Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
California makes history again after this Friday, San Diego Assemblywoman and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Shirley Weber, sworn in as California Secretary of State.
Thus, Dr. Shirley Weber is the first African-American Secretary of State in California history.
"On the eve of Black History Month, California once again makes history by swearing in Dr. Weber as secretary of state," said Gov. Gavin Newsomprior to the swearing-in ceremony.
"As the state's chief election officer, Dr. Weber will continue her lifelong dedication to civil rights advocacy and take on a vital role in protecting our democratic process at a critical time," he added.
After being unanimously confirmed by the Legislature this week, Dr. Weber was nominated by Governor Newsom earlier this month to fill the Secretary of State position vacated by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, whom he appointed following the resignation of Vice President Kamala Harris from the U.S. Senate.
"The fact that every citizen is a principal officer in a democracy is the magnet principle of our system of government. It is my responsibility as Secretary of State to ensure that more Californians are able to exercise that power through the electoral process, and that our elections remain secure, accessible and fair even under the most adverse conditions," said Secretary of State Weber.
"Dr. King teaches us that we are at our best when we serve others and I am honored to be able to continue to advocate for Californians as Secretary of State," she noted.
The now California Secretary of State thanked the governor for his nomination, state senators and assembly members for confirming her appointment, and Californians for expressing faith in her ability to take office.
Dr. Shirley Weber authored the California Saving Lives Act, landmark legislation signed by Governor Newsom in 2019 that sets new and higher standards on the use of deadly force by police.
Among the issues on her agenda are bills on education, civil rights, public safety, food insecurity, protection for people with disabilities and voting rights.
Previously, Dr. Weber served as president of the San Diego Board of Education and for 40 years served as a professor in the Department of Africana Studies at San Diego State University.
