States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Nominates Lucy C. Lange to Lead the BEA
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Lucy C. Lange to Lead the BEA
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Lucy C. Lange to lead the Department of Business and Economic Affairs as its next Commissioner. Currently the President of Manchester Media Group, Lange brings 20 years of private sector and marketing experience.
Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Lange's nomination:
"We need a fresh outlook on how we market New Hampshire to businesses looking for a new place to
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Lucy C. Lange to Lead the BEA
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Lucy C. Lange to lead the Department of Business and Economic Affairs as its next Commissioner. Currently the President of Manchester Media Group, Lange brings 20 years of private sector and marketing experience.
Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Lange's nomination:
"We need a fresh outlook on how we market New Hampshire to businesses looking for a new place togrow, and that's what Lucy Lange brings to the table. Lucy's creativity and well-respected private sector experience are exactly what we need in our next BEA Commissioner."
Mayor Jay Ruais of Manchester added the following statement in support of Lange:
"Lucy Lange has been a tremendous asset to the Queen City's business community throughout her time at Manchester Media Group. She's creative, community-focused, and deeply committed to showcasing the people, places, and organizations that make Manchester so special. Lucy is an excellent choice to lead the BEA and market New Hampshire as the best state for economic opportunity."
Highlights on Lucy Lange:
* More than 20 years of experience in broadcasting and media management, marketing, and business development.
* Proven track record managing multi-million-dollar operations, improving financial performance, and leading major-market sales organizations.
* Active leader in industry and civic organizations with a strong focus on local service and community connection.
* * *
About Lucy Lange:
Lucy C. Lange is a media executive with more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. She has served as President and General Manager of Saga Communications of New England LLC, doing business as Manchester Media Group, since October 2020. In this role, she oversees a portfolio that includes WZID, WFEA, WMLL, and their affiliated HD stations, as well as five radio brands serving audiences across New Hampshire.
Under Lange's leadership, Manchester Media Group has focused on strengthening its connection to local communities and building long-term partnerships with listeners and advertisers. She manages multi-million-dollar operations and has led efforts to improve operational efficiency and financial performance. Her career in broadcasting began in 1996 and includes senior leadership roles at iHeartMedia, Comcast Spotlight, and Time Warner, Inc., where she oversaw major market sales operations.
Lange is actively involved in industry and community organizations, including serving as Treasurer of the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters and as a board member of Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter. She is also a member of the ReGen Valley Tech Hub Consortium and the American Legion Auxiliary and previously served on the board of the Vermont Association of Broadcasters. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., she moved to New Hampshire in 2008 and currently lives in Bedford with her daughter, Ella.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/ayotte-nominates-lucy-c-lange-lead-bea
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Nominates Exceptional Granite Staters for Key Positions
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Exceptional Granite Staters for Key Positions
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte announced several nominations for key positions across State Government, including her second nomination to the Supreme Court of New Hampshire. The following nominees will be submitted to the Executive Council this week:
Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. of Webster for Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission
Diana E. Fenton of Mont Vernon for Child Advocate
Lucy C. Lange of
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Exceptional Granite Staters for Key Positions
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte announced several nominations for key positions across State Government, including her second nomination to the Supreme Court of New Hampshire. The following nominees will be submitted to the Executive Council this week:
Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. of Webster for Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission
Diana E. Fenton of Mont Vernon for Child Advocate
Lucy C. Lange ofBedford for Commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs
Hon. Daniel E. Will of Loudon for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
Ayotte released the following statement after announcing the nominations:
"I'm proud to nominate these exceptionally qualified individuals to serve our state. From upholding the rule of law, to protecting consumers, to advocating for our most vulnerable, to marketing the Granite State as a beacon of economic opportunity, I am confident they will help deliver an even brighter future for all of New Hampshire."
More information on the Governor's nominees will be released today.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/ayotte-nominates-exceptional-granite-staters-key-positions
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Nominates Diana E. Fenton for Child Advocate
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Diana E. Fenton for Child Advocate
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Diana E. Fenton of Mont Vernon to serve as Director of the New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate. Fenton currently serves as Chief of the Governance Unit at the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Fenton's nomination:
"Throughout her career in public service, Diana Fenton has held herself to the highest professional
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Diana E. Fenton for Child Advocate
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Diana E. Fenton of Mont Vernon to serve as Director of the New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate. Fenton currently serves as Chief of the Governance Unit at the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Fenton's nomination:
"Throughout her career in public service, Diana Fenton has held herself to the highest professionalstandards. Having worked at the Department of Education and as an Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice, Diana knows that protecting children is critical to the future of our state. Diana will be a steadfast voice for our most vulnerable and is highly qualified to lead the Office of the Child Advocate."
Commissioner of Education Caitlin Davis added the following statement in support of Fenton:
"Diana Fenton has served at the New Hampshire Department of Education for more than a decade, focusing on the implementation of the educator code of conduct and on the review and investigation of educator misconduct - efforts that have strengthened high standards of professional conduct for education in New Hampshire. Throughout her career, she has engaged thoughtfully with families and listened to parents' concerns with compassion and professionalism. Her experience and background position her as a strong candidate to serve as New Hampshire's next Child Advocate."
Highlights on Diana Fenton:
* Accomplished prosecutor and attorney with professional management experience and focus on child safety.
* Leads the Department of Education's Governance Unit, where she created and implemented the Educator Code of Conduct, manages constituent concerns and educator misconduct investigations, and has focused on improving the Department's teacher vetting and credentialing process.
* Previously served as an Assistant Attorney General at the New Hampshire Department of Justice, focused on training for prosecutors and law enforcement on traffic safety, impaired driving, and homicide cases.
* * *
About Diana Fenton:
Diana E. Fenton is an experienced prosecutor and attorney who has spent her career in public service, including 18 years of service to the State of New Hampshire. Fenton currently serves as Chief of the Governance Unit at the Department of Education.
During her time at the Department of Education, Fenton has focused on child safety and improving the vetting and credentialing process for new teachers. Fenton led the effort to create the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics for New Hampshire Educators, which passed the Legislature in 2018. She also manages constituent concerns and oversees teacher misconduct investigations.
Prior to her time at the Department of Education, Fenton was an Assistant Attorney General at the New Hampshire Department of Justice. In that role, she focused on improving training for prosecutors and law enforcement handling traffic safety, impaired driving, and homicide cases. Fenton received her Bachelor's Degree from Dickinson College and her J.D. from the University of New Hampshire Law School.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/ayotte-nominates-diana-e-fenton-child-advocate
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Nominates Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. to Chair Public Utilities Commission
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. to Chair Public Utilities Commission
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. of Webster, to serve as the Chair of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. Ellms is currently Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy, a position in which he was unanimously confirmed to by the Executive Council.
Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Ellms' nomination:
"Electric
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Ayotte Nominates Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. to Chair Public Utilities Commission
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Christopher J. Ellms, Jr. of Webster, to serve as the Chair of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. Ellms is currently Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy, a position in which he was unanimously confirmed to by the Executive Council.
Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Ellms' nomination:
"Electricbills in New Hampshire are too high, and our Public Utilities Commission needs leadership that prioritizes lowering costs for families. I am proud to nominate Chris Ellms as our next PUC Chair to uphold that mission and protect ratepayers. I know he will serve New Hampshire with fairness and integrity."
State Rep. Michael Vose, Chairman of the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee, added the following statement in support of Ellms' nomination to the PUC:
"Chris Ellms is a steadfast advocate for commonsense, innovative energy solutions that lower costs for Granite Staters. He will be a champion for ratepayers, and I trust that he will put them at the forefront of every decision he makes. Chris has my full support to serve as our next PUC Chair."
Highlights on Chris Ellms:
* As Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Energy, Ellms executes the State's energy policy goals, with a focus on policy, regulatory affairs, and intergovernmental relations.
* Governor Ayotte is confident that Ellms is committed to protecting New Hampshire ratepayers and pursuing more responsible, reliable, and innovative energy solutions.
* Ellms is a respected leader with proven experience interfacing with industry stakeholders, members of the Legislature, and policy experts in the energy space.
* * *
About Chris Ellms:
Christopher J. "Chris" Ellms Jr., was appointed by former Governor Sununu in 2021 to serve as the Department of Energy's first deputy commissioner. Under Chris's leadership, the Department of Energy has taken a ratepayer-focused, all-of-the-above approach to energy policy that has contributed to New Hampshire's success.
A proven administrator and team-builder, Chris will bring effective leadership to the PUC to shepherd them into their next chapter. His sound judgment, ability to work across state government and with the legislature, and his fiscally-responsible philosophy will be an asset to the Commission and to New Hampshire's ratepayers.
Prior to his appointment to the Department of Energy, Chris served as Governor Sununu's Legislative Director. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Northeastern University.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/ayotte-nominates-christopher-j-ellms-jr-chair-public-utilities-commission
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Celebrates Inauguration of Kid Governor and Executive Council
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Governor Ayotte Celebrates Inauguration of Kid Governor and Executive Council
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte participated in the Inauguration of Kid Governor Liv Crete-Sayer of Boscawen Elementary School and the Kid Executive Council. The Governor also spoke to students about the Governor's role as chief executive of the State.
In addition to the new Kid Governor and Executive Council, Governor Ayotte was joined by the outgoing Kid Governor Jade Adams and members of
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
Governor Ayotte Celebrates Inauguration of Kid Governor and Executive Council
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte participated in the Inauguration of Kid Governor Liv Crete-Sayer of Boscawen Elementary School and the Kid Executive Council. The Governor also spoke to students about the Governor's role as chief executive of the State.
In addition to the new Kid Governor and Executive Council, Governor Ayotte was joined by the outgoing Kid Governor Jade Adams and members ofthe 2025 Kid Executive Council, Speaker Sherm Packard, Senate President Sharon Carson, Councilor Karen Liot Hill, Secretary of State David Scanlan, and New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald.
New Hampshire's Kid Governor is a national award-winning civics program led by NH Civics in partnership with the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and created by the Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC). Kid Governor Liv Crete-Sayer ran on a platform of increasing awareness and education on the dangers of smoking, vaping, and drug use.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-celebrates-inauguration-kid-governor-and-executive-council
In the Four Years Since Gov. Newsom's New Hospice Provider Ban Took Effect, California Has Revoked More Than 280 Licenses
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
* * *
In the four years since Governor Newsom's new hospice provider ban took effect, California has revoked more than 280 licenses
What you need to know: The Trump administration is trying to take credit for cracking down on hospice fraud - despite dismantling federal oversight efforts - while California has been preventing and fighting fraud for years, with a moratorium on hospice licensures and ongoing state investigations.
*
Under Governor Newsom's administration, California has cracked
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
* * *
In the four years since Governor Newsom's new hospice provider ban took effect, California has revoked more than 280 licenses
What you need to know: The Trump administration is trying to take credit for cracking down on hospice fraud - despite dismantling federal oversight efforts - while California has been preventing and fighting fraud for years, with a moratorium on hospice licensures and ongoing state investigations.
*
Under Governor Newsom's administration, California has crackeddown on hospice fraud, launched partnerships across state agencies, and the California Department of Justice has arrested criminals to hold them accountable.
While the state has been building stronger systems of accountability, the Trump administration has defunded and dismantled the federal government's ability to prevent and address fraud, with Axios reporting that a federal effort to crack down on hospice fraud "has been put on hold by the Trump administration, resetting efforts to root out fraud and abuse in an industry that receives more than $25 billion from Medicare annually." Despite Trump's tolerance for fraud, recent social media posts from the Trump administration, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) leadership, continue to attack state efforts, including California's.
* * *
"It's rich to see the Trump administration suddenly talking tough on hospice fraud after pulling back federal oversight just last year. California didn't wait -- we've identified and cracked down on hospice fraud for years, taking real action to protect patients and taxpayers."
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
"Our message is simple: hospice care must be rooted in compassion, not corruption. This is not a new fight for the California Department of Justice. For years, we have been at the forefront of identifying and addressing hospice fraud, and we do it well. That's why my office launched an initiative dedicated to educating the public and providing clear, accessible reporting resources for individuals and families who may have been affected by hospice fraud. This effort builds on our longstanding commitment to protecting patients and empowering families with the knowledge they need to recognize and report abuse. Hospice fraud preys on people at their most vulnerable in our communities. These practices don't just waste public dollars, they rob families of dignity, peace, and confidence at one of life's most critical moments."
- Attorney General Rob Bonta
* * *
While California maintains strong oversight of Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, Medicare is a federally administered program overseen by CMS. Reports referencing hospice fraud involving Medicare fall under federal jurisdiction, not California's Medi-Cal program or state oversight.
Holding fraudsters accountable
The investigations into hospice fraud add to California's protection of the state's Medi-Cal program. Since 2019, the state has announced hundreds of prosecutions through the California Department of Justice's Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA).
Since Attorney General Bonta has been in office, the California Department of Justice has investigated 101 criminal enterprises and 284 criminal defendants and filed 24 civil cases. To date, 109 individuals have been charged with hospice-related offenses.
California's enforcement actions
The Newsom administration has taken decisive, multi-pronged action to protect Medi-Cal members and taxpayer dollars from fraudulent hospice activity. When fraud is identified, the state acts decisively to protect members and taxpayer dollars. The state's response includes:
Proactive oversight: Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 664 (Chapter 494, Statutes of 2021) into law to ban all new hospice licenses due to concerns about fraud and abuse in this sector and extended this moratorium, halting growth in a sector vulnerable to abuse while strengthening oversight. This moratorium was extended through the Governor's signature of AB 177 (Chapter 999, Statutes of 2024) until January 1, 2027.
Hospice Fraud Task Force: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) facilitates a multi-department and multi-agency Hospice Fraud Task Force that includes representation from the California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS), Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), California Department of Social Services (DSS), and California Department of Justice's DMFEA. Some of the highlights from this joint effort include:
* Improved information sharing and cross reporting among the agencies to allow them to pursue actions within their specific roles, with CDPH pursuing license revocation, DHCS working collaboratively with the federal government to conduct fraud investigations, and California Department of Justice considering cases for potential prosecution.
* Coordinated enforcement among agencies to suspend Medi-Cal payments and revoke licenses to operate.
Revocations: CDPH has revoked the licenses of more than 280 hospices in the past two years. CDPH has identified approximately 300 additional hospices that are being evaluated for revocation.
New hospice regulations: CDPH is in the process of adopting emergency regulations that will lead to permanent regulations that increase CDPH's ongoing fraud and oversight protection efforts once the new hospice provider moratorium is lifted. These initiatives include:
* Establishing educational and experience requirements for key hospice leadership personnel.
* Establishing numerical limits for the personnel management on their involvement with hospice agencies.
* Reviewing the qualifications of potential licensees before they begin operating a hospice.
* Establishing standards for geographic service area and unmet need requirements of licensure.
* Establishing a nurse-to-patient ratio for hospices.
Robust Medi-Cal fraud detection systems: DHCS leverages sophisticated fraud detection systems to identify irregularities and trigger investigations, enabling rapid containment before improper payments are made.
Decisive steps once fraud is suspected: Once DHCS determines an allegation of fraud is credible, DHCS swiftly stops payments, works with DMFEA to support potential criminal prosecution, and with CDPH to revoke hospice provider licenses. DHCS also alerts Medi-Cal managed care plans to stop payments, terminate contracts, and block further referrals and billing.
Strengthening hospice claiming rules and oversight: DHCS has updated its hospice claims systems and managed care requirements to block any hospice payments unless a valid provider/enrollee authorization form is verified, ensuring members have elected hospice care and preventing unauthorized billing. DHCS is also strengthening utilization management for hospice care, including prior authorization requirements.
Holding criminals accountable: Once fraud is confirmed, DMFEA makes arrests, prosecutes fraudsters, and recovers funds for Californians and the federal government.
Reporting suspected fraud: California encourages anyone who suspects Medi-Cal fraud to report it immediately:
* Hotline: (800) 822-6222
* Email: fraud@dhcs.ca.gov
Online: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/StopMedi-CalFraud.aspx
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/27/in-the-four-years-since-governor-newsoms-new-hospice-provider-ban-took-effect-california-has-revoked-more-than-280-licenses/
California Tops $1.2 Billion in Illegal Cannabis Seizures, Up 18x Since 2022
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
California tops $1.2 billion in illegal cannabis seizures, up 18x since 2022
What you need to know: Since the launch of the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) in 2022, California has seized more than $1.2 billion in illegal cannabis.
*
Underscoring the value of the state's effort to protect public safety and reinforce a regulated cannabis marketplace, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced state officers have seized and destroyed more than $1.2 billion in
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 27, 2026:
* * *
California tops $1.2 billion in illegal cannabis seizures, up 18x since 2022
What you need to know: Since the launch of the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) in 2022, California has seized more than $1.2 billion in illegal cannabis.
*
Underscoring the value of the state's effort to protect public safety and reinforce a regulated cannabis marketplace, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced state officers have seized and destroyed more than $1.2 billion inillicit cannabis products through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF). The $609 million seized in 2025 represents an 18 fold increase since 2022.
Through UCETF, which Governor Newsom established in 2022 to coordinate whole-of-government efforts to take down illicit cannabis operations, California has seized and destroyed over 757,000 pounds of illicit cannabis, conducted more than 670 search warrant operations across 36 counties, eradicated over 1 million cannabis plants, made 75 arrests and seized more than $2.5 million in cash and 230 firearms.
* * *
California is making historic strides in dismantling the illicit cannabis market. This success is a testament to strong partnerships and our commitment to protect our environment, ensure public safety, and safeguard the legal cannabis industry from those who think the law doesn't apply to them.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
Co-chaired by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), UCETF enhances collaboration and enforcement coordination among state, local, and federal agencies.
2025 enforcement highlights
In 2025, law enforcement officials conducted 48 operations across 23 counties, executing more than 250 search warrants with more than 60 partner agencies. These efforts led to the seizure and destruction of 188 tons of illicit cannabis worth over $600 million.
* * *
Top five counties by seizure amount in 2025
County ... Cannabis destroyed ... Estimated value
Los Angeles ... 88,141 pounds ... $132 million
Alameda ... 81,377 pounds ... $134 million
Monterey ... 77,881 pounds ... $128.5 million
Kern ... 52,151 pounds ... $86 million
Tulare ... 32,218 pounds ... $53 million
* * *
Taking down illicit cannabis activities and associated crimes
In 2025, UCETF operations addressed a range of illicit cannabis activities, including those associated with outdoor and indoor cultivation, manufacturing facilities, retail storefronts, and unlicensed delivery services. During these operations, investigators frequently identified additional criminal and civil violations beyond illegal cannabis cultivation, such as the use of banned and hazardous pesticides, labor trafficking, wage theft, Fish and Game Code violations, water-related violations, and other regulatory infractions. These illicit activities undermine California's regulated cannabis market and pose serious risks to public health and the environment.
Two of the largest and most impactful enforcement efforts in 2025 took place in May and July. In May, officers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) coordinated and led a comprehensive UCETF operation spanning Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties. The operation involved over 200 sworn officers and staff from 15 different agencies and resulted in the seizure and destruction of 105,700 illicit cannabis plants and more than 22,000 pounds of processed cannabis, with an estimated value of more than $123 million.
In July, UCETF, in partnership with San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, dismantled a major cultivation operation suspected of using dangerous pesticides in Monterey County. In the weeks following the operation, DCC with the help of local partners, destroyed 38 tons of illicit cannabis worth more than $125 million, marking one of California's largest and most impactful enforcement efforts.
In August, detectives with DCC led a multiagency UCETF operation targeting unlicensed distribution and retail locations in Los Angeles County. Approximately 18,117 pounds of cannabis products were seized and destroyed, with an estimated retail value of $27 million. Additionally, 16 1-ounce gold bars, one 100-gram gold bar, and $1,170,299 in cash were confiscated from these locations.
"Tackling the illicit cannabis market in a state the size of California requires long-term coordination and commitment from many dedicated partners," said CDFW interim Director Valerie Termini. "But it's gratifying to see that in 2025 alone, UCETF operations prevented such a large amount of illicit cannabis -- products grown and sold without regard for the environment or public health and safety -- from entering the supply chain."
Whole-of-government enforcement approach
UCETF's success in 2025 was driven by its integrated enforcement model, involving over five dozen state, local and federal partners. In addition to DCC and CDFW, participating state departments included California State Parks, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, the California Department of Justice, the California Employment Development Department, the California National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Department of Industrial Relations and the State Water Resources Control Board. Their combined expertise and resources were critical in identifying, investigating, and dismantling illicit cannabis operations across the state.
"UCETF demonstrates what we can accomplish when state, local, and federal partners work in lockstep," said DCC Director Clint Kellum. "This year's operations not only removed hundreds of thousands of pounds of illicit cannabis, but also held illicit operators accountable for labor, tax, and environmental violations, reinforcing our commitment to supporting California's regulated market and protecting public safety."
For information on California's legal cannabis market, state licenses and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov. To learn how to recognize and report illegal cannabis cultivation on public lands in California, see CDFW's fact sheet.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/27/california-tops-1-2-billion-in-illegal-cannabis-seizures-up-18x-since-2022/
