First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom launches California Love, California Strong to fight loneliness across the state
The Californer/10340321

Trending...
News

Feb 27, 2026

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom launches California Love, California Strong to fight loneliness across the state

What you need to know: First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is launching a statewide initiative, California Love, California Strong, to combat loneliness and strengthen social connection across the state.

FREMONT – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, educators, librarians, state partners, and local residents at the Fremont Main Library to officially launch California Love, California Strong, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening belonging, social connection, and self-care across California.

More than 400 attendees participated in the launch, including middle and high school students from Alameda County, young learners and families, educators, and librarians from across the Bay Area. The event celebrated the essential role libraries play as trusted community "third places" that provide safe, welcoming hubs for Californians of all backgrounds to gather, learn, access resources, and build meaningful connections.

"I've seen firsthand that when Californians show up for each other, our communities thrive. In a world where too many people are feeling isolated, real connection and community are essential to our health, happiness, and resilience. That's why I'm proud to launch California Love, California Strong so we can build healthier, more connected communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and like they truly belong."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

The event celebrated libraries and librarians as stewards of our shared stories and essential spaces for belonging. During Black History Month, the event also recognized the important role libraries play in preserving and uplifting stories too often left unheard. Children and families listened as First Partner Siebel Newsom and Governor Gavin Newsom read Mychal Threets' book I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, joined a Congolese drumming and dance tutorial, and worked alongside community members on service projects that brought people together.

The event also included a Q&A panel with Kim Snyder, director of the documentary The Librarians, which explores how librarians across the nation have become strong defenders of intellectual freedom amidst book bans and other threats to public libraries.

Inspired by the World Health Organization Commission on Social Connection Report, "From Loneliness to Social Connection: Charting a Path to Healthier Societies", California Love, California Strong champions self-care, social connection, and service through volunteerism and culturally relevant engagements that strengthen belonging and resilience across California's communities.

More on The Californer
State leaders emphasized that loneliness and social isolation are rising public health concerns. In Alameda County, nearly one in four older adults lives alone, increasing risk for isolation and barriers to support, and young people across California are also reporting increased loneliness following the pandemic.

"California is leading the way in strengthening belonging, building social connection and addressing social isolation. Events like today show the power of service to bring people together. When we serve together, we connect to something bigger than ourselves and build meaningful relationships with our communities and one another," said Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer.

"Connection and belonging are foundational to health and well-being. We are committed to building a healthy California for all where every person feels supported and every community feels seen. One of the most important ways to do this is to make connections and foster belonging in our communities," said Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency.

"This initiative reflects the power of community and why we need to come together to strengthen our sense of connection, expand access to resources and build on the work that organizations across the state do every day to help Californians," said Aubrie Fong, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications.

Throughout 2026, California Love, California Strong will continue to bring communities together across the state through monthly activations, connecting Californians to service opportunities, resources, and one another.

For more information, visit calovecastrong.com.

First Partner, Health care, Press releases, Recent news

https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkur..." rel="nofollow">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/x?linkurl=https...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/email?linkurl=h...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/copy_link?linku...">Recent news

More on The Californer
California approves $60 million for biodiversity projects and public access to nature

Feb 27, 2026

News What you need to know: Almost $60 million in grants was approved for 27 projects across the state, including projects supporting the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, and investing in wildlife corridors, biodiversity, and expanding public...

Governor Newsom honors fallen San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office Sergeant

Feb 25, 2026

News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Jason Whelen:"Sergeant Whelen dedicated his life to public service, and that commitment came with extraordinary courage and...

Governor Newsom's schedule for February 25, 2026

Feb 25, 2026

News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has returned to the state. Recent news

Filed Under: Government, State
Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on The Californer