San Diego, California - When I began several years ago as California’s agriculture secretary, I had an inkling that there would be some travel involved. Nothing like Santa’s annual trip, mind you, but certainly a busy schedule. Meetings, hearings and events, a ribbon or two to cut, and even the occasional farm animal to pat on the head. It’s all part of a job I love, a job I am honored to do.

Sacramento, California - CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is taking a page out of Santa’s book today, riding her sleigh (Prius) around town to visit her elves (employees) at their various toy factories (labs and offices) and share a warm cup of holiday cheer.

Sacramento, California - California leads the nation with $2.88 billion in horticulture sales, according to the 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Of the $13.8 billion total horticultural sales in the U.S., 21 percent were from California.

Sacramento, California - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that Colonial Gardens Nursing Home, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class “AA” citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and a $100,000 fine from the State of California.

San Francisco, California - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris and Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley today announced a settlement with Comcast Cable Communications LLC (“Comcast”) to resolve allegations that Comcast both unlawfully disposed of hazardous waste and discarded records without first omitting or redacting private customer information. As part of the settlement, Comcast will pay a total of $25.95 million. 

Sacramento, California - State agencies have launched a number of investigations into the natural gas leak at the Aliso Canyon underground gas storage field, including demands for records and a directive to pay for an independent, third-party technical analysis.