Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s extended absence with shingles has complicated the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial and administrative nominees given the Democrats’ slim majority in the chamber.
StateWatch
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Now a powerhouse, California’s Latino lawmakers face pressure to broaden political priorities
Now an established force in the Legislature, the Democratic Latinos are facing pressure to refocus their priorities.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How Newsom fell short of the oil penalty he wanted but still scored a political win
California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched an offensive in his war with Big Oil. The battle didn’t go as planned.
Posted inLatest News
Worry and suspicion reign as once-dry Tulare Lake drowns California farmland
As historic storms fill once-dry Tulare Lake and submerge prime California farmland, tensions are building over how to handle the swiftly rising floodwaters.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A boom for concealed carry classes, but long waits for permits
Many more gun owners are seeking California concealed carry permits, even in blue, coastal counties. Gov. Newsom and Democrats in the Legislature are trying again to limit where weapons are allowed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom proposes bond measure, sweeping mental health reform in California
Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for sweeping mental health reforms to generate billions for behavioral health facilities throughout California.
Posted inK-12 Education
After COVID-19 school chaos, California lawmakers debate role of superintendent
Two years after the governor devised a plan to reopen schools, lingering COVID-19 frustrations could fuel debate about the role of California’s superintendent of public instruction.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Family business: Meet the Legacy Caucus in the California Legislature
One in 10 state lawmakers is related by blood or marriage to other legislators past and present. How do spouses, siblings and children get into politics, and what does it mean for lawmaking?
Posted inLatest News
Newsom budget includes naloxone for middle and high schools while largely avoiding cuts
Newsom’s education spending plan includes the opioid antagonist naloxone for all middle and high schools while largely avoiding cuts to school budgets.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Reversal of fortune: Newsom outlines plan to deal with budget deficit
After years of record California budget surpluses, Gov. Gavin Newsom has a plan to deal with a deficit he projects at $22.5 billion. He says he can keep his big promises despite the “modest shortfall.”