For now, everything indicates that the government of California will remain fully functional — and at least partially present and open — during the state of emergency Gov. Newsom declared last Tuesday as the Coronavirus pandemic deepens.
In March, San Diego Democrat Sen. Toni G. Atkins will become the first woman to lead the California Senate. She replaces former Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) who is running against Sen. Dianne Feinstein for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Before being elected to the State Senate, Atkins worked as director of clinic services at Womancare Health Center and served as a city council member and mayor of San Diego. She was later elected to the State Assembly eventually serving as speaker.