California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 1.6.2026
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~ SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom has made several appointments to various boards and commissions, as announced in a press release on January 6, 2026.

Martha Sanchez Cannady, a resident of Cypress, has been appointed to the 32nd District Agricultural Association, Orange County Fair Board. With over a decade of experience in wealth management at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, Sanchez Cannady brings a wealth of knowledge to this position. She is also actively involved in her community as a member of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Alzheimer's Orange County Executive Board. Sanchez Cannady holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.

Ronald "Ron" Fiore, from San Francisco, has been reappointed to the California State Athletic Commission where he has served since 2023. Fiore is the Owner and Partner of Fiore & Company and Vice President of Guarantee Mortgage APMC. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from St. Mary's College.

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AnnMaria DeMars, hailing from Santa Monica, has also been reappointed to the State Athletic Commission where she has served since 2022. DeMars is the President at Julia Group and 7 Generation Games and was previously a Partner at Spirit Lake Consulting. She is an active member of various organizations such as the American Statistical Association, National Indian Education Association, Judo Black Belt Association and United States Judo Association. DeMars holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota and both a PhD and MA in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Riverside.

Thomas Hudnut, residing in Beverly Hills, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board where he has served since 2021. Hudnut's previous experience includes serving as President and CEO at Harvard-Westlake School and Headmaster at The Branston School. He holds a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Diplomatic History from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Princeton University.

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Damascus Castellanos, a resident of Pico Rivera, has also been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board where he has served since 2020. Castellanos is currently the Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer at Teamsters Union Local 495 and was previously a Business Representative at Teamsters Union Local 630. He is also a member of the California Thoroughbred Horseman's Foundation.

In other news, Governor Newsom's Director of Finance Joe Stephenshaw will hold a media briefing on Friday, January 9 to provide details on the Governor's proposed 2026-27 state budget. This budget proposal will be transmitted to the Legislature on Friday.

Additionally, Governor Newsom has issued an executive order expanding protections for survivors of the LA fire and providing support for businesses affected by the Palisades Fire. The administration has also funded nearly one thousand new affordable rental homes in Los Angeles communities to help those impacted by last year's devastating wildfires. These programs aim to streamline processes and provide faster assistance to those in need.

As we approach the anniversary of the LA fire, it is clear that Governor Newsom is committed to supporting survivors and rebuilding affected communities. With these appointments and initiatives, he continues to prioritize the well-being and recovery of Californians.

Filed Under: Government, State

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