SACRAMENTO—Major General David Baldwin will retire as California’s National Guard commander at the end of the month, according to media reports.
The governor’s office confirmed July 18 to the Los Angeles Times about the retirement.
Baldwin’s tenure as commander became clouded with controversies after a Los Angeles Times report in June alleged abuses of authority, antisemitic remarks, and instances of sexual orientation discrimination occurred under his watch, according to internal complaints. Some of the personnel were suspended or fired as a result of media reports.
The highly decorated commander did not immediately respond to the allegations.
Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement on the evening of July 18 commending him for “his steadfast leadership and nearly four decades of committed service to our state and nation” and “pushing forward much-needed reforms to change the culture of the organization and better serve Californians.”…