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.
State GovernmentNewsom to Trump: Stop redistricting plans or California will redraw its own mapsAugust 12, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaGovernor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to President Trump threatening to redraw California’s maps if GOP-led redistricting in states like Texas doesn’t stop.
Health CareNorthern California Republican heckled at packed town hall over Trump and Medi-CalAugust 12, 2025At his first in-person town hall since Trump’s megabill became law, Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa largely defended his vote for the legislation while fielding expletive-laden questions from a hostile crowd.
State Government5 things to know as Newsom and Trump go back to court over the National Guard in LAAugust 11, 2025Gov. Gavin Newsom alleges the Trump administration broke a 19th Century law called the Posse Comitatus Act when it deployed military units to Los Angeles in June.
EnvironmentCalifornia cut coal from its energy supply. Why it might plug back into fossil fuelsAugust 7, 2025For years, California refused to create a Western mega energy market over concerns about fossil fuels and union jobs. But now, the idea is closer than ever.
State GovernmentCA Democrats meet to negotiate new congressional mapsAugust 5, 2025 | Laura FitzgeraldNewsom says the maps will be released publicly before going before voters in November.
