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​June 26, 2024
Work4CA Summer Career Fair. June 27. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 925 Del Paso Blvd Sacramento. More than 30 departments attending. 

CalHR Partners with SETA to Host Work4CA Summer Career Fair

What you need to know: The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) and the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) are partnering together again to host the Work for California (Work4CA) Summer Career Fair. Close to 40 state departments from across California will host booths to mingle with the over 800 registered attendees.

SACRAMENTO, CA – CalHR is pleased to announce its collaboration with the SETA to host the Work4CA Summer Career Fair on June 27 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at 925 Del Paso Blvd, Ste 100, Sacramento, CA 95815.

The event is part of CalHR's ongoing Work4CA campaign. Building upon the success of October's No Degree Required Career Fair, June's Summer Career Fair will connect job seekers with opportunities across multiple state departments. Attendees will meet state recruiters, join seminars on navigating the state's application process and explore roles in critical infrastructure, public health, education, technology and more.

Key Details:

  • Date and Time: June 27, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 PM
  • Location: 925 Del Paso Blvd, Ste 100, Sacramento, CA 95815
  • Registration: Participants are encouraged to register for one time slot to ensure efficient access due to high interest.

Why this matters: The Work4CA Summer Career Fair supports Governor Gavin Newsom's executive orders and CalHR's commitment to expanding job opportunities within state service. In his 2022 Executive Order, Governor Newsom directed state agencies and departments to take additional actions to embed equity and address unequal circumstances to strengthen his commitment to a California for all. A year later, Governor Newsom signed the Freedom to Succeed Executive Order with a goal of helping all Californians regardless of education or background access state employment.


About SETA

The Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) provides workforce development services to job seekers and employers in the Sacramento region, supporting economic growth and community vitality.

About Work for California

Last year, the State of California piloted a successful recruiting program called Work for California (Work4CA). Initially focused on attracting laid-off tech workers, the Work4CA campaign has grown into a comprehensive statewide recruitment initiative.

Work4CA operates as a collaborative effort across various state departments, fostering a unified approach to attracting top talent for the State of California. The Work4CA campaign empowers job seekers with resources on navigating CalCareers and simplifies understanding the state's recruitment process.

California state service offers a multitude of benefits, including advancement opportunities, excellent benefits packages, job security and the chance to work with a purpose, regardless of an individual's education or experience level.

About CalHR

CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.

Connect with us on LinkedIn and visit the Work4CA website for the latest recruiting events and resources to discover fulfilling careers with the Golden State.



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​June 25, 2024

State of California Honors 29 Recipients with the Governor’s State Employee
Medal of Valor Award

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The State of California honored 29 state employees with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award (Medal of Valor Award) for their acts of heroism in a ceremony at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento. The Medal of Valor Award is the highest honor the state can bestow upon its employees, given on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom.

"Quality of character is clearest during a crisis," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "The choice to risk your own safety, your own future, it's never an easy one, and the people we recognize today put their lives in harm's way — they saw people in need and they acted. We all should be honored to serve this great state alongside people of such quality of character as those we recognize here today."

The 29 awardees represented 5 state departments: the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Actions taken by this year’s recipients include a lost swimmer rescued in complete darkness; a neighbor who was saved from his burning house; a young toddler trapped in his home by a fallen redwood; people who were evacuated to safety from a building that was set on fire; and separate counts of everyday drivers rescued under extreme circumstances, facing mortal danger.

This year’s recipients, the level of their award and their employing department are as follows:

  1. Sultan N. Abassy, Silver, Caltrans
  2. Michael D. Butner, Silver, Caltrans
  3. Geoffrey Clute, Gold, Caltrans
  4. Danny Dube, Silver, Caltrans
  5. Gonzalo Garcia, Silver, Caltrans
  6. Kenneth Myers, Silver, Caltrans
  7. Bruce Kenneth Perry, Silver, Caltrans
  8. DavidRay Sumaya, Silver, Caltrans
  9. Darrell L. VanNatta, Silver, Caltrans
  10. Daniel T. Pierce, Gold, CDCR
  11. David M. Tapia, Silver, CDCR
  12. Christopher Acevedo, Gold, CAL FIRE
  13. Timothy Cabral, Silver, CAL FIRE
  14. Kyle Callaway, Silver, CAL FIRE
  15. Josh Clark, Silver, CAL FIRE
  16. Kenneth Ellis, Silver, CAL FIRE
  17. Roger Allyn Giese, Gold, CAL FIRE
  18. Joe Green, Silver, CAL FIRE
  19. John May, Gold, CAL FIRE
  20. Kory McGranahan, Gold, CAL FIRE
  21. Ariel Sosa, Silver, CAL FIRE
  22. Max Hunter, Gold, State Parks
  23. Riley Rhodes, Gold, State Parks
  24. Jose A. Benitez, Gold, CHP
  25. Michael Christopher Estey, Gold, CHP
  26. Christian David Lara, Gold, CHP
  27. Luis F. Rodriguez, Gold, CHP
  28. Chad W. Smith, Gold, CHP
  29. Jonathan Wion, Gold, CHP

Other state officials participating in the ceremony included Cabinet Secretary of the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, Ann Patterson; Secretary of the Government Operations Agency (GovOps), Amy Tong; Secretary of the State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), Toks Omishakin; Caltrans Director, Tony Tavares; CHP Commissioner, Sean Duryee; CDCR Secretary, Jeff Macomber; CDCR Division of Adult Institutions Director, Ron Broomfield; Undersecretary of the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), Saul Gomez; CAL FIRE Director, Joe Tyler; State Parks Director, Armando Quintero and California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Director, Eraina Ortega.

The Medal of Valor Award is sponsored by CalHR. Award nominations are made by the
employee’s department, reviewed by the State Merit Award Board and approved by
the Director of CalHR. Since the program began in 1959, over 800 state employees have received the Medal of Valor Award.

The award comes in two distinctions: the Special Service Award (Silver) for an act of heroism by a state employee extending above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at personal risk to his or her safety to save human life or state property, and the Special Act Award (Gold) for an extraordinary act of heroism by a state employee extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service, performed at great risk to his or her own life in an effort to save human life.

For more information about the Medal of Valor Award, visit the Medal of Valor website.
Details of each recipient’s award will be posted to the website after the ceremony.

About CalHR

CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

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​April 9, 2024Greak Benefits. Job Security. Work with a Purpose. Work for California logo. WorkForCalifornia.ca.gov. Diverse group of people s

Figure 1 Digital billboard to run through June 2

State of California Expands Work for California Campaign

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Work for California (Work4CA) campaign. This initiative provides resources to simplify the process for Californians to find rewarding careers within state service. The Work4CA media campaign signifies a major step forward for the state's recruitment efforts.

“We're expanding our reach and enhancing resources to connect even more Californians with exciting opportunities in critical infrastructure, public health, education, technology, and more,” said Camille Travis, CalHR’s Deputy Director of Communications. “We're using digital billboards in English and Spanish, transit ads, Pandora Radio spots, YouTube video ads and digital news placements with more to come. These strategic choices mean we're reaching people wherever they are. Whether you're online, commuting, or reading the news, you'll see the Work for California message. We want everyone to know about the great job opportunities available in state service."

Why it matters: Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order directing CalHR to evaluate whether a college degree is needed for a particular position whenever its classification is reviewed. To date, CalHR has removed employment barriers from 169 job classifications where a degree or other education requirements are not necessary.

"Through the Governor’s Executive Order, CalHR expanded access to well-paying jobs in public service,” said Monica Erickson, Chief Deputy Director of CalHR. “This step enhances workforce accessibility and ensures that every individual has an opportunity to excel and contribute meaningfully to the State of California.”

 

Figure 2 Digital news placement to run through June 30

Looking for a Fulfilling Career in California State Service?

Visit the official Work4CA website to find hiring events and resources to navigate the application process. The site will also assist state recruiters with resources to engage potential candidates. Applications will continue to be processed through CalCareers, but the Work4CA website offers valuable video resources and insights into the exceptional benefits of state employment.

About Work for California

Last year, the State of California piloted a successful recruiting program called Work4CA. Initially focused on attracting laid-off tech workers, the Work4CA campaign has grown into a comprehensive statewide recruitment initiative.

Work4CA operates as a collaborative effort across various state departments, fostering a unified approach to attracting top talent for the State of California. The Work4CA campaign empowers job seekers with resources on navigating CalCareers and simplifies understanding the state's recruitment process.

California state service offers a multitude of benefits, including advancement opportunities, excellent benefits packages, job security and the chance to work with a purpose, regardless of an individual's education or experience level.

About CalHR

CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

Connect with us on LinkedIn and visit the Work4CA website for the latest recruiting events and resources to discover fulfilling careers with the Golden State.

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​Jan. 5, 2024

CalHR Celebrates Its 2023 Accomplishments

SACRAMENTO, CA – 2023 proved to be another fruitful year for CalHR. Let’s take a look at our top highlights:
  • We hosted a conference on Dec. 6, and over 850 state human resources professionals attended. Keynote speakers included Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker on business leadership, and Gallup's Ed O'Boyle, who talked about building a culture of engagement. Other speakers covered topics relating to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (#DEIA); Savings Plus retirement plans; and employee wellbeing at a state department level. Our DEIA materials have been some of our most viewed and downloaded resources.

  • We hosted our first #Work4CA No Degree Required Job Fair in partnership with Sacramento Works and the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency on Oct. 3. Attendance exceeded expectations with over 1,200 job seekers and 36 state departments. The “No Degree Required” event also attracted diverse audience of job seekers across age, gender, ethnicity, class.

  • In partnership with GovOps, we conducted a statewide Learning and Development Strategic (L&D) Plan Project. We involved all California state departments and agencies, seeking not only survey and written assessments but also interviews to gain a better understanding of each department’s L&D practices. We will develop a statewide L&D strategy based on the information and data collected from each department.

  • The DEI Office is now the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (#DEIA) Office. This name change aligns with Gov. Newsom’s vision of a California for All and continues to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility. Equity and accessibility are two closely related concepts that are essential for creating a just and inclusive society. Equity refers to fairness and impartiality, and accessibility refers to the ability to use or participate in something. Both concepts work together to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to participate in society, including the workplace. When there is equity, there is also accessibility.

  • We reached labor agreements with 13 bargaining units and negotiated six successor Memoranda of Understanding with state employee representatives, covering various and diverse classifications, including public safety, health care, professional engineers, craft and maintenance, and office and allied, among others.

  • We soft-launched our virtual benefits assistant, “Benie the Bot.” Benie was created as a website chat function to increase customer service and provide timely access to information. Benie has been programmed with responses to generic questions and has AI capabilities to learn from other questions.

  • Through extensive collaboration with the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP), we installed the new Governor’s State Employee #MedalOfValor Award SmartTV (MOV SmartTV). The MOV SmartTV will replace the former kiosk and serve as a destination wherein visitors can experience the heroic stories of past MOV awardees. Although the final home for the MOV SmartTV will be the Capitol, it can currently be seen at the Capitol Annex Swing Space (1021 O street) while the Capitol is under extensive construction. This was a multi-party project led by CalHR with the involvement of GovOps, CAHP and DGS. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work from our Benefits, IT and Administrative Services Divisions as well as our Communications Office.

  • We launched the Statewide Engagement Program that brings the employee wellness, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), merit awards and employee engagement programs together to holistically support the overall well-being of state employees. Our goal is to assist departments through streamlined communication centered around keeping our state employees engaged in the work they do every day through the state’s benefit programs and services.

  • On June 21, 2023, we successfully hosted the first in-person California Governor's State Employee Medal of Valor Award since the start of the pandemic. We honored 20 of the 23 awardees from Caltrans, CAL FIRE, CDCR and CHP, and approximately 280 guests attended. The governor was represented by Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson who introduced the governor’s video remarks video and presented medals to the awardees.
We are looking forward to celebrating more of our employees’ accomplishments in 2024!

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Sept. 22, 2023

CalHR Leads the Charge to Remove Barriers and Make It Easier to Work for California


SACRAMENTO, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order (EO) on Aug. 31, 2023 that aims to reduce barriers for state jobs related to college degrees and improve access to high-paying and fulfilling careers. The order directs CalHR to evaluate whether a college degree is needed for a particular position whenever its classification is reviewed.

As part of the EO, our outreach and education efforts that position the State of California as the employer of choice will increase through a campaign to educate and enhance awareness about the different paths toward state employment. The campaign will walk prospective applicants at all levels and abilities through the state application and hiring process, as well as highlight hiring events such as our Oct. 3 No Degree Required Job Fair.

CalHR has removed employment barriers from 169 job classifications where a degree or other education requirements are not necessary. This effort will expand opportunities and access to well-paying jobs in public service. The latest change was on March 9, 2023 when CalHR proposed to revise and update the minimum qualifications of the Staff Services Analyst classification not to require a college degree. The State Personnel Board adopted the change, and the minimum qualifications now require the “equivalent to completion of the 12th grade” for its education requirement. 

In addition, CalHR will continue to evaluate classifications for potentially unnecessary education requirements as we work on additional classification consolidations. CalHR recently published a policy clarifying that formal education requirements, including degrees, certificates and licenses, may create unnecessary barriers for applicants and should not be required unless supporting data demonstrates a direct nexus between successful performance of the essential job functions and the proposed job-related educational requirements.


Additional efforts to assist state human resource offices are ongoing. CalHR offers a Selection Analyst Training Cohort that instructs on how to complete Job Analysis in parallel with classification studies. The cohort has been updated to convey any consideration for a degree in determining entrance requirements is explicitly analyzed and, if determined to be a required component for success in the position, that a justification is included with the job analysis that demonstrates the necessity.


About CalHR

CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

CalHR was created on July 1, 2012, by Governor Brown's Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 2011. The reorganization plan consolidated the State of California's two personnel departments, combining the Department of Personnel Administration with certain programs of the State Personnel Board. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.

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June 21, 2023

State of California Honors 23 with Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award


SACRAMENTO, CA – The State of California honored 23 state employees with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award (Medal of Valor Award) for their acts of heroism in a ceremony at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento.  The Medal of Valor Award is the highest honor the state can bestow upon its employees, given on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom.

“I am honored to recognize these awardees” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Rare is my opportunity to thank these individuals and the families of these heroes for their actions, but today I can. Thank you, so much, for sharing your bravery and heroism with California.”

Actions taken by this year’s recipients include saving countless lives in vehicle fires and accidents; approaching a suspected gunman at a Walmart store; saving a 4-year-old boy from his mother who was intentionally smothering him in muddy water; and a sedan traveling 90-100 miles per hour in the wrong direction, sustaining a violent head-on collision and injuries.

This year’s recipients, the level of their award and their employing department are as follows:
  1. Jake Bibby, Silver, CAL FIRE
  2.  Luis Cardenas, Gold, CDCR
  3.  Ryan Ayers, Gold, CHP
  4.  Eric Jorgensen, Gold, CHP
  5.  Kenneth Weckman, Gold, CHP
  6.  Jeremy M. Welch, Gold, CHP
  7.  Troy David Wiltshire, Gold, CHP
  8.  William T. Fitzgerald, Silver, CHP
  9.   Kasey Ryan Simas, Silver, CHP
  10.   Chris Williams, Silver, CHP
  11.   Aaron Roth Adair, Gold, CHP
  12.   Steven Strobel, Gold, CHP
  13.   Cody Collins, Silver Caltrans
  14.   Jeffrey Scardine, Silver, Caltrans
  15.   Brian Rubalcava, Silver, Caltrans
  16.  Jason Lofton, Silver, Caltrans
  17.  Jeremy Maraviov, Silver, Caltrans
  18.  Scott Davidson, Silver, Caltrans
  19.  Trevor Gipson, Silver, Caltrans
  20.   Nicholas Macias, Silver, Caltrans
  21.   Robert Hernandez, Silver, Caltrans
  22.   Roberto Lopez, Gold, Caltrans
  23.  William S. Miller, Silver, Caltrans
Other state officials participating in the ceremony included Secretary of the Government Operations Agency, Amy Tong; State Transportation Agency Secretary, Toks Omishakin; Caltrans Director, Tony Tavares; California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner, Sean Duryee; Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Secretary, Jeff Macomber; CDCR Division of Adult Parole Operations Director Marvin Speed; California Natural Resource Agency Secretary, Wade Crowfoot; Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Director, Joe Tyler; and California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Director, Eraina Ortega.

The Medal of Valor Award is sponsored by CalHR. Award nominations are made by the employee’s department, reviewed by the statewide Merit Award Board and approved by the Director of CalHR. Since the program began in 1959, over 700 state employees have received the Medal of Valor Award.

The award comes in two distinctions: the Special Service Award (Silver) for an act of heroism by a state employee extending above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at personal risk to his or her safety to save human life or state property, and the Special Act Award (Gold) for an extraordinary act of heroism by a state employee extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service, performed at great risk to his or her own life in an effort to save human life.

For more information about the Medal of Valor Award, visit the Medal of Valor website. Details of each recipient’s award will be posted to the website after the ceremony.

About CalHR

CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

CalHR was created on July 1, 2012, by Governor Brown's Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 2011. The reorganization plan consolidated the State of California's two personnel departments, combining the Department of Personnel Administration with certain programs of the State Personnel Board. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.

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November 15, 2022

State of California Honors 33 with Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award


Award is the highest honor state bestows on its public servants

​​
SACRAMENTO, CA – The State of California honored 33 state employees with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award (Medal of Valor Award) for acts of heroism. The Medal of Valor Award is the highest honor the state can bestow upon its employees, given on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom.

“These individuals are heroes, not because they sought out glory, or even recognition, but because they acted without hesitation when the time for action and calling came,” said Governor Newsom, who recorded a video address for the ceremony. “I thank these individuals for their extraordinary actions and for the crucial work they do, day in and day out, to support and protect and serve everyone in our state.”

Actions taken by this year’s recipients include saving countless lives during fires across the state; communicating with suicidal individuals until help could arrive preventing tragedy; talking down an armed trespasser; and rescuing people from burning vehicles and an airplane crash.

Recipients of the distinguished 2022 Medal of Valor awards, the level of their award and their employing department are as follows:
  • Heriberto Mora, Silver, CDCR
  • Mayra Mora, Silver, CDCR
  • John Bradley, Silver, CDCR
  • Ryan Wallace, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Tom Crass, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Tyler Williams, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Omar Desiderio, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Robert Rubalcava, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Alfonso Moreno, Silver, CAL FIRE
  • Barbara Loescher, Silver, CAL FIRE
  • Eric Ayers, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Jared Gotro, Silver, CAL FIRE
  • Martin Newman, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Cory Souza, Silver, CAL FIRE
  • Michael Berry, Gold, CHP
  • Jeff Edgerton, Gold, CHP
  • Jeff Hatcher, Gold, CHP
  • Eric Pohrman, Gold, CHP
  • Erik Mallory, Gold, CHP
  • Steve Weyand, Gold, CHP
  • Patrick Bourassa, Gold, CHP
  • John Gallemore, Gold, CHP
  • Wesley Barnes, Gold, CHP
  • Verna Mondell, Gold, CHP
  • James Burkhouse, Silver, Caltrans
  • Matthew Pina, Silver, Caltrans
  • Ryan Aguirre, Silver, Caltrans
  • Travis Sutton, Silver, Caltrans
  • Abby LeCureux, Silver, Department of Consumer Affairs
  • Camille Morgan, Silver, Department of Industrial Relations
  • Cristi Valencia, Silver, Department of Industrial Relations
  • Karla Castro, Silver, Department of Industrial Relations
  • Jason Schilling, Gold, California Military Department
The Medal of Valor Award is sponsored by the California Department of Human Resources. Award nominations are made by the employee’s department, reviewed by the statewide Merit Award Board, and selected by the Director of CalHR. Since the program began in 1959, over 700 state employees have received Medals of Valor.

The award comes in two distinctions: the Special Service Award (Silver) for an act of heroism by a state employee extending above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at personal risk to his or her safety to save human life or state property and the Special Act Award (Gold) for an extraordinary act of heroism by a state employee extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service, performed at great risk to his or her own life in an effort to save human life.

The Medal of Valor Awards were presented virtually to the recipients. Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong introduced the agency secretaries who honored recipients by telling their brave acts of heroism. Medals were presented to the 33 individuals across six state agencies on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom. Agency secretaries include Kathleen Allison, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Wade Crowfoot, Natural Resources Agency; Toks Omishakin, Transportation Agency; Natalie Palugyai, California Labor & Workforce Development Agency; Lourdes M. Castro Ramirez, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency; and Major General Matthew Beevers, Deputy Adjutant General, California Military Department.

To view the award ceremony, you can visit CalHR’s YouTube page. For more information about the award, visit the Medal of Valor website. Details of each recipient’s award will be posted to the website after the ceremony.

About CalHR

CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

CalHR was created on July 1, 2012, by Governor Brown's Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 2011. The reorganization plan consolidated the State of California's two personnel departments, combining the Department of Personnel Administration with certain programs of the State Personnel Board. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.

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​January 18, 2022

2021 SLAA Report Published

Government Code sections 13400 through 13407, known as the State Leadership Accountability Act (SLAA), was enacted to reduce the waste of resources and strengthen internal control. SLAA requires each state agency to maintain effective systems of internal control, to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of these controls on an ongoing basis, and to biennially report on the adequacy of the agency's systems of internal control. To learn more about CalHR's efforts, read CalHR's SLAA Report.
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​December 16, 2021

Sta​te of California Honors 46 with Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award


Award is the highest honor state bestows on its public servants

​​
SACRAMENTO, CA – The State of California honored 46 state employees​ with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award (Medal of Valor Award) for acts of heroism. The Medal of Valor Award is the highest honor the state can bestow upon its employees, given on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom.

“These 46 civil and public servants went above and beyond the call of duty to protect their fellow Californians, demonstrating that we are at our best when we stand up in service of others,” said Governor Newsom, who recorded a video address for the ceremony Thursday. “Their dedication is an inspiration to all of us and I thank them for their selfless acts of courage and the crucial work they do every day to support our communities.”

Actions taken by this year’s recipients include saving an individual from a shark attack; saving countless lives during the Camp and Carr Fires; stopping the bleeding of a stabbing victim; rescuing people from vehicle fires; and pulling a suicidal person from a freeway overpass which nearly resulted in the officer falling with the suicidal individual.

Recipients of the distinguished Medal of Valor awards, the level of their award and their employing department are as follows:

  • Hector Villarreal, Gold, CDCR
  • April Esconde, Silver, Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • Nathan Smith, Gold, Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • Jeff Edson, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Elliot Hopkins, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Sims Hawkins, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Joe Kennedy, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Nicholas Lopes, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Shawn Raley, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Darren Stewart, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Erich Schwab, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Byron Vance, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Jason Dyer, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Chad Burns, Gold, CAL FIRE
  • Richard Siemers, Silver, Franchise Tax Board
  • FannieLyn Rodriguez, Silver, Department of General Services
  • Michael Basile, Gold, CHP
  • Nhan Mai, Gold, CHP
  • Michael Panlilio, Gold, CHP
  • Alexander Stirling, Silver, CHP
  • Shaun Conner, Gold, CHP
  • Matthew Frattaroli, Gold, CHP
  • Dionte Hall, Gold, CHP
  • Aaron Maurer, Gold, CHP
  • Vince Mendoza, Gold, CHP
  • Robert Paul, Gold, CHP
  • Michael Qualls, Gold, CHP
  • Ryan Smith, Gold, CHP
  • Wesley Tom, Gold, CHP
  • Christopher Beehner, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Sabrina Buis, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Zackery Chambers, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Kirk Coon, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Travis Gee, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Mark Hofer, Gold & Silver, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Daniel Marinella, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Eldon McBride, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Scott Sipes, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Matthew Stalter, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Lori Martin, Silver, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Michael Van Pelt, Silver, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Ean Miller, Gold, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Chris Hendricks, Silver, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Bret Weber, Silver, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Andrew Helble, Silver, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Royce Hiner, Silver, Caltrans
The Medal of Valor Award is sponsored by the California Department of Human Resources. Award nominations are made by the employee’s department, reviewed by the statewide Merit Award Board, and selected by the Director of CalHR. Since the program began in 1959, 700 state employees have received Medals of Valor.

The award comes in two distinctions: the Special Service Award (Silver) for an act of heroism by a state employee extending above and beyond the normal call of duty or service performed at personal risk to his or her safety to save human life or state property and the Special Act Award (Gold) for an extraordinary act of heroism by a state employee extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service, performed at great risk to his or her own life in an effort to save human life.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Medal of Valor Awards were presented virtually to the recipients. CalHR Department Director Eraina Ortega introduced the agency secretaries who honored recipients by telling their brave acts of heroism. Medals were presented to the 46 individuals across eight state departments on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom. Agency secretaries include Kathleen Allison, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR); Wade Crowfoot, Natural Resources Agency; David S. Kim, Transportation Agency; and Yolanda Richardson, Government Operations Agency.

To view the award ceremony, you can visit CalHR’s YouTube page. For more information about the award, visit the Medal of Valor website. Details of each recipient’s award will be posted to the website after the ceremony.

About CalHR

CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

CalHR was created on July 1, 2012, by Governor Brown's Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 2011. The reorganization plan consolidated the State of California's two personnel departments, combining the Department of Personnel Administration with certain programs of the State Personnel Board. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.

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