Dan Walters

The state's upper class espouses equality politics and social justice, while pushing policies that keep low wage workers living in poverty.

Redrawn maps will likely increase the number of Democrats in Congress while also boosting Gov. Gavin Newsom's chances in a presidential race.

Damage from the Chevron El Segundo refinery fire hasn't been tallied yet. But gas prices are likely to soar anyway because two other refineries are closing.

California employers and taxpayers are paying off the state's growing debt from a $20 billion federal loan used to cover unemployment claims.

Lawmakers again passed a bill giving workers compensation to employees harmed by heat on the job. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year

The field of would-be governors remains unsettled. This week Toni Atkins, former president pro tem of the state Senate, joined those who've ended their campaigns.

California has long struggled with homelessness, poverty, unemployment, high living costs, a housing shortage, and water and education issues.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he's the opposite of President Donald Trump when it comes to climate change. But a letter by 40 groups says Newsom is abandoning key environmental policies.

Harris and Newsom quickly climbed political ladders in California to ultimately pursue the presidency. At times they've supported or rivaled each other.

The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog collects "intervenor fees" for participating in premium setting in the Department of Insurance. It says it saves consumers millions of dollars more than it collects.