One of the most contested items Tuesday night was a pending measure to increase the city’s sales tax from 9.25% to 9.75%. Councilmember Sandy Brown dissented, urging the council to find ways to help provide living wages for residents who are working jobs with substandard pay.
Politics
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Elections officials alarmed by Democrats’ plans to change Newsom recall rules
Local elections officials began sounding the alarm soon after Democrats unveiled new legislation last week allowing the Newsom recall to be held as early as Aug. 24.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gavin Newsom under COVID: The governor dishes on his pandemic life
Netflix, a new rooster, a date night planned by his kids and weekend hikes: California’s governor gives a glimpse into how he’s made it through the pandemic.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Bearing gifts instead of bad news, Newsom’s political fortunes rise as California reopens
Given California’s low coronavirus infection rates and high vaccination levels, Newsom’s move to rescind restrictions will likely ensure that the shutdowns and political missteps that helped fuel dissension fade into memories by the time voters head to the polls for a recall election, political observers say.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Universal basic income for farmworkers? Some leaders are pushing for it
A Fresno-area politician wants California to prioritize struggling San Joaquin Valley farmworkers in a proposed pilot program that would put cash in the hands of some of the state’s impoverished residents.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
California offers $100 million to rescue its struggling legal marijuana industry
Los Angeles will be the biggest beneficiary of the money, which was proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to help cannabis businesses acquire permanent licenses.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Will psychedelics become legal in California?
The state Senate passed a bill to legalize hallucinogenic drugs for Californians 21 and older. Could psychedelics become the next cannabis?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Democrats push for speedy Newsom recall as new analysis pegs cost at $215 million
An analysis projects the recall election against Gov. Gavin Newsom will cost $215 million, an amount that’s likely to grow as more candidates emerge.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
When is the Newsom recall election? Maybe sooner than you think
The date of California’s recall election still is not set, but voters may decide the governor’s fate closer to Labor Day than November.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
With restrictions tightening elsewhere, California moves to make abortion cheaper
California lawmakers are debating a bill that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs that often prevent people from obtaining abortions, proponents say.