California Governor Gavin Newsom marked significant progress and setbacks in the state’s reparations initiatives. Among the achievements was the signing of Assembly Bill 3089, which formally apologizes on behalf of California for the “harms and atrocities committed by the state,” including its role in perpetuating racial discrimination through chattel slavery, segregation, and unequal allocation of government resources.
This legislation “declares that such actions shall not be repeated” and commits to restorative measures beyond the apology itself. Newsom also signed Senate Bill 1089, aimed at addressing food and health disparities by mandating advance notification for grocery store or pharmacy closures in underserved communities.
However, he vetoed Senate Bill 1050, which sought to restore property seized under racially motivated eminent domain to its rightful owners or provide alternative remedies, such as restitution. “I thank the author for his commitment to redressing past racial injustices,” Newsom stated, referring to state Senator Steven Bradford. “However, this bill tasks a nonexistent state agency to carry out its various provisions and requirements, making it impossible to implement.”
