December 2024 Round-Up
As we close out December and look toward the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together in California and across the nation in 2024. This season of celebration—whether you’re observing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoying time with loved ones—reminds us of the strength in our diversity and the shared values that unite us.
This past year, California has led with bold action. We’ve seen historic investments in climate action, infrastructure, and economic recovery and fought to ensure equity and sustainability in every corner of our work. However, there is still more work to do.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, let us carry forward the progress we’ve made and the lessons we’ve learned. Together, we can build a future where every Californian has access to the opportunity to create a brighter future. I am deeply honored to serve as your Lieutenant Governor, and I look forward to continuing this important work with all of you in the year ahead.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright, hopeful start to the new year!
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
Historic Gender Representation in the Legislature
This month, I was proud to help welcome the California Legislature back to Sacramento as it convened for a new legislative session. The new legislature also marks a historic step towards gender equity in Sacramento, with 49% of the Legislature and more than 50% of the State Senate being women. As we begin the 2025 legislative session, I am excited to partner with this new Legislature and Governor Newsom to advance bold, innovative policies that uplift working families and ensure every Californian has an opportunity to achieve the California Dream.
Read the Full Press Release regarding the announcement.
State Lands Commission Updates
In December, I joined the final State Lands Commission meeting of 2024, where we reflected on transformative progress and celebrated impactful leadership. Highlights included announcing a groundbreaking partnership with the Ports of Long Beach and Humboldt to advance offshore wind energy, a key step toward California’s 100% carbon-free energy goal by 2045. The Commission also took decisive action on the Tijuana River sewage crisis, authorizing a letter to the Biden Administration to prioritize federal support for this environmental and public health emergency. We also bid farewell to Executive Officer of the Commission, Jennifer Lucchesi, whose leadership has left a lasting legacy. As she begins her new role as Director of the Department of Conservation, I know she will continue driving innovative solutions for California’s future.
Read the Full Press Release for updates.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building Dedication Ceremony
It was an honor to attend the dedication of the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, a tribute to a true trailblazer in American politics. Speaker Pelosi made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and the first woman to be House Minority Whip in 2001. Throughout her 37 years in Congress, she guided our nation through some of its most challenging moments. Her leadership was instrumental in passing landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act and securing vital relief for millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaker Pelosi’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to defending democracy and protecting the most vulnerable among us. As we celebrate her extraordinary contributions, we are reminded of the power of leadership that stands firm in adversity.
Connect 2024: Addressing California’s Housing Crisis
I had the honor of participating in a conversation at Standard Communities’ annual Connect 2024 event alongside Co-Founders Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott Alter. Connect 2024 brought together employees of Standard Communities, one of the nation’s largest affordable and workforce housing developers, to celebrate their achievements and discuss plans for the future. During our conversation, I highlighted California’s critical housing challenges, including the need to build 2.5 million units by 2030 to address soaring housing costs and homelessness. Events like these remind us of the power of collaboration in tackling complex issues like housing and building a future where every Californian has access to a safe and affordable home.