SACRAMENTO, Calif.—As the war between Russia and Ukraine proceeds, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on March 4 requiring state agencies and departments to halt investments and financial transactions with Russia while urging businesses in California to follow as well. “The Russian Federation has mounted aggressive, unlawful, and violent actions against Ukraine and its people, flouting these fundamental rights and freedoms,” the order states. State agencies and departments within the Governor’s Administration are required to terminate contracts for commodities, services, and technology that are tied to Russia, according to the executive order. The order also requires state agencies to avoid transferring technology to Russia. The state agencies must also have all contractors and grantees with agreements at $5 million or more to report compliance with the order by providing proof of stopping transactions with Russian entities, according to the order. In addition, Newsom is extending the order to businesses, …