California Proposition 32 voter guide: Minimum-wage increase
The statewide minimum wage has not been changed in nearly a decade. Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law in 2016 to boost it to $15…
California Proposition 35 voter guide: Managed care organization tax
Proposition 35 is backed by the Coalition to Protect Access to Care, which includes a range of groups involved in healthcare. Among them are the…
2024 California election ballot propositions voter guide
In addition to a precarious presidential election and high-stakes U.S House races, California voters in November will also weigh in on a slew of statewide…
Newsom abandons effort to put competing Prop. 47 measure on ballot
SACRAMENTO — In a wild turn of events, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers backed away Tuesday from plans to put an anti-crime measure on the…
Gov. Newsom announces rival ballot initiative on theft and drug reform
The California Legislature this week is expected to approve a voter initiative for the November ballot to crack down on retail theft and fentanyl dealers,…
Why Latinos are California’s most misunderstood voters
Book Review The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy By Mike MadridSimon & Schuster: 272 pages, $28.99If you buy books linked on…
California lawmakers at odds over passing retail theft laws
SAN FRANCISCO — After coming out as gay at 14 years old, Nicholas Michael Nelson was kicked out of the family home in Oceanside and…
Column: Stop playing politics on retail theft crackdown
SACRAMENTO — It’s hardball season in California’s state Capitol, and we’re not talking baseball. At times like this, I think of two all-star political philosophers: Otto…
Alex Padilla first Latino elected to Senate from California
Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla made history again Tuesday night when he became the first Latino to be elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate.…
Newsom calls on California voters to reaffirm same-sex marriage
SAN FRANCISCO — Twenty years after he issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples in defiance of federal law as mayor of San Francisco, Gov. Gavin Newsom…
Changes to retail theft bills may splinter Prop. 47 initiative support
SACRAMENTO — Legislative leaders plan to fast-track bills to crack down on retail theft in California and are using the package of reforms to pressure supporters…
Column: Unaffordable homeowner’s insurance is leaving Californians exposed to the elements
SACRAMENTO — Memorial Day weekend means the start of summer vacations — and also the onset of wildfire season. Many Californians will be going “naked.” Lots…
California makes $3.3 billion available for mental health beds
Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to announce Tuesday that the state will make $3.3 billion in funding available by July to begin building inpatient and…
Signatures roll in for tough-on-crime ballot measure to reform California’s Proposition 47
SACRAMENTO — A coalition backing a tough-on-crime statewide ballot initiative to toughen penalties for retail theft and some drug offenses on Thursday submitted more than 900,000…
California Assembly Democrats unveil plan to curb retail theft
SACRAMENTO — Two approaches are gaining traction as California confronts the issue of retail theft, which was propelled to the top of the state’s political agenda…
Newsom resists pressure to close more California prisons
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom went far beyond the promise he made in his first year in office to close at least one California state prison.…
Rep. Kevin Kiley faces complaint over Prop. 47 overhaul contributions
SACRAMENTO — The former chair of the Federal Election Commission has filed a complaint against a California congressman, alleging he excessively used campaign funds to support…
Newsom’s Proposition 1 passes in California’s primary election
The close contest over Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $6.4-billion bond measure to transform California’s mental health system finally ended Wednesday, more than two weeks after the…
Newsom’s Proposition 1 is a shockingly close call in California
It’s been nine days since California’s primary election and we’re still not certain if Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ballot measure has passed. Proposition 1, the $6.4-billion…
Column: Hubris, thy name is Gavin
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom should have learned this four years ago: You don’t try to sell voters on more government spending in a primary election.…