Messages of Condolence

Attorney General Bonta: In California Progress Will Prevail

November 7, 2024
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today delivered remarks on California Department of Justice’s preparations to protect California’s values, people, and natural resources ahead of a second Trump Administration. To view a recording of the press conference, please visit here

Attorney General Bonta's Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

As the reality of a second Trump Administration takes hold, I know there is a great deal of fear, sadness, anxiety, and panic. 

I understand. 

I’m here today to reassure you that in California, progress will prevail. 

No matter who is in the White House, no matter who holds control of Congress, in California we will keep moving forward. 

In California, we will choose calm over chaos. 

Fact over fiction.

Belonging over blame.

Unity over division. 

“Us and we” over “I and me.” 

It’s why we’re the 5th largest economy in the world. Not in spite of our commitment to workers, consumers, and the environment, because of it. 

Because we’re the largest and most diverse state in the nation.

Because we believe in the power of inclusivity.

Because we believe in truth over lies. Hope over hate. Light over dark.

Because  we believe in looking forward.

It’s who we are in the Golden State. It’s in our DNA. Nothing and no one can change that. 

As Attorney General, I’ll continue to use the full force of the law and authority of this office to address injustice. 

To stand up for all people, especially those who have long been overlooked and undervalued.

To safeguard reproductive rights. 

And advocate for more housing — especially more affordable housing for lower and middle-income families just trying to get by.

I’ll continue to take on greedy corporate giants and fight for more affordable gas, groceries, and everything in between.  

I’ll continue to defend our world-renowned natural resources and protect them for generations to come. 

Continue to fight for clean water to drink and clean air to breathe.

Continue to crack down on illicit guns on our streets and get fentanyl out of our neighborhoods. 

Continue to fight for workers.

I’ll continue to protect, defend, and serve every single Californian. No matter your politics. 

I’m here to ensure every person — no matter how they look, how much money they make, where they’re from, who they love, how they identify, or how they pray — can pursue their version of the California Dream. 

A fair wage and good benefits.  

A safe and affordable place to live.  

Affordable and accessible health care. 

Good schools to send our kids to. 

Safe neighborhoods to raise our families. 

That’s my promise to you, no matter who is in the White House.  

We’ve been here before.

We lived through Trump 1.0. 

We know what he’s capable of. 

We know what plans he has in store. 

The silver lining is just that: we know. 

We know to take Trump at his word when he says he’ll roll back environmental protections, go after our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, attack our civil rights, and restrict access to essential reproductive care.

Which means, we won’t be flat-footed come January.

You can be sure that as California Attorney General, if Trump attacks your rights: I’ll be there. 

If Trump comes after your freedoms: I’ll be there. 

If Trump jeopardizes your safety and well-being: I’ll be there.

California DOJ did it before and we’ll do it again.  

During the last Trump Administration, California DOJ fought to stop illegal rollbacks and proposals that would’ve harmed the well-being, health, safety, and civil rights of our people and of people across the country. 

That would have caused irrevocable damage to our environment.

No matter who is in charge of the federal government…

No matter what the incoming Administration has in store… California will remain the steadfast beacon of progress it has long been.  

A constant, unwavering, immoveable force to be reckoned with.  

We’ll continue to be a check on overreach and push back on abuse of power. 

Be the antidote to dangerous, extremist, hateful vitriol.

Be the blueprint of progress for the nation to look to.

Remember: in moments of chaos in D.C., you can always look to California for calm resolve. 

California leaders across the state are ready to stand arm-in-arm. 

Governor Newsom and every single Constitutional Officer;  

Senator Padilla and Senator-elect Schiff;  

Democratic members of Congress; 

Pro Tem McGuire, Speaker Rivas, and the California Legislature; 

Mayors, supervisors, and city councilmembers from San Francisco to San Diego are ready to fight for our California values. 

For our people. For our environment.

For progress and justice.

And as necessary, we’re ready to take on the challenges of a second Trump Administration — together.

While a great deal of change is on the horizon…

California’s path to progress remains full steam ahead.

It may not always be linear. Progress so rarely is. 

It zigs and zags. Takes frustrating detours. Inches forward and backward and forward again. 

The detours and setbacks don’t define our progress.

Our commitment to forward momentum defines our progress. Defines us. 

It’s what we do next that will define us. 

If you’re feeling despondent today, remember that you’re not alone. 

In California, we’re not looking back. We’re not moving back. 

We’re California! We’ll meet any challenges head on and rise to the occasion.

As is so often said, as California goes, so goes the nation.

In the days and months and years to come, all eyes will look west. 

In California, they’ll see: we’re still moving forward.

Thank you. 

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Expresses Condolences Over Death of Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Wallace

November 13, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

MODESTO -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris issued the following statement on the death of Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Wallace, who died in the line of duty today:

"On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Dennis Wallace, who bravely gave his life in the line of duty today. This tragedy is yet another solemn reminder of the sacrifice men and women in law enforcement make each and every day when they put on the uniform and badge, not knowing if they'll come home to their families at the end of their shift. Sheriff's Deputy Wallace's ultimate sacrifice in service of his community will never be forgotten by a grateful state and her people."

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Expresses Condolences Over Death of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Al Lopez

October 24, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

LOS ANGELES -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Al Lopez, who was killed in the line of duty:

"On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Al Lopez, who lost his life in the line of duty today. Sergeant Al Lopez served his community with bravery and dedication and we will never forget his sacrifice. We also extend condolences to Sheriff Jim McDonnell and the men and women who he served alongside at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department."

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Issues Statement on Passing of Rose Pak

September 19, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of Rose Pak:

“San Francisco has lost a fearless advocate of the Chinese community with the passing of Rose Pak. She led an unwavering fight that stretched four decades to secure housing and vital services for poor and vulnerable immigrants. Rose never backed away from speaking truth to power, and she was a San Francisco icon. Her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched and the many she inspired to continue to serve vulnerable communities.”  

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris to Speak at the Memorial Service for San Diego Police Officer DeGuzman

August 4, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

EL CAJON – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris is attending and will speak at the memorial service for San Diego Police Officer Jonathan “JD” DeGuzman, who was killed in the line of duty on July 28th.

WHEN:

Tomorrow, August 5, 2016

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

WHERE:

Shadow Mountain Community Church

2100 Greenfield Drive

El Cajon, CA 92019

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Expresses Condolences Over Death of San Diego Police Department Officer Jonathan “J.D.” DeGuzman

July 29, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SAN DIEGO - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of San Diego Police Department Officer Jonathan “J.D.” Guzman, who was killed in the line of duty:

"My deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Officer Jonathan “J.D.” DeGuzman, who lost his life in the line of duty last night.  Officer DeGuzman served his community with bravery and heroism, making the ultimate sacrifice. His service will never be forgotten by the people of California.  As we remember Officer DeGuzman, we also hold the men and women of the entire San Diego Police Department in our thoughts and prayers, especially Officer Wade Irwin, who was gravely injured last night."

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Issues Statement on Shooting of Officers in Baton Rouge

July 17, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

LOS ANGELES -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris issued the following statement on the tragic shooting in Baton Rouge that resulted in the deaths of three police officers. 

"This morning's shooting in Baton Rouge is a heartbreaking tragedy and a grave reminder of the dangers that peace officers face every day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen officers, and to the men and women who bravely serve alongside them in the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Department and across the country." 

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Releases Statement on Shooting in Dallas

July 7, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris issued the following statement on the tragic shooting in Dallas that resulted in the deaths of five police officers.

"The horrific tragedy in Dallas is a grave reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face each day in service of their communities. I pray for the officers who lost their lives last night, for their grieving families and our law enforcement brothers and sisters in Dallas. Last night's unspeakable violence reminds me of these words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

"Violence only increases distrust and anger.  I know firsthand that the relationship of trust between law enforcement and the communities we are sworn to serve is reciprocal.  We honor the courage and sacrifice of law enforcement as we continue the important national dialogue around reforming our criminal justice system."

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Releases Statement on the Death of Elie Wiesel

July 2, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

LOS ANGELES - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris released the following statement on the death of Elie Wiesel:

"Elie Wiesel was a survivor of the horrors of the Holocaust, bore witness for 6 million murdered Jews, and served as the world's conscience.  During his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, he reminded us that action is the antidote to injustice. Neutrality, silence, and indifference do not serve those suffering, only their tormentors.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who were impacted by his life and legacy."

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Expresses Condolences Over Death of San Jose Police Department Officer Michael Katherman

June 15, 2016
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the death of San Jose Police Department Officer Michael Katherman, who was killed in the line of duty:

“On behalf of the California Department of Justice, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Michael Katherman, who lost his life in the line of duty.  I also extend my thoughts to Chief Eddie Garcia and all the brave men and women of the San Jose Police Department.  The people of the state of California will always remember the ultimate sacrifice Officer Katherman made in service of his community.”