Newsom Increases Funding for Security for Faith-Based Communities

Due to heightened tension in the Middle East and at home, California Gov. Gavin Newsom last month doubled funding available for churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith-based communities to install security features. The governor announced funding from the state’s so-called Security Grant Program would be increased from $20 million to $40 million and also vowed an additional $10 million to increase police presence at places of worship. The boost in funding is to provide security equipment for nonprofit organizations—including synagogues and mosques—that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes, especially now, after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel....