Here's my latest piece @washingtonmonthly.com Hoping those in NATO can evolve this alliance relationship & account for national strategic advantages. We talk a lot about sealift capacity w/my colleagues at the Hoover Institution. Here's one possible solution. washingtonmonthly.com/2025/12/22/n...

California’s coast is not for sale. Offshore drilling isn’t just reckless. It’s a threat to our communities, our economy, and our clean‑energy future. Here in California, we’ll always lead with innovation, protect our coast, and put people over Big Oil.

Make California a G7 Member "Economic powerhouse of #California should be admitted into the #G7, given that the state’s $4.1 trillion GDP and throw-weight are greater than those of five of the current members" washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/12/m... @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @ltg.ca.gov

My latest on H-1Bs w/ Dinsha Mistree "President Donald Trump has found yet another way to weaponize immigration...The policy lets POTUS kill two birds with one stone: By targeting mostly India, he also gets to punish California." www.sfexaminer.com/forum/trump-... #India #California

My latest @monthly “Venezuela’s tragic collapse from petrostate to failed state has a name: Nicolás Maduro. It’s time for him to go." washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/17/v...

Proud to see that @california-hcd.bsky.social will receive necessary funding to create more affordable housing for Californians. Out of the 2,099 affordable homes created, 2,068 homes will be reserved for low- to extremely low-income residents like seniors, Veterans, large families and more.

It was an honor to visit California’s very own Yosemite National Park as part of a tour through the beautiful Sierra Nevada 🏔️🌲 We hiked up to Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail & saw how our trails are maintained to be safe & accessible. Protecting California’s treasures is a responsibility we all share.

August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth, and I had such a great time visiting Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse in Downtown Sacramento, an iconic spot for BBQ, craft beers, and good vibes!

Another tragic mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school this morning, where two children were killed and many more injured. Their futures were stolen, and countless families will never be the same.

I had the pleasure of touring Calaveras Big Trees State Park as part of my visit to Calaveras County 🌲 It was inspiring to meet with State Park Leaders to see their work protecting CA’s giant sequoias, and advocating for over 1,000 mature trees against the threats of wildfires & climate change.

America is seeing its first decline in immigrants in over 50 years, with 1.4 million people gone in just months under Trump. Immigrants drive $275 billion in economic output, contribute billions in tax revenue, and enrich our culture & communities. This isn’t just cruel, it’s reckless.

Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has ended her campaign to become state treasurer and endorsed Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for the role. Schaaf had a fraction of the campaign funds of Kounalakis.

Yes!

I'm with Eleni.

Wallis Annenberg represented the best of California. Business success coupled with a lifetime of visionary philanthropy. Her contributions to our state will forever serve as a testament to her extraordinary life.

Foreign Minister of #Ukraine says it’s time to recognize Russia as a terrorist state @GLOBSEC #globsec2025 @AndriiSybiha makes case, incl. Russia’s abducting Ukrainian children. Re-upping my 2014 Russia as terrorist state argument. amp.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...

Good to be at GLOBSEC 2025 in Prague. 20 years strong! My first Forum since joining the International Advisory Board. Impressed by CZ President Petr Pavel’s clarity and commitment to regional security and transatlantic relations. @globsec.bsky.social

So excited to be at @cademocrats.bsky.social’s #CADEMConvention this weekend with democratic volunteers, delegates, leaders and activists who are ready to fight, organize and take back our country 💪🏼 #CAStrong

Women’s leadership matters, role models matter, and lifting up the next generation of female leaders matters. As of today, 49% of California legislators are women, which is up from 22% in 2022. This is progress but the work doesn’t stop here! 💼 #FemaleLeaders #WomenLeadership

Every #MemorialDay I post my short feature film, "The War Prayer". A short story by Mark Twain, it is a scathing indictment of #war - particularly of blind patriotic and religious fervor as motivations for war. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRVo...

In California, we don’t just defend the right to choose—we lead the fight to protect it. That is why I’m proud to co-sponsor Assemblymember Cecilia Aguilar-Curry’s #AB260 to ensure Mifepristone remains legal & available in CA. Great to see this bill pass the Assembly & move forward to the Senate.

Sending prayers to President Biden and his family as he battles this diagnosis. Thanks to his leadership with the Cancer Moonshot and NIH and NCI investments as President, there are new and more effective therapies than ever 🙏

Horrified by news of the bombing of a reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs today. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Palm Springs community during this difficult time.

This is a politically motivated attack on reproductive freedom, period. Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for 20+ yrs & is used in 60%+ of abortions nationwide. CA will keep fighting for safe, legal reproductive care & every person’s right to make their own medical decisions.

Honored to celebrate #EuropeDay with @ec.europa.eu @euintheus.bsky.social —reaffirming California’s deep and growing partnership with the #EU. With $65.5B in two-way trade and the EU as our #1 source of foreign investment, California is proud to be your most trusted transatlantic ally.

Proud to co-sponsor #AB379 by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, which passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee today—a step forward in protecting victims of sex trafficking. At the same time, I’m deeply disappointed that a key provision was stripped: 🧵👇🏽

Today, we honor the resilience & strength of the Armenian people as we remember the Armenian Genocide. California is home to a vibrant Armenian community, and we stand in solidarity in ensuring that history is never forgotten or repeated. We are mindful of those who have lost their homes in Artsakh.

Honored to welcome African climate leaders to SF for the CA-Africa Climate & Economic Forum during #SFClimateWeek. With partners from Kenya, Nigeria & beyond, we can explore bold solutions in clean energy, sustainable transport & trade. California is ready to go far, together. 🌍💚

Great visit to Cal Maritime — my 22nd @calstate.bsky.social campus visit 🚢 As the only maritime academy on the West Coast, Cal Maritime delivers world-class education that prepares cadets to lead in a global industry. Proud to support its exiting future as it merges with Cal Poly SLO.

Tourism is vital to California’s economy, and our friendship with Canada runs deep. From Palm Springs to wine country, we proudly welcome Canadian visitors who support our local businesses and communities. 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸 www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...

Read my full statement in support of @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social & @robbonta.bsky.social recent legal action to block President Trump's unlawful tariffs and protect California’s economy. Read the full press release here: ltg.ca.gov/2025/04/16/l...

It was an honor to welcome Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, to San Francisco. She reminded us all that when friends work together, there is always a way to deepen and strengthen our personal and business engagement 🇮🇪🇺🇸

Wishing a meaningful and joyous Passover to all who celebrate in California and beyond! May this season of reflection, renewal, and freedom inspire us to continue fighting for justice and unity in our communities. Chag Sameach!

✨ International House Celebration Gala ✨ A heartfelt thank you to our global community and honorees, @markoskounalakis.com, Excellence Anurika Joshua, The University Section Club. We enjoyed the welcome & toast🥂by @chancellorlyons.bsky.social & Shaun Carver, and much more! See highlights reel:

César Chávez dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of laborers and farm workers across America. On #CésarChávezDay, we honor his lasting legacy by coming together to uplift our communities. Let’s continue the fight for justice, equality, and dignity for all. @ufw.bsky.social

RIP, Kevin Drum, our former blogger and employee while I was publisher at the Washington Monthly. Exec. Editor Paul Glastris made this great hire at Josh Marshall's recommendation (Josh went on to build the TPM empire). Kevin was a gentleman, a scholar, a polymath, and a brilliant, kind soul.

We had our share of verbal run-ins during my time in the USSR as Moscow correspondent for NBC-Mutual News (he was an executive), but I respected his work as a foreign correspondent. RIP Ron Nessen.

✨ Join us at the International House Gala on March 9th for a festive evening celebrating valued members of our global community and honoring their support and service to International House. ✨ Learn more and purchase your tickets at i-housegala2025.eventbrite.com?aff=social @markoskounalakis.com

Utah just stripped collective bargaining rights from the people who sacrifice so much to serve our communities—teachers, firefighters, &police officers. This is union-busting, plain and simple. Workers deserve better. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/u...

Alumni Spotlight: Markos Kounalakis With 40 years of experience, Dr. Kounalakis is an award-winning, nationally syndicated foreign affairs columnist, author, and scholar. On March 9 he will be honored at the I-House Celebration & Awards Gala ihouse.berkeley.edu/gala @markoskounalakis.com #Calalumni

Today on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we shine a light on one of the darkest periods of human history, the more than 6million lives lost,& the enduring spirit of those who survived Let today remind us of our shared responsibility to stand up against prejudice, intolerance, & discrimination everywhere

Let’s move the museum up to Old Town Sacramento.

It is appalling that in the year 2024, gun violence remains the #1 cause of death among American children. My prayers are with the injured students and their families, as well as with all the families and staff of the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists.

Tis the season, California! I’m so proud of the work that the California Volunteer Office does year-round, from teaching in underserved communities to fighting climate change. Now’s the chance to join them — for a year, a week, a day — and help better your community and your state.

As the daughter of someone who worked in the fields of CA, I know how important healthy soil is for the future of farming. On this #WorldSoilDay, I’m thankful for the farmers and scientists across CA who feed the world, improve soil quality, and fight climate change through regenerative agriculture

California’s Legislature is making history! Women now comprise 49% of the Legislature & over 50% of the State Senate—a milestone for gender equity in Sacramento. Proud to work alongside this dynamic group to build a stronger, more equitable future for all Californians.

Speaker Pelosi is a lifelong public servant, the most effective House Speaker in modern history, an insightful mentor and a close friend. She is also a champion for San Francisco, and it was an honor to be with her yesterday at the dedication of the Federal Building in her name.

Proud to welcome another iconic American brand to California. California is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state, and with world-class talent and the 5th largest economy in the world, it’s easy to see why!

What should I spy on the street? Another BluSky.

Yay! It was my birthday and I got a great surprise & last-minute party at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco.