Sacramento, California - The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has released its first production data summaries for 2017 in California, with a total for the year of $50.13 billion, an increase of $3.7 billion from 2016, or six percent. The ERS also provided an upward revision its production figure for 2016, changing it from $46.04 billion to $47.4 billion. Please note that the 2017 figure is subject to revision, as well.

San Diego, California - Eric, an 8-year-old male east African black rhino from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, is now a resident of Tanzania. The rhino was gifted to the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania to promote breeding of the critically endangered black rhino within the greater Serengeti ecosystem. He will be cared for and reside at Singita Grumeti, a 350,000-acre private concession, which is working with the Tanzanian Wildlife Management Authority and Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute to conserve wildlife and, in this project, to boost the local population of black rhino in their native habitat.

Washington, DC - On this International Day of Democracy, the United States reaffirms its unwavering belief in democracy as the form of government with the greatest capacity to advance peace, prosperity, and security, and to safeguard the universal human rights, fundamental freedoms, and dignity of every person. Enshrined in our own Constitution are bedrock principles essential to the success of any democracy, including freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to the peaceful transfer of political power through free and fair elections.

San Diego, California - A crowd of more than 200 cheered as San Diego Zoo Global President/CEO Douglas G. Myers this week announced the launch of the organization’s new publishing division—San Diego Zoo Global Press. The division, one of the few zoological publishing subsidiaries in the world, is dedicated to creating and distributing a new line of books for readers of all ages and backgrounds, designed to share conservation success stories, provide insight into San Diego Zoo Global’s past, present and future, and inspire multiple generations to care about the natural world and conservation.

San Diego, California - San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team will load up to depart for Charlotte, North Carolina today. In a collaborative effort with Humane Society of the United States, the SDHS Emergency Response Team will be on the front lines helping animals impacted by Hurricane Florence.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the Government of the United States, I congratulate the people of Mexico on the 208th anniversary of your independence on September 16.