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~ SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom has made several key appointments today, June 20, 2025, to important positions within the state government.
One of the appointments announced is that of Soon-Sik Lee as the Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee, who hails from Bellevue, Washington, brings a wealth of experience to this role. He has been serving as a Vice President - Senior Program Manager at AECOM since 2021 and was previously the Director of Engineering at Etihad Rail. Lee has also held various positions in engineering and construction at organizations such as Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Union Railway.
Lee's impressive educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kyung Hee University. His appointment does not require Senate confirmation and he will receive a compensation package of $280,008.
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In addition to Lee's appointment, Lilian Coral has been named to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Coral, who currently resides in San Marino, has an extensive background in technology and democracy programs. She is currently serving as Vice President at New America and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Southern California. Previously, she held positions at organizations such as Knight Foundation and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's office.
Coral holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of California, Irvine. Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation with a compensation package of $100 per diem.
Lastly, Carson Fajardo has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Fajardo brings with him experience from his time at California State University San Bernardino where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer and was a member of the Board of Directors at Associated Students, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the same university. Fajardo's appointment does not require Senate confirmation and he will receive a compensation package of $100 per diem.
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In other news, Governor Newsom has vowed to continue fighting against President Trump's military overreach after the Ninth Circuit rejected Trump's claim that he can federalize the National Guard for any reason without judicial scrutiny. The court also stayed an emergency district court order, providing a critical check on presidential overreach.
Furthermore, Governor Newsom has declared "Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance" in the State of California through a proclamation. This is in recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
While the Trump administration has announced cuts to specialized support for LGBTQ callers on the national suicide prevention hotline, California continues to invest in mental health resources for this population. Governor Newsom remains committed to supporting all Californians and their well-being.
One of the appointments announced is that of Soon-Sik Lee as the Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee, who hails from Bellevue, Washington, brings a wealth of experience to this role. He has been serving as a Vice President - Senior Program Manager at AECOM since 2021 and was previously the Director of Engineering at Etihad Rail. Lee has also held various positions in engineering and construction at organizations such as Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Union Railway.
Lee's impressive educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kyung Hee University. His appointment does not require Senate confirmation and he will receive a compensation package of $280,008.
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In addition to Lee's appointment, Lilian Coral has been named to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Coral, who currently resides in San Marino, has an extensive background in technology and democracy programs. She is currently serving as Vice President at New America and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Southern California. Previously, she held positions at organizations such as Knight Foundation and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's office.
Coral holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of California, Irvine. Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation with a compensation package of $100 per diem.
Lastly, Carson Fajardo has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Fajardo brings with him experience from his time at California State University San Bernardino where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer and was a member of the Board of Directors at Associated Students, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the same university. Fajardo's appointment does not require Senate confirmation and he will receive a compensation package of $100 per diem.
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In other news, Governor Newsom has vowed to continue fighting against President Trump's military overreach after the Ninth Circuit rejected Trump's claim that he can federalize the National Guard for any reason without judicial scrutiny. The court also stayed an emergency district court order, providing a critical check on presidential overreach.
Furthermore, Governor Newsom has declared "Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance" in the State of California through a proclamation. This is in recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
While the Trump administration has announced cuts to specialized support for LGBTQ callers on the national suicide prevention hotline, California continues to invest in mental health resources for this population. Governor Newsom remains committed to supporting all Californians and their well-being.
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