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As President-elect Trump and his incoming administration spout inhumane, illogical, fiscally irresponsible plans that would threaten our immigrant communities, California DOJ stands ready to protect, defend, and enforce immigrant rights.
Immigrants are the backbone of our state and nation — we won’t shy away from welcoming and supporting them, regardless of who is in the White House or leading Congress.
Over the last few weeks, my office has put out guidance on immigrant rights and on how to avoid immigration-related scams, as well as policies and best practices for the public institutions that serve our communities. We know these rights and protections can be complex and the change in administration is leaving many scared and confused. More than anything, I want to reassure you that my team at California DOJ and I are here to serve and support all of California’s beautifully diverse communities. After all, our state’s diversity is both its story and its strength.
In your service,
Rob
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Reminding California Immigrants of Their Rights and Protections Under the Law
 This week, my office issued two guidances to help California immigrants better understand their rights and protections under the law and avoid immigration scams by those seeking to take advantage of fear and uncertainty resulting from the President-elect’s inhumane threats of mass detention, arrests, and deportation. The guidances build on our release of updated model policies and recommendations earlier this month to help public institutions like schools, hospitals, and courts comply with California law limiting state and local participation in immigration enforcement activities. Over the coming weeks, my team and I will continue to help Californians prepare for changes to federal immigration policy through regional convenings with immigrant rights groups, elected officials, and others where I and my staff will share resources, hear concerns, and discuss our ongoing efforts to protect California’s immigrant communities. Visit oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources to view the full guidances, available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
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Securing Settlements Against RealPage and Holland for Violating Tenant Protections
 As California navigates an unprecedented housing crisis, it’s critical that those most at risk of losing their homes are afforded the rental protections they deserve. This week, I announced settlements with tenant screening company, RealPage, and property developer and manager, Holland (formally known as Holland Residential (California)), for violations of the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act. Our settlements, which include $625,000 in restitution and penalties, underscore the responsibility that screening agencies and landlords hold in making sure they fully comply with California law. As the People’s Attorney, I am committed to using the full force of my office to ensure more Californians have access to safe and secure housing.
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Cracking Down on Human Trafficking
 This week, I announced the results of Operation Home for the Holidays. The annual, multi-jurisdictional operation is aimed at recovering those exploited in human trafficking, offering victim resources, holding traffickers accountable, and curbing the demand of sex for pay. As a result of the multi-day undercover operation, six individuals were offered support services and twelve arrests were made for solicitation. The arrests have been referred to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal prosecution.
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Supporting the Development of Affordable Housing
 Also this week, I filed an amicus brief in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court in support of a proposed affordable housing project in Goleta. Goleta’s refusal to accept an application that would add desperately-needed affordable housing is both deeply disappointing and unlawful. As I’ve said many times before, no city or county alone will be able to solve our state’s housing crisis, but they all can and must do something. I respectfully urge the Santa Barbara County Superior Court to order Goleta to process this application and allow the affordable housing project to move forward.
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Reminder: You May Be Eligible for a Gas Settlement Payment
 Market manipulation and price gouging are illegal and unacceptable, particularly during times of crisis when people are most vulnerable. California residents who purchased gas in Southern California between February 20, 2015 and November 10, 2015 can now submit a claim for a payment under the state’s settlement with gas trading firms for tampering with and manipulating prices for California gasoline. The deadline to submit claims is January 8, 2025. Eligible Californians may submit a claim online at www.CalGasLitigation.com.
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Make a Difference at California DOJ
 Apply today to help DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians. Check out our featured jobs below and visit oag.ca.gov/careers for a full listing of available positions:
Deputy Attorney General IV, Civil Rights Enforcement
Deputy Attorney General Supervisor, DMFEA Criminal Prosecutions
Deputy Attorney General IV, Office of the Solicitor General
Deputy Attorney General III, Tort & Condemnation
Deputy Attorney General III, Cannabis Control
Assistant Director, Fiscal Management
Director, Office of Program Oversight and Accountability
Labor Relations Analyst, Office of Human Resources
Investigative Auditor IV, Consumer Protection Section
Firearms Technical Lead, Firearms Modernization Section
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Video of the Week
 California is both the fifth largest economy in the world and home to more immigrants than any other state. That’s no coincidence.
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FLASH BRIEFING
Attorney General Bonta Holds Second Immigrant Rights Regional Convening in San Francisco
With New Tobacco Enforcement Law Set to Go into Effect January 1st, Attorney General Bonta Releases Guidance to Businesses
Attorney General Bonta Secures Appealable Order He Sought in Huntington Beach Voter ID Case, Looks Forward to Filing Appeal
Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert in Light of Recent Accidental Shootings
With Holiday Season in Full Swing, Attorney General Bonta Issues Charity Consumer Alert, Volunteers with GLIDE
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Photo of the Week
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Resource Corner
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