July 2025 Round-Up

As July comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve experienced and accomplished together across California and beyond. 

This month, we celebrated Independence Day, a time to honor the birth of our great nation and the individuals who have fought for our independence. 

We also observed Black Women’s Equal Pay Day — a powerful reminder that Black women still earn only 66 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. That adds up to nearly $1 million in lost wages over a 40-year career. In California, we’re not standing by. We’ve passed the Fair Pay Act, implemented pay transparency reforms, and are investing in programs that open doors for women of color. Equal pay can’t wait, and here in California, we’re leading by example. 

This month also brought devastating news from Central Texas, where devastating floods claimed lives and displaced families, including the young lives lost at Camp Mystic. My thoughts are with all those grieving and still searching for missing loved ones. During this devastating time, I am proud that Californians have stepped up. We deployed highly trained personnel and life-saving resources, not only to Texas, but also to Oregon and New Mexico in response to wildfires and flooding. From search and rescue teams to emergency equipment, California continues to show up for our neighbors, because helping others is who we are. 

But even as we lift others up, we must continue to protect our communities here in California. This month, we saw more ICE raids waged by the Trump Administration across our state, yet the latest ICE statistics show that nearly 70% of those arrested have no criminal history. Let’s be clear: this isn’t about safety. This is a cruel and deliberate assault on immigrant families. We must continue to stand strong against the militarization of our streets and get our National Guard members back to doing what they do best: protecting Californians from fires, floods, and emergencies. 

As we look ahead, I remain deeply optimistic about what we can accomplish together. Every month brings challenges, but it also brings new opportunities to lead with compassion, purpose, and strength. I’m proud to serve you, and even prouder to help lead this extraordinary state we call home.  

Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California

Higher Education Updates

This month, I participated in the governing board meetings for all three of California’s world-class public higher education systems — the University of California (UC) Regents, the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, and the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors. Despite an uncertain time for education funding at both the federal and state levels, I remain inspired by the dedicated leaders, faculty, and staff who continue to focus on expanding opportunity and delivering an affordable, high-quality education to California’s students.

At the UC Regents meeting, I made it clear that I will continue to fight to keep higher education affordable for California’s students and families. While there is no current proposal to raise tuition, I’m staying vigilant. College should be a path to opportunity, not to a mountain of debt, and I’m ready to fight every step of the way to keep affordability for students and families front and center.

At the CCC Board of Governors meeting, I was glad to be back at the Chancellor’s Office to participate in the adoption of “Vision 2030 – The July 2025 Edition.” This living document reaffirms the system’s commitment to equity in access, success, and support while offering updated guidance on sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure priorities for the years ahead.

During the CSU Board of Trustees meeting, I was proud to see the CSU release its interim Systemwide Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Policy, a major milestone in the effort to return Native American remains and cultural items held by the university system. This effort stems from a 2023 State Auditor’s Report that I helped bring to the Board’s attention, and I’m grateful to see meaningful steps being taken toward reconciliation and justice.

California’s public higher education systems, the largest and most diverse in the nation, are working hard every day to meet the moment. As the only person to serve on the governing boards of all three of California’s higher education systems, I’m committed to continuing the work to keep our institutions accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of today’s students so that every Californian has the opportunity to succeed, thrive, and lead in the years ahead.

Independence Day at the Capitol

This Fourth of July, we marked the birth of our nation and honored the brave individuals who fought for our independence and laid the foundation for our democracy. We spent the day at the State Capitol celebrating with Californians and testing some U.S. history knowledge out on the streets — a fun and meaningful way to reflect on where we’ve come from and the values we continue to uphold. Independence Day is not only about fireworks and festivities; it’s a moment to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and vision that shaped this country. I’m grateful to all who continue to serve and protect those ideals today. I hope everyone enjoyed a joyful and safe Fourth of July with loved ones.

Summer at the California State Fair

This month, I had the honor of joining the California State Fair for the annual Agricultural Heritage Luncheon, a celebration of the families and businesses who have kept California’s agricultural traditions alive for over a century. We recognized this year’s inductees into the California Agriculture Heritage Club and celebrated their enduring contributions to our state’s economy and way of life. After the luncheon, I had the chance to explore some of the fair’s vibrant exhibits, including the Lowrider Culture Exhibit, and connect with Californians from all walks of life. The State Fair is a powerful reminder of what makes our state so special: our people, our traditions, and our pride in what we grow and build together.

Bay Area Council CA Resilience Challenge

I was proud to join the Bay Area Council Foundation for this year’s California Resilience Challenge Showcase, an event marking five years of work helping under-resourced communities plan for climate resilience. California is a global climate leader, and our progress is thanks in large part to forward-thinking businesses and organizations that have stepped up. With over $6 million awarded since 2020, the Challenge has leveraged more than $70 million to make a real difference across our state. As we face a future shaped by climate change, it’s this kind of early-stage planning that will allow us to protect our most vulnerable communities and lead with purpose.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle Visit

I had the extraordinary opportunity to board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, America’s tall ship, as it made its way through San Francisco Bay. It was an honor to stand alongside the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard and to experience a symbol of maritime history up close.

Clean Energy Milestones

This month, California hit a historic clean energy milestone: more than two-thirds of our state’s electricity now comes from clean, carbon-free sources, the highest of any major economy in the world. Our grid is now powered by 100% clean electricity for an average of seven hours a day — a dramatic leap from just a few years ago. These achievements are a testament to California’s decades of bold policy, innovation, and investment in renewable energy. From wind and solar to battery storage and offshore wind, we’re not just talking about a clean future. We’re building it.