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PUC > News Room > Aggregated RSS Syndication Feeds > Office of the Governor - Press Releases

Office of the Governor - Press Releases

Legislative Update

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed the following 15 bills. The Governor also sent the following letter to the legislative leaders explaining his reasons for vetoing this legislation. Text of the letter: January 6, 2009 The Honorable Darrell Steinberg President pro Tempore California State Senate State Capitol Room 205 Sacramento, California 95814 The Honorable Karen Bass

Governor Schwarzenegger Offers Rewards for Information in Six Unsolved Murder Cases

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today offered rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for each of the following six unsolved murder cases in California. The following is a brief description of each crime and the reward amount offered: On December 21, 2007, 14-year-old Vernon Eddins was shot and killed in front of Barnard White Middle School in Union City during a gang-related attack. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $35,000. It was requested by Union City Police Chief Greg Stewart. On September 29, 2004, 54-year-old Ariet Girgis was murdered in her Westminster home under suspicious circumstances. The Governor is offering a reward in the amount of $50,000. It was requested by Westminster Police …

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the following appointments. Celia Ayala, 54, of Whittier, has been appointed to the Early Learning Quality Improvement System Advisory Committee. Since 2007, she has served as the chief operating officer of Los Angeles Universal Preschool. Previously, Ayala served as assistant superintendent for the division of children and family services at the Riverside County Office of Education from 2004 to 2007 and was the director of curriculum, instruction and educational technologies (for K through 12) for the Pasadena Unified School District from 2002 to 2004. She served as the principal at James Madison Elementary School from 1997 to 2002 and worked for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, where she served as director from 1988 to 1997 and senior project manager of migrant education from 1980 …

Governor Schwarzenegger Sends Letter to President-Elect Obama Regarding Federal Economic Stimulus Proposal

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger late yesterday sent the following letter to President-elect Barack Obama regarding the federal economic stimulus proposal. Text of the letter: January 5, 2009 The Honorable Barack ObamaThe President-elect451 Sixth Street, NWWashington, DC 20270 Dear Mr. Obama, As we discussed in Philadelphia last month, we urgently need a broad national economic recovery package to generate jobs and get our economy moving forward again. My administration has identified ways we can work together in four key areas that will stabilize and expand California's economy: investment in infrastructure, energy security, stabilization of the housing market and assistance to states to help meet the needs of the medically indigent. When we met, I had identified $28 billion …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Commends 11 States for Agreeing to a Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement on the 11 Eastern states who have agreed to adopt a low carbon fuel standard: "I applaud these 11 Eastern states for recognizing the power of California's groundbreaking …

Guest Host Department of Finance Director Mike Genest Discusses Budget Solutions in Governor’s Weekly Radio Address

English and Spanish transcripts of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's weekly radio address, hosted this week by Department of Finance Director Mike Genest are below. The address is embargoed until Saturday, January 3, at 7 a.m. PST. …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Concord Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pvt. Benjamin B. Tollefson, of Concord: "Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Private Benjamin Tollefson, who dedicated his life to protecting the ideals of this country. He was a true patriot and his service to our country will never be forgotten. On behalf of all Californians, we send our thoughts and prayers to Benjamin's family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn this loss." Tollefson, 22, died December 31 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire in Ghazaliya. Tollefson was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Fort Riley, KS. In honor of Pvt. Tollefson, Capitol flags will …

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Violence in Gaza and Around the World

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on the violence in Gaza and around the world: "This past year, we have seen far too much violence throughout the world, from the continued genocide of the …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Newman Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Tony J. Gonzales, of Newman, CA: "Specialist Tony Gonzales was a courageous soldier who sacrificed his life to defend our nation's freedom. …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on his Latest Budget Proposal to the Legislature

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on his latest budget proposal to the legislature: "Today's announcement represents the sixth budget I have proposed to the legislature this year. The fact that the legislature …

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the following appointments. Daniel Adler, 45, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Film Commission. He is a longtime entertainment and new media executive and consultant and has served as founder and principal of media consultancy Media Eagles since 2005. Additionally, Adler founded and has served as chief executive officer of Fanista.com since 2006. He was the chief strategic officer of the Convex Group from 2003 to 2005 and served as the head of the new media department at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from 1999 to 2003. From 1996 to 1999, Adler worked as the vice president of creative development for Walt Disney Imagineering and, from 1995 to 1996, he was the vice president of talent and business development for Disney Interactive. Adler previously …

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement Following Federal Reserve Announcement

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on the Federal Reserve's announcement that it will begin purchasing up to $500 billion in mortgage-backed securities: "The way to stop the bleeding in our economy is to address the source of the wound - our housing markets. The Federal Reserve is doing exactly the right thing by beginning to purchase mortgage-backed securities. This will likely lead to lower mortgage rates throughout the country and improved conditions in our financial markets - and that means keeping families in their homes and improving access to credit. The mortgage crisis hit California hardest, which is why we have taken a series of steps to help California families stay in their homes; this is one more tool to get our economy back on track." California has …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Robert L. Johnson, of Central Point, OR: "We lost a courageous Marine in Lance Corporal Robert Johnson who sacrificed his life to …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Robert Graham

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Robert Graham: "Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Robert Graham. Robert was an amazing sculptor who forever shaped the presence of sculpture art throughout California and the world. His work was truly influential and he will forever remain an icon in this state. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert's wife Anjelica and his entire family during this difficult time." Graham was inducted into The California Museum's California Hall of Fame on December 15. Graham's work has been the subject of over eighty solo exhibitions and three retrospective exhibitions in the United States, Europe, Japan and Mexico, and is included in many national and international museum collections. He also designed the "Spirit of …

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Matthew Bettenhausen as Acting Secretary, California Emergency Management Agency

Announces Francis McCarton as Undersecretary Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced Matthew Bettenhausen as acting secretary for the California Emergency Management Agency. "Throughout his career, Matt has been committed to public …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Executive Order Renewing the San Joaquin Valley Partnership

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued an executive order renewing the San Joaquin Valley Partnership for three years. Created to improve the economic well-being of the Valley and the quality of life of its residents, the partnership was …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Highlights Job, Economic and Public Safety Ramifications of Legislature’s Failure to Pass a Comprehensive Budget Solution

At a Natomas levee project site in Sacramento, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today highlighted the job, economic and public safety ramifications of the legislature's failure to pass a comprehensive budget solution. The legislature's inaction caused the state Pooled …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Highlights Halt of I-405 Congestion Relief in LA, Other Economic Ramifications of Legislature’s Failure to Pass Real & Comprehensive Budget Solution

At one of the most congested sections of I-405 in Los Angeles, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today highlighted the job, economic and quality of life ramifications of the legislature's failure to pass a real and comprehensive budget solution. …

Governor Schwarzenegger Wishes Californians Happy Holidays in Weekly Radio Address

English and Spanish transcripts of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's weekly radio address are below. English: The 2-minute, 58-second address is available at http://gov.ca.gov/mp3/press/GovAddressChristmas121908_mus.mp3. The file is 1.18 MB. A "clean" version of the address is …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Executive Order to Address Worsening Budget Crisis through State’s Payroll

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued an executive order to prepare state government and its employees for the worsening state budget crisis. Without action to address the fiscal crisis, the Controller, Treasurer and Department of Finance expect the state to run out of cash in February. In order …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Calls Legislature Into Second Prop 58 Special Session

Following the legislature's failure to pass a comprehensive budget solution, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today declared a fiscal emergency for the state of California, allowing him to call a Proposition 58 legislative special session to address this emergency. Yesterday, the Governor declared he would veto the budget bills …

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Over $18 Million in Job Training Funds to Help Get Californians Back to Work

Continuing his commitment to stimulate job growth in the California economy, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that over $18 million in job training grants will be directed to regions and job sectors that have been hit hard in the national economic downturn. "During this national economic downturn we must do everything in our power to help Californians get back to work," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "These grants will provide the opportunity for thousands of California workers to receive job training and placement assistance for jobs in expanding industries - helping workers when they need it the most." The Governor has authorized a third round of economic stimulus grants totaling $5.4 million in federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Funds directed to 25 regions of California. These grants …

Governor Schwarzenegger Highlights Job Loss, Economic Ramifications of Legislature’s Failure to Pass a Real and Comprehensive Budget Solution

At University High School in Fresno, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today highlighted the job loss and other economic ramifications of the legislature's failure to pass a real and comprehensive budget solution. The legislature's inaction caused the state Pooled …

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on California’s Unemployment Rate

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on California's unemployment rate, reiterating his call for the state legislature to pass a real and comprehensive budget solution that includes a jobs package: "California's unemployment …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Celebrates Chanukah Season at Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and local leaders of the Jewish community today joined Chabad of California to celebrate the season of Chanukah at the 15th annual Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony. This year's celebration honored Project PRIDE, the Chabad-sponsored outreach program that helps prevent drug use by promoting positive alternatives and also dedicated the Capitol Menorah to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. "The lighting of the menorah brings the universal message of hope and freedom to all Californians as we come together and celebrate the Festival of Lights," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "In these tough times this menorah represents a beacon of light to people who need it most and also reminds us all of the courage and strength showed by those who sacrificed their lives during the terrible …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on CPUC’s Approval of Sunrise Powerlink Project

Project Will Deliver Substantial Renewable Energy Needed to Meet State's 33% Goal, Route Avoids Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the statement below following the California Public Utility Commission's (CPUC) vote today to …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Touts Redistricting Reform, Highlights Continued Fight for Reform in California

At the same location he pledged to bring redistricting reform to California five years ago, the historic California State Railroad Museum, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined with AARP, The League of Women Voters, Common Cause and California Forward to return for the first time to celebrate the successful …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Praises Generous Donation to UCSF Stem Cell Program

New Facility Will Enhance Stem Cell Research, Increase Collaboration Among Scientists Today Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Eli Broad and officials from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the California Institute for Regenerative …

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Appointment of Ramon Cortines as New Superintendent of LAUSD

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education's appointment of Ramon Cortines as the Superintendent of LAUSD: "I am thrilled with the Los Angeles Unified School District's appointment of Ramon Cortines as the new Superintendent. Ramon is a well-respected leader who brings many years of extensive education experience, relationships and dedication to the table - and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to successfully lead California's largest school district into the future. I know Ramon Cortines well and look forward to continuing to work with him to improve student achievement in LAUSD."

Gov. Schwarzenegger Applauds Plan to Reduce Toxic Chemicals in Products

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement today on the California Environmental Protection Agency's Final Green Chemistry recommendations, which lays out how California will seek to reduce and eliminate hazardous chemicals in our products and the environment:

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on First 5 Vote to Help Fund Healthy Families

"Today's action will allow the state to continue to enroll tens of thousands of infants and children in the Healthy Families Program, ensuring them access to much needed health care services. I appreciate all the various parties who came together to find a solution, including First 5 California …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of California Highway Patrol Officer

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Officer Joseph Paul Sanders, of Corona: "Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Joseph Sanders who dedicated his life to ensuring public safety. California is a better place because of his service and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. On behalf of all Californians, we send our thoughts and prayers to Joseph's family, friends and fellow officers." Sanders, 29, died December 15 after he was struck by a vehicle at the scene of a traffic collision on State Route 60 in the Hacienda Heights area of Los Angeles County. He is survived by his wife and four children. In honor of Officer Sanders, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement Applauding President-elect Obama’s Energy and Environmental Team

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the President-elect's appointments of Dr. Steven Chu as Secretary of Energy and Nancy Sutley as chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality: "President-elect Obama has chosen premier environmentalists to implement policies that will create a better environment for everyone, and it is a testament to …

Guest Host Department of Finance Director Mike Genest Discusses Budget Crisis in Governor’s Weekly Radio Address

English and Spanish transcripts of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's weekly radio address, hosted this week by Department of Finance Director Mike Genest are below. The address is embargoed until Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 7 a.m. PST. English: The 2-minute, 38-second address is available at http://gov.ca.gov/mp3/press/GovAddressBudget121208_mus.mp3. The file is 1.05 MB. A "clean" version of the address is available at http://gov.ca.gov/mp3/press/GovAddressBudget121208_dry.mp3. The file is 1.03 MB. Spanish: The 3-minute, 37-second address is available at http://gov.ca.gov/mp3/press/GovAddressBudget121208_span_mus.mp3. The file is 1.45 MB. A "clean" version of the address is available at http://gov.ca.gov/mp3/press/GovAddressBudget121208_span_dry.mp3. The file is 1.43 MB. Department of Finance Director Mike Genest: Hi, this is Finance Director Mike Genest, filling in for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with another California Report. This …

Governor Schwarzenegger Launches “Bank on California” to Help Californians Open Bank Accounts

With the support of former President Bill Clinton and joined by elected officials from across California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today launched Bank on California, making California the first state in the nation to launch a program designed to help Californians without checking or savings accounts open starter accounts. With the goal of opening 100,000 bank accounts over the next two years, the Governor has partnered with city mayors, community groups, Bank of America and other financial institutions, the FDIC, and federal and state regulatory agencies to put this innovative plan into action - bringing California's unbanked the opportunity to gain access to lower-cost sources of credit and financial services, establish savings, build credit history and invest for the future. "During these difficult economic times we must do everything in our …

Gov. Schwarzenegger and Legislative Leaders Announce Appointments to Bipartisan Commission on the 21st Century Economy

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders today announced the appointments to the Commission on the 21st Century Economy. The Governor has appointed Gerald Parsky as Chair and Ruben Barrales, Michael Boskin, John Cogan, Becky Morgan and Curt Pringle. The legislature has appointed Christopher Edley Jr., George Halvorson, Jennifer Ito, Fred Keeley, Monica Lozano and Richard Pomp. Governor Schwarzenegger issued the following statement: "Our outdated revenue system contributes to our feast-or-famine budget cycles year after year. It is time for California to have a revenue system that reflects the needs of our state, and I am confident that the people we have appointed will recommend constructive ways to restructure and modernize our tax system. While it will not address our current shortfall, it will lead to more stable funding for education and …

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces $103 Million Prop 1B Allocation for Transportation Infrastructure

Funding Will Help Stimulate Economy, Underscores Need for Budget Agreement Continuing Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's commitment to rebuilding California's infrastructure, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) today allocated $103 million in funding from Proposition 1B, the 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, for transportation projects throughout the state. For …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Awards $1.5 Million to Improve Health Care Workforce Training Programs

To meet the growing demand for health care practitioners throughout California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced awards of $1.5 million to enhance family nurse practitioner and physician assistant training programs. The funds are administered through the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's (OSHPD) Song-Brown program. Since …

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Additional $7.8 Million Federal Grant to Help California Homeowners

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that more California homeowners having trouble paying their mortgages will be eligible for free counseling on how to avoid foreclosure. In addition to the $8 million federal grant announced earlier this year, California has attained a $7.8 million federal grant to expand …

Gov. Schwarzenegger Praises Air Resources Board for Adopting Scoping Plan

Plan Will Protect Environment, Public Health and Spur Economy Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the below statement following the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) adoption of its scoping plan that lays out how California will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020:

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