The 2026 Girls Agenda, a comprehensive statewide policy roadmap created by the Commission’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is now available! Developed by 17 youth commissioners representing communities across California, the Girls Agenda outlines urgent priorities in Education and Workforce Development, Health and Access, and Safety and Prevention. Each section is grounded in current data, lived experience, and the realities girls face every day. 

The Girls Agenda also calls for youth-centered approaches to digital safety, reproductive health access, and teen dating violence prevention. 

As the Commission advances these recommendations set forth by our Youth Advisory Councilmembers, we encourage the California legislature, political leaders, local women’s commissions, fellow agencies, and other organizational partners and stakeholders to join us in working collaboratively to enact this vision – created by girls and youth, for girls and youth. 

Join California Women Lead on February 9 at The Mix (1525 L Street, Sacramento) from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm for an evening of connection and celebration. This annual gathering brings together influential women leaders from across California’s public and private sectors to honor shared achievements, uplift one another, and inspire the next generation of leadership.   

California Women Lead will recognize Appointments Secretary Morgan Carvajal and the Appointments staff in the Office of the Governor for their years of dedicated public service.  

Join the California Legislative Women's Caucus, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, and Phoong Law Group on Monday, February 9 at 5:30 pm at the Equire Imax Theater (1211 K Street, Sacramento) for a free screening of the award-winning movie, “Everyone Asked About You”, the story of chasing Hollywood dreams that has been called “raw and complex” and “ugly, beautiful, and honest”. Join them at 5:30 pm for social time with the film crew. The movie begins at 6:00 pm and will be followed by a panel discussion of Hollywood in the post-“Me, Too” era.

The Commission is excited to welcome Senator Catherine Blakespear as our new Commissioner! Commissioner Senator Blakespear has a long record of public service and leadership—spanning her years as Mayor of Encinitas and her current role representing Senate District 38. She demonstrates a deep commitment to strengthening communities, improving public safety, protecting the environment, and addressing the challenges facing California families.

For more than a decade at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Enrica led initiatives addressing sexual, domestic, and teen dating violence; adolescent pregnancy; and behavioral health. As the Rape Prevention and Education Program Coordinator, she championed strategies rooted in gender equity, youth leadership, and community engagement. She also coordinated a program supporting expectant and parenting youth with a reproductive justice approach to empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Brenda brings extensive experience in streamlining business services and executing statewide events and conferences. Most recently, she served as Administration Manager for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, where she led human resources, audits, rulemaking, and compliance. Prior to that, she worked as Administration Supervisor at the Conservancy and held key roles at the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), including Business Services Manager and Contract Analyst. 

Together with more than 100 advocates, legislators, and community members, Equal Rights Advocates reaffirmed their commitment to protecting California’s most vulnerable communities and fighting back against federal attacks and rollbacks.  

Stronger California is not just defending progress—they’re advancing it. This year, they marked the passage of several 2025 priority bills, including measures that expand paid family leave with an inclusive family definition, strengthen access to justice for sexual assault survivors, and reinforce California’s leadership in pay equity protections, among other critical wins. 

The year after childbirth is one of the most vulnerable and isolating periods for new mothers. In California, more than 60% of pregnancy-related deaths occur after hospital discharge, when medical visits become less frequent and social support often fades. National research shows that mothers perform two to three times more unpaid caregiving and household labor than fathers, and new mothers shoulder an estimated 1,400 hours of additional unpaid work in the first year alone. This imbalance contributes to exhaustion, increased stress, and isolation. Research shows that loneliness and perceived isolation are among the strongest predictors of postpartum depression, anxiety, and crisis. 

To help address this gap, the Office of the California Surgeon General launched a community-driven movement encouraging all of us to support new families by doing “One Small Thing.” It takes a village to help new families. Aunties, grandparents, friends, neighbors, uncles, and more can help by performing one task: babysitting for an hour, offering a ride to an appointment, delivering a meal, assisting with household chores, or checking in with a kind word. Taking the time to help out can make a meaningful difference. 

When everyone pitches in, even in small ways, families feel supported rather than isolated. Your act of kindness could be the moment of relief a new mother needs. And by staying connected, you may also help her recognize when she might need medical care or additional support.  

Together, we can help ensure no new parent feels alone during this critical time. 

Share your story on social media. Don’t forget to tag the Commission and Office of the Surgeon General! #OneSmallThing #StrongStartAndBeyond #MaternalHealth