Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the governor has been mailing cell phones to the CEOs of California’s top 100 companies and since November his phone number has programmed it into contacts to “more directly” with business leaders in the state.
“It’s another way to interact with California Business Engines and listen to their ideas,” said Newsom’s communications consultant Bob Salladay. “We’ve been growing as a state. We’re an innovative country and he wants to hear if there’s any obstacles in business leaders and if there’s anything in California that can continue to succeed, he’s hearing about any obstacles.”
The cell phone, first reported by KCRA on Monday, was paid by the California Protastion Foundation, a nonprofit funded by donations from frequent payment events and governor trips, and does not involve taxpayer funds.
The Governor’s private conversation is often requested by public records that are covered by California law, and there is no ability to communicate with the cell phone to any additional skirt disclosure rules.
Many people in and around Newsom’s political and commercial track have his cell phone numbers. It is not uncommon for the governor to receive and respond to texts from many senders.
While many company CEOs may not require the governor to send a phone call to contact him, his aides describe his publicity as attracting the attention of business leaders and showing that he is interested in their experience in California.
The governor’s decision to start sending mobile phones seems to have begun to showcase the work of leaders of labor, business, local government, educational and environmental justice groups and community organizations as he launches the “First Tour of Jobs” across the state to establish regional and statewide economic development programs.
Newsom also relies on the private sector to raise funds for Los Angeles wildfire recovery and support Los Angeles wildfire recovery through an initiative led by Magic Johnson, Dodgers chairman Mark Walter and 2028 Olympic organizer Casey Wasserman.
“Some CEOs were surprised,” Salladay said. “Other people we haven’t heard yet, we’ve heard some people who communicate with the governor. It’s about gathering information about California businesses and how they do it.”
