Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis

10/29/2026

Happy Italian American Heritage Month! 🇮🇹

This month, we celebrate the rich heritage, traditions, and contributions of Italian Americans who have helped make our state what it is today.

From generations of families who built communities across California to contributions in agriculture, business, public service, the arts, and beyond, Italian Americans have played an important role in our state’s story.

10/28/2026

In the passing of Dolores Huerta we lost an extraordinary leader whose courage, conviction, and lifelong dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on California and our nation.

Through her tireless advocacy for farmworkers, civil rights, women’s equality, and immigrant rights, Dolores helped advance the promise of a more just and equitable society.

Every time we were together, people would join in her iconic cheer “¡Sí, se puede!” These words and all they mean will keep her memory alive.

10/28/2026

Today, on National Immigrants Day, we celebrate the dreamers and doers who bring their cultures, talents, and ambition to our state and our country.

More than 1 in 4 Californians were born abroad, the highest share of any state, and their contributions power California’s vibrancy and success every single day.

Immigrant stories are woven into the fabric of America, and they remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

10/27/2026

About 25% of women and 17% of men will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. Every day in the US, 5 people lose their lives to domestic violence.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with survivors, honor their courage, and recognize the advocates and organizations working every day to build safer communities.

Together, we can break the silence, support survivors, and build a state where everyone can live free from abuse and fear.

10/27/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

1 in 8 women and 1 in 755 men in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

This month, we raise awareness and support for the millions of people affected by breast cancer because early detection and treatment are lifesaving, with survival rates of over 99% for the earliest stages.

Together, we can keep moving toward a future where fewer families are affected by breast cancer.

10/23/2026

LGBTQ+ history is U.S. history, period. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in October to commemorate the first and second National Marches on Washington for Le***an and Gay Rights, held in 1979 and 1987, respectively.

This month is about celebrating and preserving the history of LGBTQ+ leaders in the community and their decades-long fight for equal rights.

10/20/2026

Congratulations to California's own, Catherine Breed on her amazing feat of swimming all 900 miles of our beautiful California coast!

California is so proud of your accomplishment & grateful for your continued advocacy for ocean conservation and environmental protection.

10/13/2026

All undergrad college students enrolled at California Community Colleges, California State University, or University of California are now eligible for CalFresh and can receive up to $306/month for food and groceries.

No student should have to struggle to afford food and groceries or go to class hungry.

Thank you, Governor Gavin Newsom, for working with California Department of Social Services to make this a reality for so many bright, young minds.

College is challenging enough; students shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal comes from.

Last week, CDSS Director Jennifer T***a joined Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and members of the Breakthrough Advisory Group at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank to announce streamlined CalFresh access for eligible college students.

Undergraduate students enrolled at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California school can apply for up to $306 a month for groceries at BenefitsCal.com. Learn more: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/10/09/california-improves-access-to-calfresh-food-benefits-helping-college-students-get-up-to-306-a-month-to-buy-groceries/

10/12/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor California’s Native American community, who are the original stewards of the lands we call home in California and across the United States.

We recognize and celebrate their strength, resilience, and enduring contributions by reaffirming our commitment to listening to Indigenous voices and respecting tribal sovereignty.

10/09/2026

Californians of all walks of life are our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones, and should not be targets of fear and intimidation.

THESE RAIDS ARE INHUMANE AND IT MUST STOP.

— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has launched a month and a half-long immigration enforcement operation across the sanctuary state of California, going after both the “worst of the worst” and noncriminal illegal immigrants, according to sources familiar with the plan.

The crackdown, known internally as Operation Safe California, has not been publicly announced, but it began several days ago in and around San Diego, which borders Mexico, and is expected to last at least 45 days. ICE leadership has told officers to arrest all illegal immigrants they encounter, regardless of whether an individual has a criminal history.

MORE: https://trib.al/56iol3y