New independent commissions are drawing election districts in cities and counties that could change representation and priorities. Community groups are fighting for influence.
Politics
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s recall election officially ends as Newsom prepares for 2022
With all the votes tallied, the recall failed by a substantial margin: 61.9% for keeping Gov. Gavin Newsom in office and 38.1% for his removal.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County workers protest working conditions, say they are on the edge of a strike
Saying their concerns about working conditions and pay have not been taken seriously, unionized workers presented a petition Tuesday to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors urging them to take action. Leaders say many members are ready to strike immediately.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Supervisors: We want more control over placement of sexually violent predators
The board of supervisors voted Tuesday to direct county administrators to oppose taking in sexually violent predators in Santa Cruz County until state law is amended to give local jurisdictions more power in the decision-making process. The move will have no impact on the case of Michael Cheek, a man diagnosed as a sexually violent predator, whose placement in Bonny Doon is facing opposition from residents.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom’s vetoes: Why did the governor block California bills?
Gov. Newsom had his reasons for blocking California bills passed by the Legislature: cost, duplication and some politics. Overall, he signed 770 bills into law and vetoed 66, or about 8%.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Health industry wields power in California’s high-stakes battle to lower health care costs
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to regulate out-of-control health care spending in California. The effort is being shaped by the very health industry players that would be regulated.
Posted inEducation
Biden administration takes steps to protect DACA as universities call for path to citizenship
Immigrant rights groups say the administration’s move to protect DACA isn’t enough because it does not provide a path to citizenship for recipients.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Between the lines: Hidden partisans try to influence California’s independent redistricting
California congressional districts are drawn by an independent citizens commission, but it’s hearing from candidates and party officials who don’t disclose their partisan affiliations.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
As anti-Asian hate crimes surge, a new tool lets you report them anonymously
The reporting tool is available in 29 languages, and its goal is to help inform policymakers and leaders as well as to help shape future legislation.
Posted inEducation
Want to weigh in about a Cabrillo College name change? Final community session set for Thursday
Cabrillo College officials have held a series of forums regarding a potential name change. Proponents say the college’s namesake enslaved Indigenous people and should no longer be honored. Opponents worry about the impact on their degrees and the cost — which could run up to $400,000. A final forum is scheduled for Thursday.