California governor names new leaders on water, education

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has named new leaders to top state posts in water, transportation and education policy.

The appointments are among his latest moves to reshape state government in his first months in office.

Newsom announced the new leaders Tuesday during his State of the State address. He spent most of the speech focused on California policies rather than sparring with Republican President Donald Trump.

The Democrat says it’s time for California to confront “hard truths” about its lack of access to clean drinking water, education outcomes and unaffordable housing.

It’s typical for new governors to make fresh appointments to key posts. But Newsom’s moves also show he wants to go in a new direction on policies that were priorities of former California Gov. Jerry Brown.