California: Governor Newsom issues statement on death of Chowchilla Police Officer
The Californer/10328400

~ Sacramento, California - On October 4, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his condolences for the loss of Chowchilla Police Officer Barrantes in a statement released to the press. The Governor and his wife Jennifer were deeply saddened by the news and extended their sympathies to Officer Barrantes' family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Officer Barrantes, 37 years old, had been serving in law enforcement for 15 years and had recently joined the Chowchilla Police Department. Tragically, on October 3rd, he was involved in a traffic collision while on duty on State Route 152 at Road 13 in Madera County. Despite efforts from first responders to save him, Officer Barrantes succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Governor acknowledged Officer Barrantes' dedication to serving his community and stated that his sacrifice will always be remembered. He also announced that flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Barrantes.

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In addition to this heartbreaking news, Governor Newsom also shared some positive developments in California's mental health system. He announced that it is undergoing its biggest reform in decades and will now prioritize mental health and substance use support in communities like never before. The Governor emphasized the importance of working closely with city and county leaders to ensure that these reforms are implemented effectively.

In other news, Governor Newsom celebrated a significant milestone for incarcerated women at the California Institution for Women. For the first time ever, a group of women have graduated from Cal State LA while serving their sentences. This is part of the state's efforts to provide positive programming for incarcerated individuals.

The Governor also signed several bills into law today, including AB 5 which deals with official canvassing during elections and AB 94 which addresses recall elections. These actions stand in stark contrast to President Trump's recent actions, such as shutting down the federal government and rolling back worker protections. Governor Newsom's focus on supporting workers and providing opportunities for rehabilitation in the criminal justice system is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of all Californians.

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