Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

White Pony Express named Regional Finalist for Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®; public voting ends Sept. 30

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Eve Birge, CEO of White Pony Express with the Chick-fil-A Moo Cow. Photo: WPE

Help county food recovery organization earn up to $200,000 grant

By Trish Heaney, Communication & Marketing Manager for White Pony Express

Concord, Calif. – White Pony Express (WPE), the food recovery organization serving Contra Costa County, has been named a Western Region finalist for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®, with the opportunity to earn up to $200,000 in grant funding to help end hunger in our community. White Pony Express was nominated by the Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Walnut Creek at North Main and Chick-fil-A The Willows.

White Pony Express is already a Shared Table® partner with both restaurants, regularly receiving donated surplus food to help prepare meals for neighbors facing hunger — a partnership that made this nomination a natural fit.

The award is decided by public vote. Chick-fil-A One® App users can cast their vote for White Pony Express in the Western Region now through September 30. To vote:

  • Sign in to your Chick-fil-A One® account (or create one) in the Chick-fil-A App
  • Select “For You” at the bottom of the screen and look for the True Inspiration Awards card
  • Tap “Vote Now”
  • Select Western Region
  • Cast your vote for White Pony Express
  • Bring proof of your vote to the Chick-fil-A Walnut Creek at North Main or The Willows for a free medium fries.

“Every vote is a chance to put more good food into motion and deliver it with love to neighbors who need it,” said Eve Birge, CEO of White Pony Express. “This award would help us say yes to more than 70 organizations that are in line for our services. It would mean more children, families, and seniors sharing in our community’s abundance.”

White Pony Express currently provides the equivalent of 13,000 fresh, healthy meals each day—free of charge—to more than 140 schools, shelters, senior centers, and community organizations across Contra Costa County. With more than 70 organizations waiting for service, the award would help WPE recover more good food, reach more neighbors, and respond to a level of need that continues to outpace available resources.

The need is growing. Food insecurity among low-income adults has risen sharply across the Bay Area, including in Contra Costa County, according to the California Health Interview Survey. A win would help White Pony Express increase deliveries and reach some of the more than 70 nonprofit organizations on the waitlist. Community members are encouraged to vote and share the opportunity before voting closes on September 30.

How can I vote for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards?

Vote in the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards until Sept. 30

From September 1 through September 30, 2026, Chick-fil-A One® Members can place their vote for the True Inspiration Awards® within the Chick-fil-A® App. To help select the award winners, follow the instructions below:

  1. Sign in to your Chick-fil-A One® account (or create one) in the Chick-fil-A App.
  2. Select “For You” at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Click the “Vote Now” button.
  4. Select your geographical region.
  5. Read about this year’s regional finalists and cast your vote.

Please note, customers must use the Chick-fil-A App and a Chick-fil-A One Account to place a vote.

The 2027 True Inspiration Awards grant winners will be announced in early 2027. For more information, visit here.

About White Pony Express

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, White Pony Express is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on a simple truth: hunger is not a scarcity problem; it is a distribution problem. Every day, WPE recovers fresh food and essential goods from local businesses and delivers them—free of charge—to more than 140 nonprofit partners. Its work is powered by a small staff and more than 2,000 volunteers, united by the idea that we are one human family, and love only gives its best. Fore more information visit https://whiteponyexpress.org.

About the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards

The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. The program supports organizations dedicated to caring for people, caring through food, caring for communities, and caring for our planet. Grants range from $30,000 to $200,000.

September is National Preparedness Month

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This year’s theme: “Americans Stand Ready”

By Martinez Police Department

Emergencies can happen anytime, and being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference.

According to Ready.gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign celebrates National Preparedness Month…to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. This year’s theme is, “Americans Stand Ready.”

FEMA’s Ready Campaign educates and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including those from natural hazards and man-made disasters. Ready asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and appropriate responses. Everyone should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive several days if an emergency occurs.

This list of emergency supply kit items is only a starting point. It is important that individuals review this list and consider the unique needs of their family, including pets, for items to include. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.

Take a few simple steps this month to help keep you and your family ready:

  • Know your risks
  • Make an emergency plan
  • Build a 72-hour kit (See FEMA’s Ready.gov Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit checklist)
  • Get involved in your community

About Martinez CERT

Organized under FEMA, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates residents about disaster preparedness and equips them with practical skills for handling emergencies in residential settings. The program’s training covers essential skills such as emergency first aid, fire suppression, basic search and rescue, radio usage, command structure

Trained CERT members are prepared to assist their families and neighbors during disasters when professional responders might be delayed. Developed originally by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, CERT became a national initiative in 1993. Today, with more than 3,200 local programs across all 50 states and over 600,000 trained individuals, CERT is an essential component to building a Culture of Preparedness in the United States.

Our partners with Martinez CERT play an important role in helping make our community stronger, safer, and more prepared. Whether it’s learning lifesaving skills, helping neighbors, or supporting first responders, CERT volunteers make a difference.

For more information visit Martinez Community Emergency Response Team.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

County Clerk-Recorder’s Office offers destination wedding event at Cobra Experience Museum Aug. 7

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Photos: Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department 

Martinez, CA – Love is hitting the fast lane this summer. The Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office is excited to announce a special Destination Wedding Event at the iconic Cobra Experience Museum in Martinez on Friday, August 7, 2026. Ride into forever at this very special location.

The Cobra Experience Museum, known for its stunning collection of Shelby American classics—offers a bold, elegant automotive backdrop for couples ready to begin their journey together. Amid beautifully restored cars and the museum’s dynamic atmosphere, couples will exchange vows in a venue that blends romance with horsepower.

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
  • Location: Cobra Experience Museum, Martinez, CA
  • Appointments: Limited appointments available — call 925‑335‑7900 to reserve.

“Weddings mark the beginning of a lifelong adventure, and this year’s event at the Cobra Experience Museum captures that spirit perfectly,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder and Commissioner of Marriages. “Our team is excited to partner with this very special location in our county to provide an affordable, unique wedding experience.”

Whether planning an intimate elopement or a vow renewal, the Clerk‑Recorder’s staff will ensure a seamless, memorable experience for couples and up to 20 of their friends and family. Spaces are limited and filling quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your appointment.

How to Reserve

To schedule your wedding or vow renewal, contact the Contra Costa County Clerk‑Recorder’s Office at 925‑335‑7900. Staff will assist with appointment scheduling and answer any questions.

Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk‑Recorder’s office in Martinez.

Fees

  • Public Marriage License: $95
  • Confidential Marriage License: $100
  • Destination Wedding Ceremony Fee: $120

Raley’s Food For Families marks 40 years of hunger relief

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The Raley’s Food For Families and Feeding America Food Bank. Photo: Raley’s

Launches new 2026 infrastructure grant cycle to strengthen food access in communities it serves

New grant-funding round supports critical infrastructure needs at food banks and partner agencies throughout California and Nevada

By Carol Barsotti, Chief Communications Officer, The Raley’s Companies

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – For 40 years, Raley’s Food For Families has been a steadfast partner in the fight against hunger. Since 1986, the organization has donated more than 81 million dollars and 70 million pounds of wholesome, nutritious food to its existing network of 12 Feeding America food bank partners and their subsequent network of more than 2,400 agencies.

Now, as Raley’s Food For Families marks this significant anniversary, the organization is demonstrating its long-term dedication with the launch of its renewed 2026 Infrastructure Grant Program. The grant initiative builds on immediate hunger relief efforts by investing in infrastructure that enables sustained, meaningful impact for years to come.

“For four decades, Food For Families has been privileged to donate millions of pounds of food and to provide support to hungry families across our communities. This milestone is a moment to celebrate that impact and recommit to the long-term work of food security,” said Julie Teel, President of Food For Families Board of Directors. “By focusing on infrastructure, we’re strategically making funds available so these vital community partners can strengthen their ability to get food to those who need it most.”

Building on a Year of Impact

The new grant cycle builds on the success of the inaugural 2025 Infrastructure Grant Program, which distributed just over $340,000 to support critical needs identified by food banks and their partner agencies. The first funding round made a significant impact, including funds for refrigeration units, box trucks, forklifts, and pallet jacks, along with many smaller infrastructure items, such as shelving units.

“These investments directly translate to increased food access for families by allowing food bank staff and volunteers to work more efficiently, ultimately serving more people with the same resources. For example, a single pallet jack can save 76 manual trips per truckload,” said Teel. “The grant funding is a tangible example of the profound commitment Raley’s has made to the communities it serves.”

2026 Infrastructure Grant Cycle Details and Guidelines

The 2026 Infrastructure Grant Program will prioritize grants that directly increase food access rather than focus on food education. Eligible applicants include partner agencies, food pantries and closets affiliated with Raley’s Food For Families’ Feeding America food bank partners:

  • Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano
  • Alameda County Community Food Bank
  • Central California Food Bank
  • Food Bank for Monterey County
  • Food Bank of Northern Nevada
  • Feeding the Foothills
  • Redwood Empire Food Bank
  • Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
  • Second Harvest Silicon Valley
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County
  • Second Harvest of The Greater Valley
  • Yolo Food Bank

As a way to celebrate and recognize its long-term food bank partner network, Raley’s will also highlight the work of one partner food bank each month throughout 2026. For more information about the 2026 Infrastructure Grant Program food bank partners should reach out to their Feeding America food bank partner.

“We’re honored to mark 40 years of food security leadership and real-world impact,” said Teel. “Raley’s Food For Families has remained committed in its mission to alleviate hunger by providing nutritious food to those in need. The organization’s longevity reflects a deep-rooted belief that food security is foundational to community health and opportunity.”

About Raley’s Food For Families

Raley’s Food For Families is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, which provides food to Feeding America Food Bank Members and their network of more than 2,400 partner agencies. The organization serves the communities of Northern and Central California and Northern and Central Nevada through Raley’s, Raley’s O-N-E Markets, Bel Air Markets and Nob Hill Foods stores. Since 1986, the organization has donated over 81 million dollars and 70 million pounds of fresh, wholesome food to its partners. With a long commitment to local communities, Raley’s Food For Families continues to grow and thrive as an organization dedicated to alleviating hunger by providing nutritious food to those who need it most. For more information and to learn how to donate, visit www.foodforfamilies.org. Raley’s Food For Families tax ID is 68-0195082.

About Raley’s

Raley’s is a family-operated customer experience grocery company. Founded in 1935, Raley’s stores are the destination for the best fresh products, affordable offerings and personalized service. The company’s commitment to infusing life with health and happiness by changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time, has made it a trusted source for food, nutrition, and wellness. Raley’s strives to enhance transparency and education in the food system in order to help customers make more informed, healthy food choices. Raley’s operates 119 stores under four banners: Raley’s, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods and Raley’s O-N-E Market. Making healthier offerings accessible to everyone, Raley’s has expanded beyond the store to operate grocery curbside pick-up and delivery in their nearby communities. Please visit at www.raleys.com for more information. Raley’s is a division of The Raley’s Companies.

Get married on Valentine’s Day at the Contra Costa Clerk’s Office Saturday, Feb. 14

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Couples being married by Assistant Clerk Recorder and Deputy Commissioner of Marriages Elizabeth Gutierrez (left) and by a Deputy Commissioner of Marriages (right) at the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office with stained glass windows in the background. Photos: CCC Clerk-Recorder’s Office

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department 

The Contra Costa County Clerk’s Office will be open to perform in-office wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026.  All 47 ceremony appointments have been reserved at this time due to the popularity of our Valentine’s Day Event.

“We know there is high demand for weddings on Valentine’s Day and we are grateful to our employees for being willing to work on a Saturday to create this opportunity for dozens of couples,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Commissioner of Marriages. “Last year our team performed 52 Valentine’s Day ceremonies at our office on a Friday and this year we have already booked all 47 appointments for this special Saturday event.”

Typically, the County Clerk’s Office officiates Valentine’s Day ceremonies as part of the Destination Weddings program in a picturesque or historic location. Because Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, the staff will open the office for wedding services only to provide a memorable experience for couples wanting to get married on this sentimental day.

A marriage license must be obtained before a ceremony can be performed. Couples may purchase a marriage license the same day, prior to their Valentine’s Day ceremony at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez. The fee for a public marriage license is $95, while a confidential license is $100. The Marriage Ceremony fee is $75. Couples who only wish to purchase a marriage license are invited to come to the office as this is one of our wedding services.

For more information about this event or other Clerk’s Office services, please visit http://www.contracostavote.gov or call 925-335-7900.

Elder Abuse Signs and Legal Remedies virtual workshop June 14

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June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month; June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Deadline to register: June 13 at 8:30 AM

By Susan Kim, Executive Director, Family Justice Center

Did you know…One in ten Americans aged 60 or older experiences some form of elder abuse? Elders who have been abused are 300% more likely to die than their peers.

Emily Milstein , Staff Attorney for Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, will provide training on Elder Abuse Signs and Legal Remedies during a virtual workshop training on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 10:00-11:30 AM.

The Contra Costa Elder Abuse Prevention Project (EAPP) prevents and combats elder abuse through an active community network that raises awareness and coordinates services.

Visit cocoelderjustice.org for more information about EAPP.

To register for the training click, here.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County volunteers bring Christmas joy, generosity to Pinole

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Tracey W., (right) hugs SVdP Vincentian Henrietta, (left) thanking her for the gifts, food and clothing for her family. Photos: SVdP

PINOLE, CA – December, 2023 – On Monday, December 18th, dedicated volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) gathered at St. Joseph’s Church in Pinole to spread holiday cheer in their community. Undeterred by the pouring rain, compassionate volunteers organized a heartwarming event to provide essential items and festive gifts to their neighbors in need for Christmas.

The day was a testament to the spirit of giving, as families were greeted with smiles and warmth while receiving personalized gifts and choosing from a selection of generously donated clothing items – including shirts, sweaters, jackets, and pants.

Tracey W. of Pinole, expressing her gratitude, said, “I’m just humbled. The volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul have been a part of my family since my daughter was born. One of the volunteers made her a quilt that I still have to this day. Their help means so much to me, and I’m just so thankful to have them in my life.”

Volunteers started their day at 9 A.M. in the St. Joseph rectory by wrapping and labeling gifts. Gifts were donated by the St. Joseph Parish members, local supporters, local businesses, and SVdP volunteers. Gift cards for groceries, stuffed animals for young children, Target gift cards for Christmas presents, and boxes of cookies were distributed to every family in attendance.

Vincentian Charisse Wan, an SVdP Vincentian volunteer, shared, “We have about 63 families we are able to help out of our Conference, (branch). It’s just wonderful to see how happy the families are during the Holidays.”

Thodias D. said he is incredibly thankful for the help the SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph provide his family.

Thodias D., a single father of two young boys from Pinole, expressed his deep appreciation for the support provided by SVdP volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church.

“I just feel so blessed to be part of the SVdP family,” Thodias said. “They’ve helped me with food, clothing, just too much to name. I just feel so thankful.”

Families, arriving at St. Joseph’s in Pinole, had their gifts brought to their cars by SVdP volunteers. For those who preferred, an opportunity to find the right-sized clothing for their families was available inside the church. The event fostered a sense of friendship, camaraderie, and charity, creating a memorable day for those in need.

SVdP volunteers helped families in need with gifts, clothing and gift cards for food.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County has provided safety-net services in the county for over 59 years, serving 100,000 people annually and distributing over $1.9 million in direct financial assistance and over $3 million of in-kind aid. More than 700 SVdP volunteers and a small staff lead operations in Contra Costa including the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 28 branches, and 3 Thrift Stores. One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, St. Vincent de Paul is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of more than 900,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 155 countries on five continents.

SVdP Family Resource Center to host heartwarming Thanksgiving Celebration in Pittsburg

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Guests enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Meal at the SVdP Family Resource Center in 2022. Source: SVdP

Members of Knights of Columbus at St. Ignatius Church in Antioch and other volunteers will be cooking and serving

By Steve Krank, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County, (SVdP) is excited to announce a collaborative effort with Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, the Knights of Columbus of St. Ignatius Church, and dedicated SVdP volunteers and their families to host a heartwarming free Thanksgiving luncheon and celebration on November 23, 2023.

Guests are invited to join us at the SVdP Family Resource Center, located at 1415 Simpson Court, Pittsburg, CA (Corner of Gladstone Drive). The highlight of the day will be a delectable, free, Thanksgiving meal served from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, featuring all the traditional favorites that embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, salad, pumpkin pie and more. SVdP volunteers will also be handing out warm coats and jackets, generously donated by The Burlington Coat Factory, and serving delicious hot chocolate, to help everyone feel warm, safe, and in the Holiday Spirit!

Since 2010, SVdP volunteers have been providing a delicious Thanksgiving meal to the community and a warm gathering for neighbors in need and the homeless. This collaborative effort not only provides a delicious Thanksgiving feast but also gives an opportunity for community members to come together, connect with neighbors and guests, share stories, and create lasting memories.

SVdP encourages individuals to get involved by volunteering their time or making donations to contribute to the cost of food and decorations at svdp-cc.org, “DONATE NOW”. This year, SVdP is extremely grateful to the Knights of Columbus at St. Ignatius Church. KofC members, along with other caring volunteers, will be cooking and serving the Thanksgiving meal this year.

To confirm attendance or volunteer, please RSVP by November 20, 2023, via email to: Stephen Krank at s.krank@svdp-cc.org or call 925-439-5060 #28.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County and our partners look forward to hosting this special Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday, November 23 for community members, all are invited to join! Together, we can make this Thanksgiving meaningful and joyous for all involved.

IORF’s annual East County Christmas Children’s PJ and Toy Drive seeks donations

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The International Orphan Relief Foundation wishes you a happy holiday season! We would love for you to be a part of our annual East County Christmas Children’s PJ and Toy Drive. Please click the link below to see how you can impact the youth and families in East County and bring joy this Christmas!

Donate to our Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/DirCStaton

‘Absurd’ pro-abortion laws in California highlight need for parent-child communication, policy expert says

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State Legislators representing Contra Costa County: Senators Steve Glazer, Nancy Skinner and Bill Dodd (top row), and Assemblymembers Tim Grayson, Jim Frazier, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Buffy Wicks (bottom row) voted for the two bills.

All seven state legislators representing portions of Contra Costa County voted for both bills

By Jonah McKeown | Catholic News Agency

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills Sept. 22 that relate to privacy surrounding abortion, and a policy expert commented to CNA that the laws highlight the importance of parent-child communication regarding difficult topics such as abortion.

All seven state legislators representing portions of Contra Costa County voted for both bills, including Senators Steve Glazer, Nancy Skinner and Bill Dodd, and Assemblymembers Tim Grayson, Jim Frazier, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Buffy Wicks.

Kathleen Domingo, Executive Director of the California Catholic Conference, told CNA that the new laws, while “absurd” and harmful, are just the latest in a pattern of performative pro-abortion actions taken by California lawmakers over a period of decades.

“The reality is that this isn’t really anything new, and I think this is important for people to know…this has been the agenda of California for decades,” she said.

AB 1184 allows insured individuals, including minors, to keep “sensitive services” confidential from the insurance policyholder, generally their parents.

The law requires insurance companies to “accommodate requests for confidential communication of medical information” regardless of whether “disclosure would endanger the individual.” Set to take effect in July 2022, the law specifically mentions “sexual and reproductive health” and “gender affirming care” as potentially “sensitive services.”

California has a parental consent law for minors seeking abortions on the books, but the law is permanently enjoined by court order, meaning minors in California can seek abortions without their parents’ knowledge or permission. Planned Parenthood provides resources instructing teens how to hide abortions from their parents, Domingo noted.

Also signed Sept. 22 was AB 1356, which makes it illegal to film or photograph patients or employees within 100 feet of an abortion clinic “with the specific intent to intimidate a person from becoming or remaining a reproductive health services patient, provider, or assistant.” Domingo said this law could affect pro-life campaigners and sidewalk counselors, who may merely want to film or photograph themselves and their work outside abortion clinics.

Domingo said laws of this kind reinforce the importance of parents and guardians talking to and building trust with their children, and encouraging them to seek their parents’ advice in difficult situations.

“It really comes down to having conversations in your own families, and making sure that your children understand what your values are, and understand that they can come and talk to you if they have situations that are difficult,” Domingo said.

“If they know of someone who has a situation, if they themselves get into a situation where they need help, I think more than anything it’s just continuing that conversation and making sure are families are equipped to know what to do in those moments, that our parishes are equipped to know what to do, so that if you have a situation where a young woman finds herself in need, she knows who to talk to: our pregnancy resource centers and our pro-life pregnancy clinics up and down the state.”

Domingo said while performative pro-abortion laws will likely continue to be passed in California, supporting pro-life alternatives is the best way to combat them.

“That truly is the work that is needed. We can’t necessarily combat these laws that keep compounding abortion in California, but we can do the grassroots efforts that we have been doing for almost 50 years in California of helping people one at a time and saving families one at a time.”

A group of Republican lawmakers wrote to Newsom before he signed the bills into law, urging him to veto them instead.

“We should be encouraging parents and family to be involved in their children’s lives, not removing them further from it,” the letter reads, which was signed by nine state senators.

They also argued, in a more pragmatic vein, that AB 1184 would put policyholders in the “impossible position” of being financially responsible for bills incurred by their dependent children, but which they have no means of verifying because of the new confidentiality rules.

Newsom’s office heralded the laws as a strengthening of California’s status as a “haven” for women seeking abortions.

“This action comes in the wake of attacks on sexual health care and reproductive rights around the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s failure to block Texas’ ban on abortion after six weeks,” a statement from Newsom’s office reads, referring to a pro-life law in that state that took effect Sept. 1.

“California is a national leader on reproductive and sexual health protections and rights, and Governor Newsom’s actions today make clear that the state will remain a haven for all Californians, and for those coming from out-of-state seeking reproductive health services here.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.