Gretchen Newsom and Matthew O’Malley Appointed as Alternates to the California Coastal Commission

SACRAMENTO – Today, the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), appointed Gretchen Newsom and Matthew O’Malley to serve as alternate members of the Coastal Commission. Ms. Newsom will serve as an alternate to Commissioner Ann Notthoff and Mr. O’Malley will serve as an alternate to Commissioner Dayna Bochco.

“It reassuring to know that, in the case of an absence by a Commissioner, the important work of the California Coastal Commission can proceed with the participation of highly qualified alternates, like Gretchen Newsom and Matthew O’Malley,” Pro Tem Atkins said. “When they are needed, I know that both will serve with honor and distinction to protect California’s coastal resources and economy.”

Gretchen Newsom is the Political Director for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569. She also serves on the California Employment Training Panel and is President Emeritus of the Ocean Beach Town Council. Previously, Ms. Newsom served as Special Assistant to the Chair for the federal Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission from 2009 to 2011.  

Gretchen Newsom lives in San Diego and serves at the pleasure of the Senate Rules Committee. Compensation is $100 per diem and $12.50 per hour in preparation for each meeting not to exceed eight hours, and actual and necessary expenses.

Matthew O’Malley is an attorney and served as Executive Director of San Diego Coastkeeper from 2014 to 2022.  Prior to that, he was a Partner at O’Malley Law Group, and also Staff Attorney for WildLaw. Mr. O’Malley is currently the Vice President of the San Diego chapter of the League of Conservation Voters, and is a former member of the California Coastkeeper Alliance, San Diego Water Reliability Coalition, California Bar Association, and Washington State Bar Association. Mr. O’Malley previously served as a Coastal Commission alternate to former Commissioner Sara Aminzadeh from August 2018 to March 12, 2023.

Matthew O’Malley lives in San Diego and serves at the pleasure of the Senate Rules Committee. Compensation is $100 per diem and $12.50 per hour in preparation for each meeting not to exceed eight hours, and actual and necessary expenses.

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins