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Our democracy is built upon the principles of free speech and political participation. Whether online or in person, through voting or running for office, you should be able to freely and peacefully make your voice heard without fear for your safety.
The moment someone is afraid to engage in our democracy is the moment our democracy enters a downward spiral.
This week, our nation witnessed a horrific display of political violence that has left many reeling — and it came just three months after the tragic shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. Left, right, center, or otherwise, we must all agree that no life should be ended because of their political views.
We can disagree, debate, disengage with, and even vehemently dislike one another’s views. Robust and impassioned discourse is good and necessary for a healthy democracy. But there’s no excuse for resorting to violence to silence someone else. It goes against everything we stand for in this country.
We have got to find a way to come together and turn down the heat of our rhetoric while still encouraging passionate discourse before another episode of senseless violence erupts.
Respectfully,
Rob
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Fighting for Housing Justice
 This week, we secured two major victories for housing justice in California, starting with a settlement requiring the City of Artesia to comply with California’s Housing Element Law. Under the agreement, Artesia must update its housing plan by January 2026 to allow for 1,069 new homes, including 608 affordable units. If the city misses deadlines, it will be required to pay $10,000 per month in penalties. Additionally, the City will be subject to the Builder’s Remedy, which allows developers to move forward with certain housing projects, until it adopts a compliant housing element.
We also secured a unanimous decision from the California Fourth District Court of Appeal confirming that charter cities like Huntington Beach cannot use their status as a charter city to delay or avoid adopting a compliant housing element. The decision directs the lower court to enter a new order providing the relief requested by the State and to "expediently" adjudicate all remaining issues in our enforcement action against the City. At a time when California is experiencing a housing crisis of epic proportions, local governments’ continued reluctance to follow the law is inexcusable, and we will continue to use all the tools in our toolbox to seek accountability and ensure that every Californian has a place to call home.
Learn more about our Housing Justice Team’s work to fight for affordable housing here or on the button below.
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Challenging Inhumane Jail Conditions
 On Monday, we filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and County Correctional Health Services over unconstitutional and unsafe conditions in county jails. In 2021, my office launched an investigation into whether LASD had engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing. Among other issues, the investigation revealed significant ongoing constitutional violations at Los Angeles County jails, including a significant increase in in-custody deaths, despite decreases in the jail population size; uninhabitable and overcrowded jail facilities with inadequate plumbing, sanitation, and temperature control, which has contributed to multiple deaths; and a failure to provide adequate medical and mental health care to people inside the jails. Following extensive engagement with the County and LASD, during which they refused to agree to the comprehensive solutions necessary to improve conditions at all county jails, we filed a lawsuit to compel much-needed reforms. We’re in court because we have no other choice — we will not let Los Angeles County continue to ignore its responsibility to the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals under its care.
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Safeguarding Our Public Benefit Programs
 This week, we secured a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from imposing cruel new restrictions on access to public benefit programs based on immigration status while our litigation continues. The programs protected include Head Start, childcare services for low-income people, adult education, mental health and substance use disorder programs, and shelters for at-risk youth and domestic violence survivors, among others. With this decision, vital education, nutrition, and health programs like Head Start — and the families who rely on their services — can breathe a sigh of relief. If the Trump Administration continues to attack California families just trying to get by, we will not hesitate to take him to court.
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Delivering Justice for Consumers
 This week, we secured a major victory against Los Angeles-based retail chain Curacao, which illegally sold credit insurance to its customers, to unlawfully profit from the chain's largely Latino immigrant customer base. This case originated in 2017, when California DOJ filed a lawsuit against Curacao alleging that the company was engaging in numerous and pervasive unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices. This victory sends a clear message: California DOJ will not tolerate illegal conduct by businesses and will ensure they are met with full accountability.
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Making Your Life Affordable
 From groceries to gas, costs seem to be rising and rising ... and rising. California DOJ has your back and is committed to protecting California families grappling with the high cost of living. In this segment, find some of the ways California DOJ is protecting Californians — and their wallets.
What We Are Doing: This week, my office sounded the alarm on immigration scams and reminded consumers looking for legal help to be vigilant about bad or unethical actors.
What This Means to You: Many immigrant communities across California are experiencing fear and uncertainty resulting from President Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation campaign — and scammers are paying attention. Before writing a big check and hiring someone offering to help with immigration matters, California DOJ urges people to learn the signs of common scams and familiarize themselves with existing resources that are often available at little or no cost.
People can visit Law Help CA or Immigration Law Help to find immigration assistance near them. Folks can also find free immigration help through the U.S. Department of Justice’s list of no cost legal service providers and list of accredited representatives.
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Keeping you Safe
 California DOJ is all-in when it comes to protecting California families from the dangers of fentanyl and illicit narcotics. This week, we announced that our Division of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Investigation's Merced Area Gang & Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET) arrested two individuals on multiple felony charges for running a methamphetamine “Ice” conversion lab operating out of a residence in Merced County. These clandestine labs are a serious threat to public health and safety. MAGNET agents seized approximately 10 pounds, or nearly $116,000 worth, of crystal methamphetamine, 11,610 counterfeit fentanyl pills, and approximately $10,000 in U.S. currency. The lab was dismantled, and hazardous waste was removed appropriately. I’m grateful to our law enforcement partners including the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and the Merced County District Attorney for their collaboration on this case, countless lives being saved as a result of this important and difficult work.
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CARE Corner
 Our Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) within California DOJ focuses, among other things, on cultivating relationships with historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.
This week, Efrain Botello-Cisneros, Community Outreach Manager for the Central Valley/Greater Sacramento, joined Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Delano Chapter to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic Delano Grape Strike.
The Delano Grape Strike and Farmworkers Movement reminds us all: When we the people stand united, there's nothing we can't accomplish.
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Post of the Week
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FLASH BRIEFING
Attorney General Bonta Secures Early Win Defending Law Protecting Children from Online Addiction
Attorney General Bonta Files Brief to Safeguard Workers from Unjust Discrimination by Employers
Attorney General Bonta Opposes Proposal to End Data Collection on Bullying and Harassment of Students Based on Gender Identity
Attorney General Bonta Announces Joint Investigative Privacy Sweep: CO, CT, and CA Investigate Businesses Refusing to Honor Consumers’ Right to Opt-Out of the Sale of Their Personal Information
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Video of the Week
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 California’s housing crisis is unsustainable, unacceptable, and unjust. At California DOJ, we’re committed to doing our part to fight it — we’ve taken action throughout the state to enforce our housing laws and pave the way for more housing.
In “California Values: Housing Justice,” our legal team takes you inside the fight for affordable housing in Elk Grove.
Watch the full video on our YouTube by clicking on the button below.
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Resource Corner
 Apply today to help the California 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, Public Records Act Unit
Deputy Attorney General Supervisor, Employment Law
Deputy Attorney General IV, Healthcare Rights & Access Section
Deputy Attorney General, Public Records Act Unit
Deputy Attorney General III, Correctional Law
Special Assistant Attorney General, Immigration
Director, Office of Program Oversight and Accountability
Assistant Director, Business Services
Career Development Consultant, Office of Human Resources
Legal Analyst, DMFEA Criminal Prosecutions
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