July 2026 Round Up
July was named in honor of Julius Caesar, a Roman general, statesman, and historian who conquered Gaul, the regions of Western Europe now known as parts of Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and more infamously known for changing the structure of the Roman government into a dictatorship. This is surprisingly fitting as July marks the festive month when America celebrates its independence from the British monarchy, which took place on July 4th, 1776, when our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence.This year, our beloved country celebrated its 250th birthday, a milestone that reminds us of how far we have come and how much work we have left to ensure that our country lives up to the ideals it was founded upon.
Here in California, we were able to celebrate our patriotism by supporting the Men’s USA National Soccer Team in their 2026 FIFA World Cup game against Belgium. While the results may not have been what we wanted, this final group stage match and the matches before it reminded all of us that our team is made up of talented players with diverse backgrounds and identities. Because of that, we are very proud of our team and their athleticism and hard work.
With optimism and gratitude,
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
Kicking Off One City Day – San Francisco’s First Day of Service
I had the opportunity to be a part of One City Day, San Francisco’s first-ever citywide day of service, in District 2. It was inspiring to see neighbors come together on a brisk Saturday morning to give back to the city that we love. This initiative was spearheaded by First Lady Becca Prowda and Mayor Daniel Lurie to inspire San Franciscans of all ages to participate in meaningful service projects across all 11 districts of the city. I hope that everyone who participated can take away that every act of kindness, whether big or small, helps make San Francisco more beautiful and strengthens our neighborhoods.
Joining July’s UC Regents Meeting
July marks the middle of summer break for our university students and is a time for internships, jobs, or simply a period to enjoy a break from classes. For the Board of Regents, the work continues year-round and I attended the July Regents meeting at UC San Francisco. In addition to welcoming the newest student Regent, UCSF medical school student Jordan Roiland, the board unanimously endorsed the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026. This crucial ballot measure will provide desperately needed funding for housing across California, including $175 million for student housing at the University of California.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Wallis Annenberg
I was honored to attend the proclamation of Wallis Annenberg Day in the County of Los Angeles and the Cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. This proclamation celebrates the life and legacy of Wallis Annenberg, a philanthropic giant whose impact is seen and felt across Southern California. Through the Annenberg Foundation, Wallis strengthened our communities by supporting education, the arts, journalism, conservation, and animal welfare – a legacy that will continue to live on.
Bringing Golden State Ambition to Farnborough International Airshow
This July, I led the California delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense exhibitions. It is held every two years at Farnborough Airport and serves as a major gathering for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, defense companies, governments, investors, and aviation professionals. The California delegation, which I led in partnership with GO-Biz, included 14 small businesses and three regional economic development organizations, showcasing the Golden State’s leadership in aerospace innovation, from advanced avionics and protective coatings to next-generation UAV sensors and blended-wing aircraft design.
Our trip highlighted California’s leadership in the aerospace industry. At a glance, California is:
- The #1 U.S. state for Aerospace Manufacturing employment (2025)
- Home to major facilities of all five leading defense prime contractors – Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, General Dynamics, and Raytheon
- Home to the headquarters of 1/3 of U.S. space tech companies
- The source of 1/2 of U.S. space tech VC funding (2020-2025)
- Home to three NASA research centers – Ames Research Center, Armstrong Flight Research Laboratory (AFRL), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- The beneficiary of $19 billion NASA economic output (2023, #1 U.S. state)
- Blessed with the most unlimited vertical airspace of all U.S. states
California has a deep relationship with the UK. In 2025, California exported more than $800 million in aerospace products and parts to the UK, making aerospace California’s #1 export to the United Kingdom.
In addition to meetings with exhibitors and partners at the conference, I had the opportunity to highlight California’s leadership in the aerospace and aviation industries at the California Information Session.
Meeting the 10th Man on the Moon
It was an honor (and surprise!) when Astronaut Charlie Duke stopped by the California Pavilion at the Farnborough International Airshow. As the Apollo 16 Lunar Module pilot and the 10th man to walk on the moon, Charlie is a true American hero and space pioneer.
Meeting with London Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber
While in London, I had the opportunity to meet with Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber, who also heads London & Partners, London’s trade and promotion agency. We discussed the strong ties between London and California as global hubs for innovation, investment, and growth in the aviation and aerospace technology sectors and explored possibilities for deepening our mutually beneficial relations even further.
Showcasing California’s Investment Strengths at the British Business Bank Luncheon
I joined British Consul General Eleanor Kiloh and British Business Bank Chairman Stephen Welton alongside visiting venture capital firms to discuss the strength of British investment in California, particularly in the aerospace and aviation tech sectors. The UK is one of California’s top two sources for foreign direct investment, which makes our two-way economic relationship with the UK vital to continue driving innovation and strengthening our state’s economy.
Touring Imperial College in London
While in London, I visited as a member of the UC Board of Regents, I was proud to convey my strong support for this initiative and my deep appreciation for our mutually held belief in the need for continued research in the two areas of emphasis for the collaboration: 1) Climate Resilience, Environmental Justice, Wildfire, and Floods, and 2) Health Equity and Pandemic Resilience. Partnerships like this will lead to outcomes that are beneficial for Californians and individuals around the world.
Discussing Future UK Investments in California at the Wilson Sonsini Reception
I wrapped up my UK trip at the London office of Wilson Sonsini, a Palo Alto-based law firm, where I met with British investors to discuss the opportunities and benefits of doing business in California. These future investments will build on the strong successes that California and the UK are already strong economic partners, with a two-way trade volume of $10 billion and a shared commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and world-class research.
Attending State Lands Commission Special Meeting
I attended the July Commission meeting held at the State Lands Commission (SLC) Headquarters in Sacramento to approve two consent calendar items. The commission approved a general lease for utility installation in sovereign land located in the Alameda Flood Control Channel and ceased legislative jurisdiction over lands comprising several United States Penitentiaries. More information can be found on the State Lands Commission website.
Kicking off the Treasures of the Pharaohs Exhibition at the de Young Museum
The month concluded with a preview of the Treasures of the Pharaohs exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, featuring 130 rare artifacts spanning more than 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. This is the first time the collection has been exhibited in North America. I had the opportunity to meet renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, whose groundbreaking archaeological discoveries have expanded our understanding of ancient Egypt, including the lost Golden City, the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders in Giza, and the Valley of the Golden Mummies in Bahariya.
