BROWN APPOINTS MARTIN HOSHINO AS ACTING SECRETARY OF CDCR

Matthew Cate has announced his resignation as head of California’s prison system to lead the organization representing the state’s 58 counties.

Gov. Jerry Brown chose Martin Hoshino as acting secretary to replace Cate. Hoshino has been undersecretary of administration and offender services since May 2011. He previously served as executive officer for the Board of Parole Hearings and as chief assistant inspector general.

Cate says under his four-and a-half-year leadership recidivism rates were reduced, spending was decreased, the percentage of prisoners and parolees receiving rehabilitative services was increased, and five class-action lawsuits were ended.

He also said, “The federal receiver is winding down his operations and our medical and mental health care is vastly improved.”

His resignation was effective Nov. 11. His new job is executive director of the California State Association of Counties. His 2011 state salary was $215,471; his new salary will be $288,000 and he will be eligible for a state pension, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Cate acknowledged much more is left to accomplish, admitting, “Implementation of public safety realignment has been very challenging for everyone and we must continue to work through the remaining operational issues, while taking Continued from Page 1 care of the impacted employees.”

Part of his new job will entail helping counties find ways to cope with the influx of prisoners and parolees resulting from the state’s prison realignment program, as well as lobbying the state Legislature for the money to do so.