New CHP Officers take their oaths of office on Friday, August 1, 2025. CHP video screenshots.
Nearly 500 CHP officers have been sworn in so far in 2025 as the Department continues its statewide push to enhance public safety.
By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California High Patrol
SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly welcomed 130 newly sworn officers on Friday, celebrating their successful completion of 26 weeks of intensive training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. This milestone marks another step in the Department’s ongoing mission to increase public safety across California.
“This graduation represents more than a ceremony; it signifies a solemn pledge to protect and serve. These officers have demonstrated their dedication to keeping California’s communities safe and upholding the CHP’s core values,” said Commissioner Sean Duryee.
New CHP Officers listen to Commissioner Sean Duryee during the ceremony on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.
These new officers will now report to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across California to start their law enforcement careers, protecting and serving communities throughout the state’s 58 counties.
This group of graduates brings a rich blend of backgrounds and experience, including several with public safety and military service, former college athletes and even one with a unique background as a public address announcer.
See graduation ceremony video.
During academy training, cadets receive instruction in traffic enforcement, crash investigation, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and community policing. The curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics and cultural awareness to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population.
Following today’s graduation ceremony, nearly 300 cadets remain at the CHP’s live-in training facility and an additional 160 cadets are set to start instruction on August 11 as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across the state.
The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit our website to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.
The CHP provides the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to everyone in California.
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1 Civil Engineer, 1 Electrical Engineer and 1 Certified Public Accountant
By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
BART is recruiting volunteer candidates to fill three vacant seats on the Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee. The committee provides diligent and public oversight of the expenditure of funds from bond sales associated with Measure RR, which is a $3.5 billion bond measure approved by BART District voters in 2016 to rebuild the system’s core infrastructure. Members of the Bond Oversight Committee represent a diversity of expertise, geography, and demographic characteristics. BART is looking for candidates to fill the electrical engineer, civil engineer, and Certified Public Accountant seats on the committee. All committee members are unpaid volunteers.
Candidates must live in either Alameda County, Contra Costa County or San Francisco City and County.
Source: BART
About Measure RR
Voters approved Measure RR, a $3.5 billion bond, in November 2016. The bond proceeds fund a portfolio of projects including replacing 90 miles of severely worn tracks, repair tunnels damaged by water intrusion and upgrade the aging train control system. Learn more at bart.gov/rebuilding/projects.
About the Committee
The independent Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee consists of five professionals in the areas of engineering, auditing, public finance, construction project management, and two members from the League of Women Voters. Learn more at bart.gov/bondoversight.
Committee Responsibilities
Members of the Committee are responsible for the following:
- Assess how bond proceeds are spent.
- Assess that work is completed in a timely, cost effective and quality manner.
- Communicate its findings and recommendations to the public.
- Publish an annual report.
Source: BART
Time Commitment
The minimum time commitment is about 10 to 15 hours per year. There are typically four in person meetings annually, which are open to the public
Compensation
Committee members are volunteers. However, BART will compensate members for their travel on BART to and from meetings.
INTERESTED?
Contact Rachel Russell at (510) 418-0859 or measurerrcommittee@bart.gov to discuss next steps.
DEADLINE
Friday, August 15, 2025, 5pm Pacific Time. Submit cover letter and resume to Rachel Russell for consideration.
Learn more about applying here.
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Will talk about state’s 30 lawsuits against Trump Administration
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced he will host a virtual town hall with special guest California Attorney General Rob Bonta on defending constitutional rights and protecting Californians from the Trump Administration’s harmful policies on Tuesday, August 5th at 5:45 p.m. PT.
According to DeSaulnier, “Amid the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, federal funding, environmental protections, and more, A.G. Rob Bonta has been a staunch defender of the rule of law on behalf of us here in CA-10 (California’s 10th Congressional District) and across California. He’s joining us for a virtual town hall.”
Since President Trump was inaugurated in January, Attorney General Bonta has filed more than 30 lawsuits on behalf of Californians against what he claims are the Administration’s illegal and unconstitutional policies. DeSaulnier and Bonta will discuss recent successes in the courts and in Congress and the path ahead to check what are believed to be the President’s abuses of power. They will also take audience questions live.
Virtual Town Hall
Tuesday, August 5th
5:45 – 6:45 p.m. PT
Hosted on Zoom
Streamed to YouTube
To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.
This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 240th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.
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By Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council
When Kaiser Permanente announced its decision to pause all “gender-affirming” surgeries on minors last week, I held my breath, hoping that California’s media might finally take the opportunity to tell the public what a teen trans surgery is. I hoped they’d finally give voice to the victims, detransitioners like Chloe Cole, Layla Jane, and Luka Hein, whose lives have been permanently scarred by the very procedures Kaiser is now putting on hold.
But out of 18 stories from California main-stream news outlets covering Kaiser’s policy change, only one interviewed a detransitioner. One.
Only CBS Bay Area’s Andrea Nakano took the courageous and journalistically responsible step of showing both sides of the debate. At a protest in front of a San Francisco Kaiser hospital, she aired the story of Layla Jane, who had her healthy breasts removed at age 13, at that very same Kaiser facility.
Layla stood feet away from a transgender Kaiser nurse protesting the pause. Nakano gave both of them a voice. That’s journalism. That’s truth-seeking. Sadly, it was the exception, not the rule.
The rest of California’s media? Silence and censorship.
Of the 18 stories reviewed:
- Only four mentioned that “gender-affirming surgery” often means double mastectomies on teenage girls.
- None investigated how many minors had these surgeries, despite Kaiser vaguely calling them “rare.”
- Only one mentioned Chloe Cole’s malpractice lawsuit against Kaiser, even though Chloe is arguably the most well-known detransitioner in the nation, and Kaiser is the defendant. No one mentioned Layla Jane’s lawsuit against Kaiser.
- Not a single story explored why 20+ U.S. states have now banned these surgeries for minors, or why Sweden, the UK, and Finland have reversed course and are now severely restricting them for youth.
Instead, the overwhelming narrative was this:
Kaiser is under political pressure from the Trump administration. Transgender youth are being denied “life-saving care.” And anyone who disagrees is probably motivated by religious bigotry or animus. Some of that tone can be heard in an interview by CBS News reporter Steve Large out of Sacramento. I know because I was his on-camera interview.
I gave Steve detailed information about Chloe Cole and Layla Jane. I shared video footage of their Capitol testimony. I explained how Chloe’s lawsuit accused Kaiser of pressuring her parents with false suicide warnings to approve surgery when she was just 15 years old. I laid out our position, not just our Christian beliefs, but our moral and medical objections to giving sterilizing drugs and mutilating surgeries to children struggling with gender confusion.
None of it made the final cut.
Instead, Steve chose to focus on the supposed theological motivations of California Family Council. The fact that we oppose telling kids they’re “born in the wrong body”? That we think cutting off the healthy breasts of 13-year-old girls is a tragedy, not a treatment? That this is a medical scandal, not a political issue?
Ignored.
His story, like so many others, was dominated by activists and so-called experts lamenting the loss of “life-saving gender care.” Not one mention of what those surgeries actually are, why they are controversial, or how many European countries have reversed course out of concern for the growing number of regretful detransitioners.
Why is this happening?
Because many in the media have adopted an ideological commitment to protect “trans identity” at all costs, even if it means silencing those who have been harmed by it.
It is my suspicion many reporter have been convinced that giving a platform to detransitioners like Chloe Cole and Layla Jane causes “emotional harm” to trans identified people. That airing dissent “spreads hate.” So instead of reporting, they suppress. Instead of asking questions, they protect the narrative.
But this isn’t journalism. It’s activism dressed up in a press pass.
Let’s be clear: What’s being hidden from the public is one of the largest medical scandals of our time.
- Teenage girls are having their healthy breasts cut off to cope with internal distress. In rarer occasions “lower-genital procedures” are done including: Vaginoplasty: Constructs a neovagina using the penile and scrotal tissue. Orchiectomy: Surgical removal of the testicles, often performed prior to or instead of vaginoplasty. Labiaplasty: Additional procedure to refine the external appearance of the labia.
- Minors are being put on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones that sterilize, weaken bone density, and stunt brain development.
- Parents are told that if they don’t go along, their child will die by suicide, a claim not backed by long-term evidence.
- And anyone who speaks up, especially those who’ve lived through it and now regret it, is shoved off camera, their stories erased or ignored.
This is not compassion. This is a cover-up.
As a representative of California Family Council, I want to make our stance crystal clear: We will not be silent on this issue. We will continue to amplify the voices the media tries to mute. Voices like Chloe’s and Layla’s. Voices of truth, even when uncomfortable. Especially when uncomfortable.
And we ask journalists across California: Do your job. Ask the hard questions. Investigate both sides. And for heaven’s sake—stop pretending these kids don’t exist just because their stories contradict your worldview.
The public deserves better. And the victims deserve to be heard.
Read the 18 stories referenced above…
About California Family Council
California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.
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Refuses to answer questions about treatments
By Allen D. Payton
Last week, in response to new directions at the federal level under the Trump Administration, Kaiser Permanente issued the following statement on “Gender Affirming Care for Patients Under 19”:
Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care to all our members, including adolescents. We are proud of the care and coverage we provide for transgender patients. Our work in this area and the inclusive care we provide for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families is recognized in the community.
Since January, there has been significant focus by the federal government on gender-affirming care, specifically for patients under the age of 19. This has included executive orders instructing federal agencies to take actions to curtail access and restrict funding for gender-affirming care, hospital inquiries by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and regulatory changes to coverage and broader federal agency review, including by the Federal Trade Commission. Most recently, the U.S. Department of Justice issued subpoenas to doctors and clinics providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth, as part of ongoing federal investigations.
In response to these federal actions, many health systems and clinicians across the country have paused or discontinued providing gender-affirming care for adolescents.
As the legal and regulatory environment for gender-affirming care continues to evolve, we must carefully consider the significant risks being created for health systems, clinicians, and patients under the age of 19 seeking this care.
After significant deliberation and consultation with internal and external experts including our physicians, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause surgical treatment for patients under the age of 19 in our hospitals and surgical centers. This pause is effective August 29, 2025. All other gender-affirming care treatment remains available. We continue to meet with regulators as well as our clinicians, patients, their families, and the community with the goal of identifying a responsible path forward.
We recognize that this is an extremely challenging and stressful time for our patients seeking care, as well as for our clinicians whose mission is to care for them. We will work closely with each patient to support their care journey.
We will remain a voice and advocate for safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for transgender patients.
Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations and Public Relations Representative for Kaiser Permanente Northern California was asked:
“Were those surgeries offered at Antioch, Walnut Creek and/or Richmond Kaiser hospitals?
Also, why does Kaiser continue to participate in and support the delusion that someone can change their gender with the labeling of the surgeries as “gender-affirming care”?
Why would Kaiser allow its doctors to participate in mutilating children and scaring them for life based on the confusion and mental disorder of gender dysphoria? According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘A diagnosis for gender dysphoria is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)…published by the American Psychiatric Association.’
Furthermore, how can the doctors that performed such surgeries argue they were not violating the Hippocratic Oath, specifically to ‘do no harm’?
Is counseling offered instead to children and adults experiencing such confusion and a mental disorder?”
But Harrington did not respond. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
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Source: Diana Becton for District Attorney campaign
CCC Deputy Sheriff’s contribute $50K; Antioch Police Officers Association explains reasons for $5,000 contribution
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on Facebook on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Becton for DA campaign surprisingly announced new support for her recall from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and two other “major law enforcement associations.” According to recall organizer Gwynn Gabe the other two are the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) and Concord Police Officers Association.
“She’s been keeping track of the people who are giving us money,” he added.
The post by “Team Becton” reads: “The recall against District Attorney Diana Becton just escalated.
Three major law enforcement associations, including the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, just poured tens of thousands into the recall effort—including a single $50,000 donation. Even more telling? They’ve hired the strategist behind the recalls of DAs in San Francisco and Alameda County.
This isn’t just a warning. This is a coordinated, well-funded effort to undo the will of the voters and take Contra Costa backwards.
But here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: we’ve already won twice. And with your help, we will again, because here’s what they’re underestimating: you. Us. This community.
This is not the time to sit back. We need you on the front lines —because what’s at stake is bigger than any one election. It’s about protecting real public safety solutions, and standing up to those who want to take us backward. DA Becton has stood up for equity, justice, and real public safety. Now we must stand up for her.”
It then offers ways for opponents of the recall to “Take Action Now” including volunteering and donating through the Act Blue campaign fundraising website for Democrats currently under investigation for possible fraudulent political contributions.
The APOA Board issued the following statement about their contribution of $5,000 to the campaign to recall Becton: “The APOA was approached by members of the recall movement who asked if we would be willing to support them in their efforts to recall the DA. After careful consideration, we agreed as a board to support this endeavor in hopes that this would ultimately lead to a more transparent DA’s office that holds criminals accountable and keeps our streets safe. Whatever the outcome, we know the officers represented by the APOA will continue to work hard to keep our community safe and have a great working relationship with the DA’s office.”
Recall organizers have until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to submit 72,556 valid signatures to qualify the effort for the ballot.
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Contra Costa DA charges Florida man, ex-girlfriend – the child’s mother with sexual abuse of a minor
Rustom Bhagwager. Source: CCC Sheriff. Graphic: CCDA
He faces 24 felony charges, now held on $15 million bail; both face 15 years to life in state prison
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – Today, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 24-count felony complaint in Superior Court against a Florida man related to the sexual abuse of a minor between 2018 and 2023 in Contra Costa County.
34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $15 million and will be arraigned on 24 felony charges that include: engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
This internationally covered case was originally brought to light by local media reporting after the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office arrested Bhagwagar at SFO on Saturday.
Additionally, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell has also been charged in a related felony complaint and has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. The charges in both complaints carry terms of 15 years to life in state prison. (See related article)
Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the allegations, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office in order to protect her identity.
Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26th, around 9:40 pm at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. (See related article)
Once Bhagwagar enters a plea to the charges in court, his case will proceed to a preliminary hearing of the evidence by a judge. Bahgwagar’s arraignment on the charges is scheduled for 1:35 pm in Martinez on July 30th.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs. By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.”
Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar
Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Powell
Asregadoo was asked for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred. He later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Suspect Jennifer Powell, the child’s mother and ex-girlfriend of Rustom Bhagwagar. Photo: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department
45-year-old mother of child & ex-girlfriend of Florida pilot
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have made an additional arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into sex crimes against a child.
On Sat., July 26, 2025, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the assistance of HSI, boarded a plane at San Francisco International Airport to arrest 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on sex crimes against a child charges. (See related article)
Detectives this afternoon, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, arrested 45-year-old Jennifer Powell. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges involving sex crimes against a child.
Questions were sent to Jimmy Lee and Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office asking for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred, but no response was received prior to publication time. Asregadoo later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”
According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, Powell is the ex-gifrlfiend of Bhagwagar and “According to court documents, Powell was aware that her daughter was being sexually abused by her then-boyfriend. The court documents said she watched and even participated in the alleged sex crimes against her daughter.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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“The New TDT Network” brings community-driven changes to nearly all of the agency’s bus routes
By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit
After canvassing East County for input from riders and residents over the last year, Tri Delta Transit (also known as East Contra Costa Transit Authority) is poised to launch a significant realignment of its transit system, offering service that is faster, more direct and more frequent beginning Aug. 10.
Dubbed “The New TDT Network,” this realignment brings sweeping changes to nearly every Tri Delta Transit route, informed by a blend of public feedback and data analysis. Bus routes across the system have been made faster and more direct, with better connectivity between buses and BART.
A brief video highlighting the major changes of the new network – and how they were determined – is available at revitalizetridelta.com.
Busier areas will see more frequent and consistent service, with improved weekend service across the board. The updated system introduces a brand-new route running every 15 minutes, along with four additional routes operating every 30 minutes, making morning commutes smoother for bus riders.
“We wanted to be sure these changes served local riders – particularly those who rely on transit for their morning commutes,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, who chairs Tri Delta Transit’s Board of Directors. “These updated routes – including Tri Delta Transit’s first route to run every 15 minutes – will not only greatly improve commutes for those who already ride but open up new possibilities for those whose schedules didn’t align with the previous system.”
Source: Tri Delta Transit
Integration with Tri MyRide has also been expanded to better serve the Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley areas, while maintaining existing coverage in the Pittsburg and Bay Point area.
“From the beginning of the New TDT Network initiative, our goal has been to ensure that the new network is able to better meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “This new network is a direct result of that goal and aligns with everything we’ve heard from the public over the last year. Our riders can look forward to consistent bus service with lower wait times that offer faster, more direct routes to where they need to be.”
For details on specific route changes and other information about The New TDT Network, visit revitalizetridelta.com.
About Tri Delta Transit
Tri Delta Transit provides over 2,000,000 trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of eastern Contra Costa County. For additional information about the Tri Delta Transit, please visit www.trideltatransit.com.
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Professor Joel Ledford teaches the Biology 2C class and they started class policies and then the tree of life during the First Day of classes on September 24, 2024, in California Hall. Credit: Gregory Urquiaga / UC Davis
The system also extended more admission offers to out-of-state students, including many more international students
By Michael Burke And Daniel J. Willis, EdSource – republished with permission
Top Takeaways
- The number of first-year Californians admitted to the University of California increased by 7% over last year.
- The gains weren’t evenly distributed across the system, with the most competitive campuses actually admitting fewer in-state students than last year.
- UC also accepted more transfer students as well as more students from other states and countries.
The University of California admitted more California residents for the upcoming fall term than last year, but not at the system’s most exclusive campuses.
Overall, UC admitted 149,368 first-year students, including 100,947 Californians — 7% more in-state students than the system admitted for fall 2024, according to data UC released Monday.
That increase was driven by gains in the number of Californians admitted to the Merced and Riverside campuses, and to a lesser degree, the Davis and Santa Cruz campuses. That offsets the decline in the number of first-year California residents accepted to the remaining campuses, including UCLA and Berkeley. However, the share of admitted students who choose to enroll at those campuses is much higher than at campuses such as Merced and Riverside, where only a small percentage of accepted students end up attending.
Among first-year Californians, there were also gains across racial groups, with the number of admitted Black, Latino, Asian and white students increasing systemwide.
Most campuses also admitted more students from other states and countries than last year, as well as more transfer students from community colleges.
The systemwide first-year admission rate was 77% for Californians and 73% for all students, both up by 7% from last year.
In recent years, UC has faced pressure from lawmakers to offer more spots to California residents and, as part of a deal with Gov. Gavin Newsom, has agreed to enroll more of those students in exchange for annual budget increases. This year’s funding increase, however, was deferred and will be paid to UC in subsequent years.
Chart: Justin Allen Source: California Department of Education Get the data Created with Datawrapper
“We continue to experience significant growth — a clear indication that Californians recognize the value of a UC degree,” UC President Michael V. Drake said in a statement. “Our latest admissions numbers demonstrate that families across our state recognize that UC degrees prepare students for a lifetime of meaningful contributions in their communities and far beyond.”
Merced accepted 17,481 more first-year Californians than it did a year ago, a staggering 72% increase. Riverside also saw a massive jump, offering admission to just under 17,000 or 46% more in-state students than it did for fall 2024.
At Berkeley and UCLA, the number of first-year Californians offered a spot declined by 8% and 2.4%, respectively. There were also modest declines at the Irvine, San Diego and Santa Barbara campuses.
However, Berkeley was among the campuses to admit more California community college transfer students. The system as a whole admitted 27,845 transfer students from California community colleges, up 6% over last year.
Chart: Justin Allen Source: California Department of Education Get the data Created with Datawrapper
“Creating pathways to a UC education for a wide range of top California students yields benefits not only for those students, but for the state at large,” Han Mi Yoon-Wu, UC’s associate vice provost and executive director for undergraduate admissions, said in a statement.
UC also extended admission offers to far more out-of-state students. The system accepted 2,150 more domestic out-of-state students than last year, a 9% increase. The increase was even more significant for international students, with UC admitting 3,263 more than last year, or a 17% gain.
Facing state budget uncertainties and federal funding cuts, UC could stand to benefit from enrolling more out-of-state students, who pay significantly higher tuition prices than California residents and will pay even more this fall.
In a press release, though, UC said the increased offers to international students were “due to rising uncertainty of their likelihood of enrolling.”
Across California and nationally, many experts and college staff are concerned that international students will be less likely to enroll this fall out of fear that the Trump administration could cancel their visas.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated the visas of more than 1,500 international students across the country, including many in California. The administration later reversed those terminations, but said at the time that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was “developing a policy that will provide a framework” for visa terminations.
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New CHP Officers take their oaths of office on Friday, August 1, 2025. CHP video screenshots.
Nearly 500 CHP officers have been sworn in so far in 2025 as the Department continues its statewide push to enhance public safety.
By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California High Patrol
SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly welcomed 130 newly sworn officers on Friday, celebrating their successful completion of 26 weeks of intensive training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. This milestone marks another step in the Department’s ongoing mission to increase public safety across California.
“This graduation represents more than a ceremony; it signifies a solemn pledge to protect and serve. These officers have demonstrated their dedication to keeping California’s communities safe and upholding the CHP’s core values,” said Commissioner Sean Duryee.
New CHP Officers listen to Commissioner Sean Duryee during the ceremony on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.
These new officers will now report to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across California to start their law enforcement careers, protecting and serving communities throughout the state’s 58 counties.
This group of graduates brings a rich blend of backgrounds and experience, including several with public safety and military service, former college athletes and even one with a unique background as a public address announcer.
See graduation ceremony video.
During academy training, cadets receive instruction in traffic enforcement, crash investigation, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and community policing. The curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics and cultural awareness to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population.
Following today’s graduation ceremony, nearly 300 cadets remain at the CHP’s live-in training facility and an additional 160 cadets are set to start instruction on August 11 as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across the state.
The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit our website to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.
The CHP provides the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to everyone in California.
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1 Civil Engineer, 1 Electrical Engineer and 1 Certified Public Accountant
By San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
BART is recruiting volunteer candidates to fill three vacant seats on the Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee. The committee provides diligent and public oversight of the expenditure of funds from bond sales associated with Measure RR, which is a $3.5 billion bond measure approved by BART District voters in 2016 to rebuild the system’s core infrastructure. Members of the Bond Oversight Committee represent a diversity of expertise, geography, and demographic characteristics. BART is looking for candidates to fill the electrical engineer, civil engineer, and Certified Public Accountant seats on the committee. All committee members are unpaid volunteers.
Candidates must live in either Alameda County, Contra Costa County or San Francisco City and County.
Source: BART
About Measure RR
Voters approved Measure RR, a $3.5 billion bond, in November 2016. The bond proceeds fund a portfolio of projects including replacing 90 miles of severely worn tracks, repair tunnels damaged by water intrusion and upgrade the aging train control system. Learn more at bart.gov/rebuilding/projects.
About the Committee
The independent Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee consists of five professionals in the areas of engineering, auditing, public finance, construction project management, and two members from the League of Women Voters. Learn more at bart.gov/bondoversight.
Committee Responsibilities
Members of the Committee are responsible for the following:
- Assess how bond proceeds are spent.
- Assess that work is completed in a timely, cost effective and quality manner.
- Communicate its findings and recommendations to the public.
- Publish an annual report.
Source: BART
Time Commitment
The minimum time commitment is about 10 to 15 hours per year. There are typically four in person meetings annually, which are open to the public
Compensation
Committee members are volunteers. However, BART will compensate members for their travel on BART to and from meetings.
INTERESTED?
Contact Rachel Russell at (510) 418-0859 or measurerrcommittee@bart.gov to discuss next steps.
DEADLINE
Friday, August 15, 2025, 5pm Pacific Time. Submit cover letter and resume to Rachel Russell for consideration.
Learn more about applying here.
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Will talk about state’s 30 lawsuits against Trump Administration
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced he will host a virtual town hall with special guest California Attorney General Rob Bonta on defending constitutional rights and protecting Californians from the Trump Administration’s harmful policies on Tuesday, August 5th at 5:45 p.m. PT.
According to DeSaulnier, “Amid the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, federal funding, environmental protections, and more, A.G. Rob Bonta has been a staunch defender of the rule of law on behalf of us here in CA-10 (California’s 10th Congressional District) and across California. He’s joining us for a virtual town hall.”
Since President Trump was inaugurated in January, Attorney General Bonta has filed more than 30 lawsuits on behalf of Californians against what he claims are the Administration’s illegal and unconstitutional policies. DeSaulnier and Bonta will discuss recent successes in the courts and in Congress and the path ahead to check what are believed to be the President’s abuses of power. They will also take audience questions live.
Virtual Town Hall
Tuesday, August 5th
5:45 – 6:45 p.m. PT
Hosted on Zoom
Streamed to YouTube
To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660.
This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 240th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.
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By Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council
When Kaiser Permanente announced its decision to pause all “gender-affirming” surgeries on minors last week, I held my breath, hoping that California’s media might finally take the opportunity to tell the public what a teen trans surgery is. I hoped they’d finally give voice to the victims, detransitioners like Chloe Cole, Layla Jane, and Luka Hein, whose lives have been permanently scarred by the very procedures Kaiser is now putting on hold.
But out of 18 stories from California main-stream news outlets covering Kaiser’s policy change, only one interviewed a detransitioner. One.
Only CBS Bay Area’s Andrea Nakano took the courageous and journalistically responsible step of showing both sides of the debate. At a protest in front of a San Francisco Kaiser hospital, she aired the story of Layla Jane, who had her healthy breasts removed at age 13, at that very same Kaiser facility.
Layla stood feet away from a transgender Kaiser nurse protesting the pause. Nakano gave both of them a voice. That’s journalism. That’s truth-seeking. Sadly, it was the exception, not the rule.
The rest of California’s media? Silence and censorship.
Of the 18 stories reviewed:
- Only four mentioned that “gender-affirming surgery” often means double mastectomies on teenage girls.
- None investigated how many minors had these surgeries, despite Kaiser vaguely calling them “rare.”
- Only one mentioned Chloe Cole’s malpractice lawsuit against Kaiser, even though Chloe is arguably the most well-known detransitioner in the nation, and Kaiser is the defendant. No one mentioned Layla Jane’s lawsuit against Kaiser.
- Not a single story explored why 20+ U.S. states have now banned these surgeries for minors, or why Sweden, the UK, and Finland have reversed course and are now severely restricting them for youth.
Instead, the overwhelming narrative was this:
Kaiser is under political pressure from the Trump administration. Transgender youth are being denied “life-saving care.” And anyone who disagrees is probably motivated by religious bigotry or animus. Some of that tone can be heard in an interview by CBS News reporter Steve Large out of Sacramento. I know because I was his on-camera interview.
I gave Steve detailed information about Chloe Cole and Layla Jane. I shared video footage of their Capitol testimony. I explained how Chloe’s lawsuit accused Kaiser of pressuring her parents with false suicide warnings to approve surgery when she was just 15 years old. I laid out our position, not just our Christian beliefs, but our moral and medical objections to giving sterilizing drugs and mutilating surgeries to children struggling with gender confusion.
None of it made the final cut.
Instead, Steve chose to focus on the supposed theological motivations of California Family Council. The fact that we oppose telling kids they’re “born in the wrong body”? That we think cutting off the healthy breasts of 13-year-old girls is a tragedy, not a treatment? That this is a medical scandal, not a political issue?
Ignored.
His story, like so many others, was dominated by activists and so-called experts lamenting the loss of “life-saving gender care.” Not one mention of what those surgeries actually are, why they are controversial, or how many European countries have reversed course out of concern for the growing number of regretful detransitioners.
Why is this happening?
Because many in the media have adopted an ideological commitment to protect “trans identity” at all costs, even if it means silencing those who have been harmed by it.
It is my suspicion many reporter have been convinced that giving a platform to detransitioners like Chloe Cole and Layla Jane causes “emotional harm” to trans identified people. That airing dissent “spreads hate.” So instead of reporting, they suppress. Instead of asking questions, they protect the narrative.
But this isn’t journalism. It’s activism dressed up in a press pass.
Let’s be clear: What’s being hidden from the public is one of the largest medical scandals of our time.
- Teenage girls are having their healthy breasts cut off to cope with internal distress. In rarer occasions “lower-genital procedures” are done including: Vaginoplasty: Constructs a neovagina using the penile and scrotal tissue. Orchiectomy: Surgical removal of the testicles, often performed prior to or instead of vaginoplasty. Labiaplasty: Additional procedure to refine the external appearance of the labia.
- Minors are being put on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones that sterilize, weaken bone density, and stunt brain development.
- Parents are told that if they don’t go along, their child will die by suicide, a claim not backed by long-term evidence.
- And anyone who speaks up, especially those who’ve lived through it and now regret it, is shoved off camera, their stories erased or ignored.
This is not compassion. This is a cover-up.
As a representative of California Family Council, I want to make our stance crystal clear: We will not be silent on this issue. We will continue to amplify the voices the media tries to mute. Voices like Chloe’s and Layla’s. Voices of truth, even when uncomfortable. Especially when uncomfortable.
And we ask journalists across California: Do your job. Ask the hard questions. Investigate both sides. And for heaven’s sake—stop pretending these kids don’t exist just because their stories contradict your worldview.
The public deserves better. And the victims deserve to be heard.
Read the 18 stories referenced above…
About California Family Council
California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.
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Refuses to answer questions about treatments
By Allen D. Payton
Last week, in response to new directions at the federal level under the Trump Administration, Kaiser Permanente issued the following statement on “Gender Affirming Care for Patients Under 19”:
Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care to all our members, including adolescents. We are proud of the care and coverage we provide for transgender patients. Our work in this area and the inclusive care we provide for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families is recognized in the community.
Since January, there has been significant focus by the federal government on gender-affirming care, specifically for patients under the age of 19. This has included executive orders instructing federal agencies to take actions to curtail access and restrict funding for gender-affirming care, hospital inquiries by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and regulatory changes to coverage and broader federal agency review, including by the Federal Trade Commission. Most recently, the U.S. Department of Justice issued subpoenas to doctors and clinics providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth, as part of ongoing federal investigations.
In response to these federal actions, many health systems and clinicians across the country have paused or discontinued providing gender-affirming care for adolescents.
As the legal and regulatory environment for gender-affirming care continues to evolve, we must carefully consider the significant risks being created for health systems, clinicians, and patients under the age of 19 seeking this care.
After significant deliberation and consultation with internal and external experts including our physicians, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause surgical treatment for patients under the age of 19 in our hospitals and surgical centers. This pause is effective August 29, 2025. All other gender-affirming care treatment remains available. We continue to meet with regulators as well as our clinicians, patients, their families, and the community with the goal of identifying a responsible path forward.
We recognize that this is an extremely challenging and stressful time for our patients seeking care, as well as for our clinicians whose mission is to care for them. We will work closely with each patient to support their care journey.
We will remain a voice and advocate for safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for transgender patients.
Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations and Public Relations Representative for Kaiser Permanente Northern California was asked:
“Were those surgeries offered at Antioch, Walnut Creek and/or Richmond Kaiser hospitals?
Also, why does Kaiser continue to participate in and support the delusion that someone can change their gender with the labeling of the surgeries as “gender-affirming care”?
Why would Kaiser allow its doctors to participate in mutilating children and scaring them for life based on the confusion and mental disorder of gender dysphoria? According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘A diagnosis for gender dysphoria is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)…published by the American Psychiatric Association.’
Furthermore, how can the doctors that performed such surgeries argue they were not violating the Hippocratic Oath, specifically to ‘do no harm’?
Is counseling offered instead to children and adults experiencing such confusion and a mental disorder?”
But Harrington did not respond. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Read MoreSource: Diana Becton for District Attorney campaign
CCC Deputy Sheriff’s contribute $50K; Antioch Police Officers Association explains reasons for $5,000 contribution
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on Facebook on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Becton for DA campaign surprisingly announced new support for her recall from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and two other “major law enforcement associations.” According to recall organizer Gwynn Gabe the other two are the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) and Concord Police Officers Association.
“She’s been keeping track of the people who are giving us money,” he added.
The post by “Team Becton” reads: “The recall against District Attorney Diana Becton just escalated.
Three major law enforcement associations, including the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, just poured tens of thousands into the recall effort—including a single $50,000 donation. Even more telling? They’ve hired the strategist behind the recalls of DAs in San Francisco and Alameda County.
This isn’t just a warning. This is a coordinated, well-funded effort to undo the will of the voters and take Contra Costa backwards.
But here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: we’ve already won twice. And with your help, we will again, because here’s what they’re underestimating: you. Us. This community.
This is not the time to sit back. We need you on the front lines —because what’s at stake is bigger than any one election. It’s about protecting real public safety solutions, and standing up to those who want to take us backward. DA Becton has stood up for equity, justice, and real public safety. Now we must stand up for her.”
It then offers ways for opponents of the recall to “Take Action Now” including volunteering and donating through the Act Blue campaign fundraising website for Democrats currently under investigation for possible fraudulent political contributions.
The APOA Board issued the following statement about their contribution of $5,000 to the campaign to recall Becton: “The APOA was approached by members of the recall movement who asked if we would be willing to support them in their efforts to recall the DA. After careful consideration, we agreed as a board to support this endeavor in hopes that this would ultimately lead to a more transparent DA’s office that holds criminals accountable and keeps our streets safe. Whatever the outcome, we know the officers represented by the APOA will continue to work hard to keep our community safe and have a great working relationship with the DA’s office.”
Recall organizers have until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to submit 72,556 valid signatures to qualify the effort for the ballot.
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Contra Costa DA charges Florida man, ex-girlfriend – the child’s mother with sexual abuse of a minor
Rustom Bhagwager. Source: CCC Sheriff. Graphic: CCDA
He faces 24 felony charges, now held on $15 million bail; both face 15 years to life in state prison
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – Today, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 24-count felony complaint in Superior Court against a Florida man related to the sexual abuse of a minor between 2018 and 2023 in Contra Costa County.
34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $15 million and will be arraigned on 24 felony charges that include: engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
This internationally covered case was originally brought to light by local media reporting after the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office arrested Bhagwagar at SFO on Saturday.
Additionally, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell has also been charged in a related felony complaint and has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. The charges in both complaints carry terms of 15 years to life in state prison. (See related article)
Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the allegations, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office in order to protect her identity.
Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26th, around 9:40 pm at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. (See related article)
Once Bhagwagar enters a plea to the charges in court, his case will proceed to a preliminary hearing of the evidence by a judge. Bahgwagar’s arraignment on the charges is scheduled for 1:35 pm in Martinez on July 30th.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs. By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.”
Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar
Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Powell
Asregadoo was asked for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred. He later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreSuspect Jennifer Powell, the child’s mother and ex-girlfriend of Rustom Bhagwagar. Photo: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department
45-year-old mother of child & ex-girlfriend of Florida pilot
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division have made an additional arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into sex crimes against a child.
On Sat., July 26, 2025, Sheriff’s Office detectives, with the assistance of HSI, boarded a plane at San Francisco International Airport to arrest 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar of Florida. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on sex crimes against a child charges. (See related article)
Detectives this afternoon, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, arrested 45-year-old Jennifer Powell. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on numerous charges involving sex crimes against a child.
Questions were sent to Jimmy Lee and Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office asking for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred, but no response was received prior to publication time. Asregadoo later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”
According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, Powell is the ex-gifrlfiend of Bhagwagar and “According to court documents, Powell was aware that her daughter was being sexually abused by her then-boyfriend. The court documents said she watched and even participated in the alleged sex crimes against her daughter.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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“The New TDT Network” brings community-driven changes to nearly all of the agency’s bus routes
By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit
After canvassing East County for input from riders and residents over the last year, Tri Delta Transit (also known as East Contra Costa Transit Authority) is poised to launch a significant realignment of its transit system, offering service that is faster, more direct and more frequent beginning Aug. 10.
Dubbed “The New TDT Network,” this realignment brings sweeping changes to nearly every Tri Delta Transit route, informed by a blend of public feedback and data analysis. Bus routes across the system have been made faster and more direct, with better connectivity between buses and BART.
A brief video highlighting the major changes of the new network – and how they were determined – is available at revitalizetridelta.com.
Busier areas will see more frequent and consistent service, with improved weekend service across the board. The updated system introduces a brand-new route running every 15 minutes, along with four additional routes operating every 30 minutes, making morning commutes smoother for bus riders.
“We wanted to be sure these changes served local riders – particularly those who rely on transit for their morning commutes,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, who chairs Tri Delta Transit’s Board of Directors. “These updated routes – including Tri Delta Transit’s first route to run every 15 minutes – will not only greatly improve commutes for those who already ride but open up new possibilities for those whose schedules didn’t align with the previous system.”
Source: Tri Delta Transit
Integration with Tri MyRide has also been expanded to better serve the Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley areas, while maintaining existing coverage in the Pittsburg and Bay Point area.
“From the beginning of the New TDT Network initiative, our goal has been to ensure that the new network is able to better meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “This new network is a direct result of that goal and aligns with everything we’ve heard from the public over the last year. Our riders can look forward to consistent bus service with lower wait times that offer faster, more direct routes to where they need to be.”
For details on specific route changes and other information about The New TDT Network, visit revitalizetridelta.com.
About Tri Delta Transit
Tri Delta Transit provides over 2,000,000 trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of eastern Contra Costa County. For additional information about the Tri Delta Transit, please visit www.trideltatransit.com.
Read MoreProfessor Joel Ledford teaches the Biology 2C class and they started class policies and then the tree of life during the First Day of classes on September 24, 2024, in California Hall. Credit: Gregory Urquiaga / UC Davis
The system also extended more admission offers to out-of-state students, including many more international students
By Michael Burke And Daniel J. Willis, EdSource – republished with permission
Top Takeaways
- The number of first-year Californians admitted to the University of California increased by 7% over last year.
- The gains weren’t evenly distributed across the system, with the most competitive campuses actually admitting fewer in-state students than last year.
- UC also accepted more transfer students as well as more students from other states and countries.
The University of California admitted more California residents for the upcoming fall term than last year, but not at the system’s most exclusive campuses.
Overall, UC admitted 149,368 first-year students, including 100,947 Californians — 7% more in-state students than the system admitted for fall 2024, according to data UC released Monday.
That increase was driven by gains in the number of Californians admitted to the Merced and Riverside campuses, and to a lesser degree, the Davis and Santa Cruz campuses. That offsets the decline in the number of first-year California residents accepted to the remaining campuses, including UCLA and Berkeley. However, the share of admitted students who choose to enroll at those campuses is much higher than at campuses such as Merced and Riverside, where only a small percentage of accepted students end up attending.
Among first-year Californians, there were also gains across racial groups, with the number of admitted Black, Latino, Asian and white students increasing systemwide.
Most campuses also admitted more students from other states and countries than last year, as well as more transfer students from community colleges.
The systemwide first-year admission rate was 77% for Californians and 73% for all students, both up by 7% from last year.
In recent years, UC has faced pressure from lawmakers to offer more spots to California residents and, as part of a deal with Gov. Gavin Newsom, has agreed to enroll more of those students in exchange for annual budget increases. This year’s funding increase, however, was deferred and will be paid to UC in subsequent years.
Chart: Justin Allen Source: California Department of Education Get the data Created with Datawrapper
“We continue to experience significant growth — a clear indication that Californians recognize the value of a UC degree,” UC President Michael V. Drake said in a statement. “Our latest admissions numbers demonstrate that families across our state recognize that UC degrees prepare students for a lifetime of meaningful contributions in their communities and far beyond.”
Merced accepted 17,481 more first-year Californians than it did a year ago, a staggering 72% increase. Riverside also saw a massive jump, offering admission to just under 17,000 or 46% more in-state students than it did for fall 2024.
At Berkeley and UCLA, the number of first-year Californians offered a spot declined by 8% and 2.4%, respectively. There were also modest declines at the Irvine, San Diego and Santa Barbara campuses.
However, Berkeley was among the campuses to admit more California community college transfer students. The system as a whole admitted 27,845 transfer students from California community colleges, up 6% over last year.
Chart: Justin Allen Source: California Department of Education Get the data Created with Datawrapper
“Creating pathways to a UC education for a wide range of top California students yields benefits not only for those students, but for the state at large,” Han Mi Yoon-Wu, UC’s associate vice provost and executive director for undergraduate admissions, said in a statement.
UC also extended admission offers to far more out-of-state students. The system accepted 2,150 more domestic out-of-state students than last year, a 9% increase. The increase was even more significant for international students, with UC admitting 3,263 more than last year, or a 17% gain.
Facing state budget uncertainties and federal funding cuts, UC could stand to benefit from enrolling more out-of-state students, who pay significantly higher tuition prices than California residents and will pay even more this fall.
In a press release, though, UC said the increased offers to international students were “due to rising uncertainty of their likelihood of enrolling.”
Across California and nationally, many experts and college staff are concerned that international students will be less likely to enroll this fall out of fear that the Trump administration could cancel their visas.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated the visas of more than 1,500 international students across the country, including many in California. The administration later reversed those terminations, but said at the time that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was “developing a policy that will provide a framework” for visa terminations.
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