~ Sacramento, CA - On May 14, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom released a statement mourning the passing of Rita Semel, a prominent civic and interfaith leader.

Semel was known for her role as co-founder of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, where she brought people from all walks of life together to serve those in need and build community. Her impact was felt not only in San Francisco but also across the state and beyond.

In their statement, Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom praised Semel's dedication to bringing people of different faiths together and her unwavering commitment to serving others. They described her as a friend to all and expressed their deep sadness at her passing.

The news of Semel's passing comes on the same day that Governor Newsom announced several appointments, including Jonathan Klein as Executive Director of the Housing Development and Finance Committee. Klein, a resident of Lafayette, brings years of experience as Founder and Principal of Community Finance Solutions.

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In other news, California welcomed Salvador Illa, President of Catalonia in Spain, for the 40th anniversary celebration of their partnership. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis joined Governor Newsom in recognizing the strong economic and environmental ties between California and Catalonia.

Governor Newsom also announced a revised budget that eliminates California's deficit while maintaining investments in essential services for working families, healthcare, education, and businesses. The proposal aims to eliminate the structural deficit by July 2028.

This budget update brings good news for Californians as there will be no deficit this year or next year. The Governor's plan prioritizes investments in crucial areas while ensuring financial stability for the state.

For more information on these announcements and other recent news from California's government, visit their official website.

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