Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed.

News you might have missed

1. SUPPORTING CALIFORNIANS RECOVERING

As fire season continues across California, Governor Newsom, moving swiftly to support the state’s response to the Mountain Fire, announced the state secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire burning in Ventura County. Shortly after, Governor Newsom visited communities impacted by the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, and proclaimed a State of Emergency. More than 2,200 personnel are on the ground, and Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order Friday to provide ongoing support.

2. CARE IN OUR COMMUNITIES

The California Department of Health Care Access & Information (HCAI) participated in the opening of the Lodi East Health Center, which will support some 20,000 Californians annually - exam rooms, dental operatories, counseling rooms, and more. HCAI insured $26 million to fund the construction of the new health center.

3. HOLDING COMMUNITIES ACCOUNTABLE FOR HOUSING

Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk to compel the city to overturn its unlawful ordinance banning the establishment of new homeless shelters and other housing. The lawsuit comes after multiple warnings and actions by the state, including revocation of the city’s housing element compliance.

4. KEEPING CALIFORNIA DRIVERS SAFE

The California Highway Patrol secured a $2.6 million federal grant to combat speeding and aggressive driving on California roads. In 2022-23, speeding contributed to 39% of fatal and injury crashes statewide, and this funding will boost enforcement and public awareness efforts to reduce dangerous driving behaviors.

5. CONNECTING CALIFORNIANS

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved $157 million as part of its 8th round of grants for last mile broadband projects - part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program. This program works to expand broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California. This funding continues the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband For All.

Here’s what we’re reading

?? First ski resort opens this weekend ?? For skiers and snowboarders who can’t wait to hit the slopes at Lake Tahoe, there’s good news: The first resort of the season will open this weekend. Mount Rose/Ski Tahoe, the resort with the highest base elevation in the Tahoe region, begins limited operations on Friday. 

By the numbers

- 4.5 million - adults who serve as family caregivers in California, providing essential support.

- $1.5 million - in illegal cannabis seized by DCC and its United Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) partners.

- 29 projects - funded through the “Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks, which awarded $30 million to 88 local and federal agencies, districts and nonprofit organizations. BONUS: California military members and their families will receive FREE admission to 144 state parks as the state marks Veterans Day.

LAST WEEK'S EDITION