California Government Operations Agency

In our latest GotAMinute? video, we highlight the transformative work of the California Prison Industry Authority (CalPIA) and its mission to equip incarcerated individuals with real-world job skills. Kevin Cole, CalPIA Manager, shares how programs like braille transcription, metal manufacturing, and iron working are helping inmates build a future beyond prison walls. Did you know inmates in the braille program partner with the California Department of Education to transcribe textbooks for visually impaired students? Only 30 people in the U.S. hold every braille certification—4 of them are from Folsom State Prison. Additionally, 85% of inmates who complete CalPIA programs do not return to prison. Kevin says this role has awakened a passion he didn’t know he had—and he’s proud to witness the life-changing effects of these programs every day. Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gSZqDMnp California Prison Industry Authority

We’re sharing a powerful story in our Medal of Valor series—acts of selfless courage from California’s public servants who put others before themselves. On a Sunday morning last year in January, Caltrans employees John Bedolla and Isai Camino were headed south on Interstate 15 in Southern California for routine maintenance work, when they spotted an overturned vehicle on the opposite side of the freeway. Without any hesitation, the pair circled back to the crash and found a woman and her young son trapped inside the wreckage. John carefully helped the mother climb out through the shattered front windshield, while Isai climbed onto the side of the vehicle and pried the back door open to reach the frightened young boy, gently guiding him out to safety. Thanks to Isai and John’s bravery and quick action, both the mother and her son survived without serious injury. Watch Isai and John recount the heroic incident: https://lnkd.in/g3hKCiD3

Thanks to wildfire survivors who voiced their opinions, their input has directly shaped the rebuilding and recovery in the wake of the LA fires using the Engaged California platform. “Engaged California has given us valuable insight into how people are feeling in a moment of unimaginable tragedy,” said California Government Operations Secretary Nick Maduros. “This next step will be pivotal for us to listen and learn about how rebuilding should look according to those who experienced it firsthand.” If you or someone you know has been impacted by the fires, please sign up for Engaged California and make your voice heard: https://shorturl.at/E31Nq

From implementing GenAI to sharpening our focus on state effectiveness, California is building serious momentum. As we wrap up Governor Newsom’s GenAI Executive Order, a new one is launching to connect state agencies with tech leaders to unlock smarter ways to serve Californians. We call 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 efficiency. Read more here: https://shorturl.at/WdXS0 

Today, Secretary Nick Maduros had the honor of being a part of the Medal of Valor Award Ceremony, recognizing the brave men and women in state service who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve the citizens of California. Their selflessness exemplifies the best of state service, and we are grateful for their commitment to our communities. To all the honorees – thank you for your heroism. California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) California Highway Patrol Caltrans California Health & Human Services Agency CA Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Congratulations to GovOps Executive Fellow Damien Henson, who made a compelling presentation today on California's 911 system. Damien's dedication to policy innovation and public service has not gone unnoticed during his time with us - we are excited to see all the great things he accomplishes next!

This #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek, we are highlighting the continuous hard work that has been put into the recovery and rebuilding after the LA Fires. @CalOES is one of many state entities that has had a “boots on the ground” response to the LA fires, as they work diligently to help survivors and the community recover. We are grateful for their unwavering dedication and to every employee in public service; California wouldn’t be the global leader it is today without your contributions.

April is Autism Awareness Month. Did you know the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) works with other state departments, stakeholders, policymakers, and first responders to advocate for people who are neurodiverse, including those who are on the Autism spectrum? SCDD focuses on closing gaps in communities and in the workplace, so those who have disabilities have access to the right resources to set them up for success. SCDD also works closely with first responders to provide Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to help them understand how autism may manifest during a crisis, and how to ensure everyone’s safety during these critical moments. Watch this interview with Tania Morawiec, Deputy Director of Regional Office Operations and Planning at SCDD, to learn more about how the department supports those who identify as autistic/neurodiverse: https://lnkd.in/gw3yWySX

These women help keep GovOps running smoothly every day and today, we celebrate and recognize their commitment and dedication to public service. Happy #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay!

This latest story from our GotAMinute? series features Gini Martinez, a Senior User Experience Researcher with the California Office of Data and Innovation. Gini is among the many state employees who has been on the front lines of wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California, ensuring survivors get connected with every available resource as they rebuild their lives. She has spent the past three months helping to stand up the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to streamline the recovery process for survivors. “What I love about doing this work here at the DRC is, is that I'm able to advocate for people in my community that I am able to give their, their challenges a voice and, and I can have a direct impact on my community,” Gini said. Learn more about Gini’s work by watching her story: https://lnkd.in/g7Z2Eiw9