Gov. Newsom Appoints Kim Johnson to Replace Mark Ghaly at CalHHS
Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), announced Sept. 7 that he is resigning from the post- he has held since March 2019 when he was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. On June 8, Newsom appointed Director Kim Johnson as the next CalHHS Secretary effective Oct 1.
Ghaly will stay on at CalHHS through the end of September to facilitate the leadership transition. During Dr. Ghaly’s tenure, which spanned California’s nation-leading response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CalHHS moved forward with many initiatives that focused on providing more stability and opportunity to Californians. These initiatives covered a range of the agency’s functions, including addressing affordability and access to health care and deepening the connection between housing, homelessness and health, including behavioral health.
Johnson, CalHHS’ incoming Secretary, has served as Director of the California Department of Social Services since 2019 and she has worn a number of hats 2015 to 2019, including Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division at the agency and Branch Chief of CalWORKs.
Diddy Puts L.A. mansion Up for Sale
Sean “Diddy” Combs has listed his mansion in Holmby Hills for $61.5 million, as revealed by property records. Combs acquired the expansive estate in the desirable billionaire’s row area of Los Angeles in 2014 for $39 million. Enclosed by private gates, the 1.3-acre property features lush landscaping with mature trees, formal gardens, a resort-style swimming pool complete with a waterfall and grotto, and an outdoor covered loggia, according to the listing details. The traditionally designed home boasts a gourmet kitchen and wine cellar, along with a separate catering kitchen. A state-of-the-art theater can host up to 35 guests. On the upper level, the primary suite includes dual bathrooms and spacious closets, while a gallery hallway connects guest rooms and family suites. Additionally, a large, two-story guest house encompasses a gym and a recording studio.
On the legal front, Diddy’s troubles continue to pile up, as a Michigan inmate, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, has been awarded a $100 million default judgment against him. According to published reports, the judgment was issued by Judge Anna Marie Anzalone on September 9, following Cardello-Smith’s claim that Diddy drugged and sexually assaulted him at a Detroit party in 1997. Diddy did not appear at the virtual hearing, leading to the default ruling. Cardello-Smith, currently incarcerated at the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility, asserts that Diddy recently contacted him in prison and offered $2.3 million to drop the lawsuit, which was declined. Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, contends that Cardello-Smith is a convicted felon attempting to commit fraud, stating that Diddy has never recognized him or been served with any lawsuit.