October 2025 Round-Up
As October came to a close, I was proud to reflect on a month of celebration, remembrance, and standing together across California. We honored Breast Cancer Awareness, recognizing that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime. Thanks to research, early detection, and access to care, survival rates are rising and California continues to lead the charge with strong patient protections and funding for cutting-edge cancer research. We celebrated survivors, supported those in the fight, and recommitted to ensuring every Californian could get the care they deserve.
We also marked National Immigrants Day, celebrating the nearly one in three Californians who are immigrants. From agriculture and innovation to small businesses and culture, immigrant communities drive our state forward. October also brought Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which reminded us of hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. Across California and around the world, families gathered to share joy, food, and tradition, and we celebrated the vibrant Indian and South Asian communities that enrich our state’s culture and spirit.
On Indigenous Peoples Day, we honored the 100+ tribal nations of California, celebrating their strength, sovereignty, and enduring leadership that continues to shape our state’s future. We also recognized LGBTQ+ History Month, reflecting on California’s legacy of protecting equality and expanding rights. From Harvey Milk to today’s leaders, we continued to lead the nation in standing firmly for love, safety, and opportunity for all.
Finally, we celebrated a historic scientific achievement: the University of California won five Nobel Prizes in just three days, bringing the total number of UC faculty Nobel winners to 75. This extraordinary milestone highlighted the vital role of research, innovation, and federal funding in advancing discoveries that change the world.
As we moved through October, I was inspired by the resilience, creativity, and compassion of Californians across every community. Together, we continued to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities for everyone who calls California home.
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
2025 Legislative Priorities
This October, I celebrated California’s leadership in 2025 as Governor Newsom signed important legislation into law. From expanding housing and protecting reproductive freedom to supporting students, survivors, and fair democratic processes, these laws strengthen our communities and reflect our shared values. I co-sponsored and supported 21 bills this year, adding to a record of over 170 bills since I took office that promote equity, opportunity, and safety for all Californians. I am proud to see our priorities turned into action and our state continuing to lead the nation in progress and inclusion.
Read More About My 2025 Legislative Priorities.
UNAC/UHCP Kaiser Strike
I stood on the picket line with the United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC) and Union of Health Care Professionals (UHCP) members in Oakland to support California’s nurses and healthcare workers. These professionals fight every day for fair pay, safe staffing, and respect on the job, which ensures quality care for all of us. I am proud to stand with them and honor their critical contributions to our communities and our healthcare system.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I joined Senator Susan Rubio (D-22) to shine a light on this urgent issue. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the U.S. experience domestic violence, and these numbers represent friends, neighbors, and loved ones. In California, we have expanded funding for shelters, strengthened protections for survivors, and invested in prevention programs. This month and every month, we remain committed to supporting survivors and building safer, more supportive communities for all.
Filipino American History Month
I celebrated #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth by visiting Spoon and Fork to meet chef Joanne Suavillo, who shares her Filipina heritage through delicious food and desserts like lumpia, tapsilog, and halo halo. Filipino Americans are California’s third-largest AAPI community, rooted in resilience, culture, and service, from farmworker organizing in Delano to frontline heroes in healthcare today. This month, I am proud to honor their history, celebrate their contributions, and continue building a state where every community can thrive.
Welcoming Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium
I was proud to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium as part of the Belgian Economic Mission to California. During this visit, we signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation across key sectors including clean technology, life sciences, aerospace, and mobility. California continues to deepen international partnerships, expand economic opportunities, and foster innovation while remaining a stable, reliable partner on the global stage.
South East Los Angeles ICE Roundtable
I met with city leaders from Los Angeles County’s Gateway Cities to discuss the impacts of recent ICE operations targeting immigrant communities. These raids have real consequences: families fear leaving home, children miss school, and local businesses and city budgets are strained. California is home to a vibrant immigrant workforce, with nearly 1.5 million undocumented workers contributing almost 5% of our GDP. At the roundtable, we focused on supporting communities on the ground and sharing strategies to protect workers and families.
National Manufacturing Week with SA Recycling
During National Manufacturing Week, I visited SA Recycling at the Port of Los Angeles to highlight their work in metal recycling and sustainable manufacturing. Their efforts strengthen supply chains, provide good-paying jobs, and help protect our environment. SA Recycling demonstrates how innovation, environmental responsibility, and economic growth can go hand in hand, keeping California at the forefront of clean and sustainable manufacturing.
Period Action Day
On October 11, we marked Period Action Day and highlighted the urgent need for menstrual equity. One in four students struggles to afford period products, and many miss school because of it. California is leading the way, providing free access to period products in schools so students can focus on learning. Together, we can ensure no student is held back because of their period, taking action today and every day.