September 2024 Round-Up
As we close out September, we take pride in a month filled with milestones that reflect the heart of California’s values—education, diversity, civic engagement, and resilience. This month’s achievements remind us why California leads the way, from our classrooms to our communities.
We kicked off the month with International Literacy Day, spotlighting the transformative power of education. California’s commitment to learning shines brighter than ever, especially with UC Berkeley earning the title of the #1 public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges rankings. This achievement is a testament to our world-class public school system, which continues to be a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation. And as we build on this legacy, we’re particularly proud of our efforts to address student housing needs. Since 2019, I have been proud to be a member of the boards approving nearly 50,000 new beds across UC and CSU campuses. Affordable and accessible housing is crucial to ensuring the success of our students.
September also included Voter Registration Day, an essential reminder that democracy thrives when everyone’s voice is heard. With over 21 million Californians registered to vote, our state is a national leader in civic participation and the democratic process. It’s a clear call to action for us to continue shaping a brighter future for California and our nation.
We also proclaimed September 11th as Patriot Day to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks of 2001 and to recognize the resilience, unity, and courage that defines the American spirit.
September also marked Hispanic Heritage Month. We proudly recognize the enormous contributions of 15.6 million Hispanic and Latino Californians, whose culture, hard work, and leadership have helped shape the vibrant, diverse California we know and love.
From advancing educational excellence to promoting democratic engagement and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that makes California unique, this month has reminded us of our shared values and collective strength. Together, we continue to push forward, embodying hope, progress, and a future where everyone has a chance to achieve the California dream.
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
Labor Day
This Labor Day, I was honored to kick off celebrations with the North Bay Labor Council and the Ironworkers Union, recognizing the crucial role unions have played in shaping the American way of life. Unions built this country, and I remain committed to supporting workers across California, standing alongside them to strengthen labor rights and improve working conditions.
California’s 174th Birthday Celebration
I had the pleasure of joining the State Capitol Museum in celebrating California’s 174th birthday. Together with volunteers, we handed out cake decked in red, white, and blue to visitors on the Capitol steps. It was a heartwarming celebration highlighting California’s journey as the 31st state. The day was filled with stories about California’s history and special performances from our local choirs.
Meeting with Japanese Ambassador Yamada
It was a pleasure to welcome Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada to Sacramento, where we had a productive conversation on strengthening the economic, cultural, and trade partnerships between California and Japan. Our discussion emphasized the long-standing friendship between our two regions. Last year, as the Governor’s International Affairs and Trade Representative, I led a delegation of over 100 California business leaders and officials to Japan for World Smart Energy Week alongside GO-Biz Director Dee Dee Myers. The trip reinforced California’s climate action and innovation leadership while marking the one-year anniversary of a Memorandum of Cooperation focused on strengthening trade, economic cooperation, and joint climate initiatives between California and Japan.
Keynote Address at the Salvation Army Homelessness Symposium
I was honored to provide the keynote address at the 2024 Homelessness Symposium hosted by the Salvation Army of Southern California. The Salvation Army has been on the front lines for nearly 160 years in 133 countries, serving those in need and providing hope and assistance in times of despair. This event brought together members from the public and private sectors to discuss critical challenges and solutions for LA’s housing crisis. Since 2019, the state has enacted numerous housing and homelessness reforms and invested around $27 billion to address homelessness. Together, we are working towards a future where every Californian has a place to call home and the support they need to thrive.
UC/CSU Collaborative on Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning
I was honored to serve as Honorary Chair for the inaugural UC/CSU Collaborative Senior Fellows Program, sponsored by the UC/CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning. The Collaborative was established in 2019 with a goal of translating neuroscience research into educational practice. The Senior Fellows Program is a new initiative from the Collaborative that will foster collaboration between UC and CSU experts and statewide policymakers to improve outcomes for all types of learners.
During a two-day gathering with legislators, neuroscience researchers, philanthropic leaders, and education experts, we explored pressing issues in education, such as student mental health, effective practices in special education, and how to use cutting-edge research to inform state and local policy. I took part in a conversation with the Dean of the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies, Tina Christie, to share my priorities and vision for addressing the challenges in our education system. While at UCLA, I also met with UCLA Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt to discuss campus climate and steps to ensure a safe return to campus for students this fall.
Tribal Leaders Forum
It was an honor to attend and speak at the Tribal Leaders Forum hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons Association. As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Native Americans gaining U.S. citizenship and voting rights, this event served as a vital space to strengthen the bonds between tribal and state leadership. California’s history and future are deeply connected to our tribal communities, and I am committed to ensuring that our government-to-government partnership remains strong.
