State GovernmentObama applauds Newsom’s California redistricting plan as ‘responsible’ as Texas GOP pushes new mapsAugust 21, 2025Former President Barack Obama has expressed support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's approach to redistricting.
State GovernmentWhy many California Democrats are feeling angst over Newsom’s redistrictingAugust 20, 2025California voters backed independent redistricting for congressional seats and giving it up to counter President Trump creates a moral conflict even for Democrats.
State GovernmentDemocrats in Sacramento introduce redistricting bills over Republican objectionsAugust 19, 2025 | Laura Fitzgerald | Gerardo ZavalaDemocratic lawmakers formally introduced legislation, asking California voters to suspend the state’s independent redistricting rules
State GovernmentGavin Newsom warms to Big Oil in climate reversalAugust 18, 2025After years of cracking down on California’s oil industry, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats are moving to get Kern County wells pumping again to avoid soaring gasoline prices.
State GovernmentCalifornia Democrats unveil their new congressional map to counter RepublicansAugust 15, 2025 | Laura FitzgeraldIn response to critiques, Governor Gavin Newsom argued his redistricting proposal is transparent because voters will have the ultimate say. The Texas plan will not be sent to voters.
State GovernmentAudit finds California can save hundreds of millions if state workers stay remoteAugust 14, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaGovernor Gavin Newsom’s unpopular order for state workers to return to the office four days per week is getting more pushback. The state auditor found it would save $225 million annually to maintain a predominantly remote workforce.
Housing and HomelessnessSan José developers pioneer new California law: selling ADUs as condosAugust 14, 2025People are just starting take advantage of a new law that allows homeowners to sell ADUs as condos
State GovernmentCalifornia grocery prices could rise if this self-checkout bill passes, grocers argueAugust 14, 2025Labor unions are trying once again to regulate self-checkout lanes at California stores. This year’s bill waters down a version that died last session, but businesses still warn it will increase costs and lead to consumer frustration.
State GovernmentAs e-bike sales soar, California delays requirements for bike parkingAugust 13, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornia’s e-bike sales outpace electric cars, but secure bike parking remains scarce. A 2022 law aimed to address this, but a separate law pushed requirements back. Advocates warn this discourages people from ditching their cars.
State GovernmentCalifornia strikes deal to temporarily protect $4B in bullet train funds, but project’s future still uncertainAugust 12, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornia has placed $4 billion in federal high-speed rail funds in a legal trust amid a lawsuit, preventing the money from being redirected. Supporters call it a win, but soaring costs and political opposition leave the project’s future uncertain.
