sacramento – Gov. Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment to the state’s first Commission on Racial Equality.Founded by presidential decree Signed by the governor last year, the commission was developed in partnership with then-Senator Dr. Richard Pang and the race equality group that sponsored SB 17 to promote racial equality and address systemic racism. will be able to recommend and provide tools and opportunities to Technical assistance to state and local governments.
“In this moment of national unity on racial justice, we are committed to our ongoing efforts to ensure that all our communities have a fair chance to achieve the California dream. We are proud to appoint these diverse leaders to advise.” Governor Newsom said.
Governor works with Congress to invest $3.8 million in the General Fund in 2023-24 and $3.1 million in 2024-25 to 2029-30 to support the Commission on Racial Equity and the Commission on Youth Empowerment bottom.
The Governor today announced the appointment of Dr. Larissa Estes as Executive Director of the Commission on Racial Equality and has named the following seven members to serve on the Commission:
Dr. Larissa EstesA native of Walnut Creek, he was appointed Executive Director of the Commission on Racial Equality. Since 2019, Dr. Estes has been the Director of ALL IN Alameda County. From 2018 until 2019 she served as Community Her Partnership Manager at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Dr. Estes served as her program manager at the Institute for Prevention from 2015 until 2018. From 2013 she served as an analyst for the Texas Board of Health and Human Services until 2015, and from 2011 she served as the Performance Improvement Manager and Certification Coordinator for the Houston Department of Health until 2012. She received her PhD in Public Health in Community Health Practice from the University of Texas Health Sciences. She graduated from the Center in Houston, received a Master of Public Health degree in Family and Child Health from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Duquesne University. She does not require Senate approval for the position and her salary is $162,588. Dr. Estes is a Democrat.
Virginia HedrickCarmichael was appointed to the Commission on Racial Equity. Hedrick has been Executive Director of the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health Inc. since 2017. From 2007 she served as her program coordinator for the California Rural Indian Health Board until 2017. Hedrick holds a master’s degree in public health from Drexel University. She does not require Senate approval for this position and will not be remunerated. Hedrick is a Democrat.
Gabriel Maldonadowas appointed to the Los Angeles-based Racial Equity Commission. Maldonado has been CEO of TruEvolution since 2008. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Global Business from the University of Redlands and a BA in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of California, Riverside. This position does not require Senate approval and is not remunerated. Maldonado is a Democrat.
Traco MatthewsA Bakersfield native has been appointed to the Commission on Racial Equity. Matthews will serve as Chief Health Equity Officer for Khan Health Systems from 2023. He is also a local pastor, adjunct professor at California State University, Bakersfield, and a community advocate for equitable housing, public safety, economic opportunity, and voting rights. . Matthews served as Chief Program Officer for Khan’s Community Action Partnership from 2020 until 2022. From 2018 he served as Director of Human Resources and Staff Development at the Kern County Superintendent’s Office until 2020. He is a Public Relations Specialist and from 2012 until 2018 he was a Human Resources Specialist at Aera Energy LLC. Matthews holds a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate approval and is not remunerated. Matthews is a Democrat.
Jolly Onodera, a Sacramento resident was appointed to the Commission on Racial Equity. Mr. Onodera has served as Senior Legislative Advocate for the California County Association since 2022. From 2018 to 2022 she served as the California Department of Treasury’s Legislative Director. Onodera served as Deputy Legislative Commissioner for the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Administration. From 2011 until 2016 she served as the Chief Advisor to the California Senate Appropriations Committee. From 2009 to 2011, Onodera served as a research program She Specialist II for the California Department of Social Services. She does not require Senate confirmation for this position, it does. No compensation. Onodera is a Democratic Party.
Manuel Pastor, A native of Pasadena, he was appointed to the Commission on Racial Equity. Pastor, since 2007 he is Director and Professor of the USC Equity Research Institute. From 1996 to 2007 he was a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and from 1984 to 1996 he was a professor at Occidental College. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Massachusetts and a BA in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. This position does not require Senate approval and is not remunerated. The pastor is a Democrat.
Yolanda R. Richardson, a Roseville resident, was appointed to the Commission on Racial Equity. Richardson will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Medical Plan beginning in 2022. From 2020 to 2022 she served as the Director of the California Department of Government Operations. Richardson served as CEO of Teloiv from 2016 until 2020. She served as the Chief Deputy Executive Director of Covered California. From 2011 until 2016 she was Chief Operating Officer of Cal eConnect and from 2009 until 2011 she was Chief Operating Officer of Cal eConnect. Richardson served as Chief Operating Officer of the San Francisco Health Plan from 2007 until 2009. From 2003 she served as Vice President of Operations for PacAdvantage until 2007. Richardson completed her bachelor’s degree. She holds a degree in arts in vocational education from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate approval and is not remunerated. Richardson is a Democrat.
Symboa LightA native of Fontana has been appointed to the Commission on Racial Equity. Mr. Wright said from 2021 he will serve as Vice President of SEIU Local 721. He has been a Sewage Worker II for the City of Los Angeles since 2001. Mr. Wright is a member of the Board of Directors of the LA Conservation Corps. This position does not require Senate approval and is not remunerated. Wright is a Democrat.
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