State GovernmentCalifornia stiffened penalties for theft — and more changes are comingDecember 31, 2024Voters this November overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, which both modifies and adds key changes to California law.
State GovernmentTrump allies warn California leaders they could go to prison over sanctuary city lawsDecember 30, 2024A conservative organization led by Trump adviser Stephen Miller sent letters to California leaders warning of ‘serious consequences’ over sanctuary policies that protect undocumented residents.
State GovernmentNumber of registered lobbyists jumps to a record high in CaliforniaDecember 26, 2024The increase in lobbyists means there’s now at least one lobbyist for every legislative staff member.
State GovernmentCollege protests swept across California last year. Why have they stopped?December 19, 2024Campus administrators have been swift in enforcing their protest rules this fall, a marked change from last spring where protest encampments grew unchecked for days or weeks. Meanwhile, students are asking courts to weigh in on policies in court.
State GovernmentBiden administration approves California electric car mandate. Will Trump try to revoke it?December 18, 2024The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts.
Environment‘No way, not possible’: California has a plan for new water rules. Will it save salmon from extinction?December 16, 2024Growers and cities support the Newsom administration proposal, saying it strikes a balance for uses of Delta water. But environmentalists say the “healthy rivers” rules would actually harm California’s iconic salmon.
State GovernmentCalifornia judges say they’re underpaid, and their new lawsuit could cost taxpayers millionsDecember 11, 2024California judges receive raises based on what the state gives to other public employees. A new lawsuit alleges the state is miscalculating judicial wage increases.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s employment safety net is still broken. Will anyone fix it?December 5, 2024Out-of-work residents fight new fraud battles. The system bleeds money. And a $1 billion technology overhaul marches on.
EnvironmentCalifornians pay billions for power companies’ wildfire prevention efforts. Are they cost-effective?December 3, 2024After utility equipment sparked tragic wildfires, PG&E, SCE and SDG&E received state approval to collect $27 billion from ratepayers. As California electric bills soar, questions have emerged about oversight and costs.
State GovernmentTop Democrats say they won’t just ‘Trump-proof’ California — they’ll make it affordable againDecember 2, 2024Gov. Newsom wants the California Legislature to prepare for the Trump administration, but its leaders also say they heard voters’ message on lowering the cost of living.
