California’s legislative leaders are refusing to disclose whether federal agents are investigating state lawmakers for corruption or if any taxpayer money was spent on their legal defense. Open government advocates argue that the public has a right to know.
StateWatch
Posted inPolitics & Policy
First-of-its kind court order halts sweep of California homeless camp
A recent order stopping Vallejo from clearing a homeless encampment appears to be the first such injunction since the U.S. Supreme Court let cities crack down on such encampments in California and beyond.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Towing companies can sell your car — and the DMV gets to keep the profit without telling you
Since 2016, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has collected more than $8 million from nearly 5,300 car sales, according to a CalMatters analysis.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘Too damn hard to build’: A key California Democrat’s push for speedier construction
Oakland Democrat Buffy Wicks said California lawmakers will soon see 20 bills to speed up housing construction, along with more on energy, water and transit.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Democrats grow quieter on ‘sanctuary’ for immigrants as Trump promises mass deportation
Eight years ago, California Democrats adopted “sanctuary” policies to protect immigrants from President Donald Trump’s deportation plans. But now, as Trump ramps up threats against sanctuary states and cities, Democratic leaders have taken on a softer tone.
Posted inHousing & Development
No new ADUs here: When California law and homeowners association rules collide
Adam Hardesty says state law gives him the right to turn his garage into an accessory dwelling unit. His Carlsbad HOA says it doesn’t. Who’s right?
Posted inEducation
How Trump’s drastic K-12 plans will — and won’t — change California schools
Despite Donald Trump’s plans, federal funding is a small part of California’s education budget – and the state oversees curriculum.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Devastating’ layoff notices hit California disabled prison contractors after union dispute
Dozens of disabled workers hired through the nonprofit PRIDE Industries are losing their jobs at a California prison after a union outsourcing dispute.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Trump takes step to overhaul Delta water deliveries to farms, cities
President Donald Trump is aiming to override new Biden-Newsom water delivery rules that have widespread support among Southern California cities and some Central Valley farmers.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gavin Newsom has grown California’s government to record size. Now he, too, is selling ‘efficiency’
Gavin Newsom is echoing the incoming Trump administration as he touts government efficiency. But the governor has expanded the size and scope of California’s government to an all-time high.
