Newsletters
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...
June 2026 Round Up
June marks the beginning of summer with the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere – and as daylight lingers for longer and the sun sets later, we take advantage by celebrating with outdoor and cultural festivities. Here in California, we...
May 2026 Round-Up
The ancient Greeks believed May was the month Persephone returned from the underworld to her mother Demeter, and that her homecoming brought spring's bloom and summer's harvest. It is a myth about hope made real. Across California, May carries...
April 2026 Round-Up
April derives its name from the Latin word aperire, meaning “to open,” and likely refers to the opening of flower buds in the month. As flowers bloom and bees feed on their nectar and collect pollen, we see the beginnings of life, the beauty of...
March 2026 Round-Up
Every year, March brings us a visible reminder of renewal, progression, and hope. Spring is a season of renewal: a time to remember the patience and fortitude required by winter, and make us grateful for the flowers, fruit, sunshine, and joy...
February 2026 Round-Up
February offered moments of reflection, celebration, and global connection across California. As Ramadan began, I extended my warmest wishes to Muslims throughout our state and around the world. We also marked Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent...
January 2026 Round-Up
January marked a new beginning across California, a time to reflect on where we have been and to look ahead with optimism and purpose. From our coastlines to our Central Valley, Californians welcomed the new year grounded in the shared belief...
December 2025 Round-Up
December was a month of remembrance, celebration, and shared values across California. We began by honoring Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, paying tribute to the lives lost and the service members whose sacrifice continues to shape our nation’s...