October 17, 2018

We track key data on California wildfires: land consumed, lives lost, growing firefighting costs.

Democratic congressional candidates in California's most competitive races are significantly outraising Republicans in small-dollar donations. It’s a display of voter enthusiasm that can pay long-term dividends for beneficiaries. The phenomenon extends to districts where no Democratic expert thinks Democratic challengers have any prayer of winning.

Our election tool allows voters to compare California candidates' on the issues, much like Consumer Reports lets buyers contrast the features of Honda versus Toyota.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and state Sen. Kevin de León sat down for their first (and only) debate this afternoon. TKTK

California’s two recent governors, Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, have been unusually skilled at water policy. Both responded effectively to urgent floods and droughts in ways that also brought long-term improvements. The next governor will face similar water problems. And he will see opportunities, expectations, and pitfalls along the way.

The Senate goes digital, Steve Poizner's GOP donors, high speed rail in Fresno, recycled carpet, congenital syphilis in California, taxes and auto rules.

Despite very strong growth in property taxes, hundreds of local governments are asking voters to approve additional taxes. They are reluctant, however, to tell voters that rising pension costs are the major reason.