an Associate Deputy Solicitor General from 2014 to 2016. Radez served as a Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 2013 to 2014. She also served as a Law Clerk at the California Supreme Court from 2012 to 2013. Radez worked as an Associate at Morrison & Foerster from 2011 to 2012. Radez received a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Julia A. Spain. Radez is a Democrat.
Fresno Superior Court
David Chiappetta, of Fresno County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Fresno County Superior Court. Chiappetta has worked as a Partner at Perkins Coie since 2013 and from 2007 to 2009. He worked as Special Counsel at Corrs Chambers Westgarth from 2009 to 2013. Chiappetta held several positions at McCutchen Doyle Brown Enersen including Partner from 2003 to 2007, Counsel from 2001 to 2003, and Associate from 1999 to 2001. He worked as an Associate at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek from 1994 to 1999. Chiappetta received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Arlan L. Harrell to the Court of Appeal. Chiappetta is a Democrat.
Lake Superior Court
John Langan, of Lake County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Lake County Superior Court. Langan has served as a Commissioner at the Lake County Superior Court since 2019. He served in several roles at the Lake County District Attorney's Office including as the Senior Deputy District Attorney from 2004 to 2019 and as a Deputy District Attorney from 2001 to 2004. Langan served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Sonoma County Public Defender's Office from 1999 to 2001. Langan received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Andrew S. Blum. Langan is a Democrat.
Los Angeles Superior Court
Alma D. Puente, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Puente has been the owner of the Law Office of Alma D. Puente since 2010. She worked as Senior Attorney at the Law Office of Enrique Arevalo from 2006 to 2010. Puente worked as an Associate at Kaplan, Klein & Rogen from 2005 to 2006. She served as a Supervisory Adjudications Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2004 to 2005. Puente received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John J. Kralik. Puente is a Democrat.
Orange Superior Court
Allison Chan, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Chan has served as the Senior Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender's Office since 2025, where she also served as a Deputy Public Defender from 2013 to 2024. Chan received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Erick L. Larsh. Chan is a Democrat.
San Francisco Superior Court
Christopher Hu, of San Francisco County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Hu has served as a Deputy Solicitor General at the California Department of Justice since 2023. He worked as an Associate at several firms, including Horvitz & Levy from 2019 to 2023, Moskovitz Appellate Team from 2018 to 2019, and at Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld from 2015 to 2018. He served as a Law Clerk at the California Supreme Court from 2014 to 2015 and at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2013 to 2014. Hu received his Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Andrew Y.S. Cheng. Hu is a Democrat.
Dane Reinstedt, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Reinstedt has served as an Assistant District Attorney at the San Francisco District Attorney's Office since 2015. He worked as an Associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan from 2010 to 2014. Reinstedt received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Garrett L. Wong. Reinstedt is a Democrat.
San Mateo Superior Court
Jennifer M. Frost, of San Mateo County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Mateo County Superior Court. Frost has served as a Commissioner at the San Mateo County Superior Court since 2024. She served as a Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office from 2020 to 2024. Frost served as an Assistant District Attorney at the San Francisco District Attorney's Office from 2018 to 2020 and from 2009 to 2016. She worked as an Associate at Hanson, Crawford, Crum Family Law Group from 2016 to 2018. Frost served as a Deputy District Attorney at the San Diego District Attorney's Office in 2009. Frost received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Virgil R. Swope. Frost is a Democrat.
Shasta Superior Court
Ryan Birss, of Siskiyou County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge at the Shasta County Superior Court. Birss has been the Owner of Ryan H. Birss, Attorney at Law since 2018. He worked as an Associate from 2014 to 2018 at Eric Alan Berg and Associates. Birss received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California School of Law, San Francisco. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Monique D. McKee. Birss is a Democrat.
The compensation for each of these positions is $244,727.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/02/governor-newsom-announces-judicial-appointments-2-2-2026/
Calif. Civil Rights Dept.: Large Employers, It's Time to Report Your Annual Pay Data
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- The California Department of Civil Rights issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Large Employers, It's Time to Report Your Annual Pay Data
Deadline to file with the state is May 13, 2026
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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today announced opening the pay data reporting portal for data from 2025. Under California law, private employers of 100 or more employees or workers hired through labor contractors are required to report pay, demographic, and other workforce data to the state each year. The deadline for employers to file with
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SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 3 -- The California Department of Civil Rights issued the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Large Employers, It's Time to Report Your Annual Pay Data
Deadline to file with the state is May 13, 2026
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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today announced opening the pay data reporting portal for data from 2025. Under California law, private employers of 100 or more employees or workers hired through labor contractors are required to report pay, demographic, and other workforce data to the state each year. The deadline for employers to file withCRD is May 13, 2026.
"California continues to lead the fight against pay inequity," said CRD Director Kevin Kish. "While our state's gender wage gap is one of the lowest in the nation, there's still more work to do to protect all our communities against unlawful pay discrimination. Large employers have an important role to play by submitting their data to us on time and conducting their own assessments to ensure compliance with the law."
Annual Reporting
California collects pay data to encourage employers to conduct self-assessments of pay disparities, promote voluntary compliance with equal pay and anti-discrimination laws, and support state efforts to efficiently identify wage patterns and effectively enforce civil rights laws in the workplace. While California's gender wage gap is one of the lowest in the nation, billions of dollars are lost to gender and racial pay gaps in California each year.
The state's pay data shows that women and communities of color remain among the state's lowest paid workers. For instance, according to pay data for 2023, even though there were fewer women (47%) in the workforce data, they made up a larger share of workers (54%) in the lowest pay range earning $32,239 or less. In addition, roughly 1 in 25 Latino workers, and 1 in 10 Black and Native American workers were in the top-earning positions.
Fighting for Fair Pay
CRD continues to tackle pay and other related forms of discrimination across the state, including through ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the state's pay data reporting program. Last year, CRD released statewide data on gender and racial pay disparities for 2023. The department also reached a settlement with Whole Foods over allegations that a worker's pregnancy accommodations were unlawfully ignored. In 2024, the department secured a $15 million settlement with Snapchat to resolve a more than three-year investigation over claims of employment discrimination, equal pay violations, and sexual harassment and retaliation. In 2023, CRD obtained a nearly $100,000 settlement against Cambrian Homecare to resolve repeated alleged failures to report pay data to the state and ensure compliance with California's pay data reporting laws.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of discrimination, CRD may be able to assist you through its complaint process. The department also provides general information and factsheets online about civil rights protections for members of the public, including with respect to employment discrimination.
You can go to the department's website to read more about pay data reporting results (https://pdr.calcivilrights.ca.gov/s/pay-data-results) from 2020 through 2023. CRD's website also has general information on California's pay data reporting process. CRD is also hosting a webinar on pay data reporting requirements on Wednesday, February 11 at 11 AM PT.
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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California's civil rights laws. CRD's mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.
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Original text here: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/2026/02/02/large-employers-its-time-to-report-your-annual-pay-data/
