California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 3.13.25
The Californer/10307749

~ Sacramento - Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several new appointments to key positions in California's government. These appointments, made on March 13, 2025, include Andrew King as Deputy Director of Data Operations Strategy at the Office of Data and Innovation, Lavelle Parker as Warden of California Institution for Women, Yolanda Franco-Clausen to the California Sex Offender Management Board, and Dr. Sarah Metz also to the California Sex Offender Management Board.

Andrew King, a Sacramento resident, has been appointed as Deputy Director of Data Operations Strategy at the Office of Data and Innovation. King brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served as Manager of the Data Operations Section at the California Air Resources Board since 2023. He has also held various positions within the board since 2018, including Staff Air Pollution Specialist and Air Pollution Specialist for different sections. Prior to his work with the board, King was an Economist at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and a Managing Consultant at Red Peak Economic Consulting. He holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Lavelle Parker, from Rancho Cucamonga, has been appointed as Warden of California Institution for Women. Parker has been serving as Acting Warden since 2024 and was previously Chief Deputy Warden in 2024. With over two decades of experience in corrections, Parker has held various positions within different institutions including Chief Deputy Warden at California Rehabilitation Center and Associate Warden at California Institution for Men. Parker began their career in corrections in 1992 as a Correctional Officer and has worked their way up through various roles. They hold no party preference.

Yolanda Franco-Clausen, a Hayward resident, has been appointed to the California Sex Offender Management Board. Franco-Clausen currently serves as a Police Officer for the City of Palo Alto Police Department and previously worked as a Job Development Coordinator at Employment and Community Options. They are also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of PLAYNICE Productions, Inc. Franco-Clausen is a member of the Palo Alto Police Officers Association and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern California School of Law.

Dr. Sarah Metz, from Alameda, has also been appointed to the California Sex Offender Management Board. Dr. Metz brings extensive experience in psychology to this role, having served as Director of the Division of Trauma Recovery Services at the University of California, San Francisco since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as a Staff Psychologist and Clinical Coordinator at the university's Trauma Recovery Center and as a Clinical Psychologist at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. Dr. Metz holds a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College in Maryland, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Towson University.

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These appointments do not require Senate confirmation and have varying compensations. King will receive $168,468 for his role while Parker will receive $193,524. Franco-Clausen's position does not come with compensation while Dr. Metz's position is also uncompensated.

In other news, Governor Newsom has announced an expanded partnership with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to utilize advanced technologies for fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles. This collaboration aims to protect public health and aid in rebuilding efforts following recent fires.

Additionally, Governor Newsom is urging Californians to exercise caution and preparedness as severe weather is expected to impact much of the state today through Friday. The governor is working closely with state emergency officials to ensure necessary precautions are taken.

Finally, it was recently reported that California is home to 32 out of the top 50 AI companies in the nation. This further solidifies California's position as a leader in technology, with Silicon Valley being the birthplace of the tech industry.

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