Politics
‘World-class nightlife’: Lawmakers try again to extend last call to 4 a.m.
Business groups and downtown associations say drinking later could revitalize nightlife and ease the 2 a.m. rush when bars shut down.
Digital Democracy
Politics
Can California vets claw back another cat declawing ban? Lawmakers are trying
Five different measures to ban claw declawing surgery have died in the Legislature since 2018. Lawmakers are trying again this year, despite lobbying by state veterinarians.
Politics
No more calling ‘shotgun?’ California could ban teens from riding in the front seat
A new bill would require teens up to 16 years old to ride in the back seat if they’re not tall enough. Middle schoolers up to age 13 would need to use booster seats if they’re tiny.
Politics
A judge found this California city’s election system was discriminatory. They’re still using it six years later
Under current law, cities whose at-large election systems are found by courts to have discriminated against voters don’t have to change them if they appeal the decision.
Politics
Democracy in the dark: How California lawmakers are trying to shield themselves from public view
State lawmakers have introduced at least a dozen proposals that would make it harder to confront local officials at public meetings, shield more information from the public and relax rules on financial reports.
Politics
California Democratic lawmaker exaggerated his record as a police officer
For years, Democratic Assemblymember Mike Gipson has repeated a story about being partners with a fallen police officer. Records and interviews find that Gipson exaggerated their relationship and overstated what he did during his brief time as a reserve officer in Maywood.
Mental Health
Insurance denials can devastate mental health patients. California is considering how to fix that
'Everybody’s been denied some form of care,' said one California mental health advocate. Now, lawmakers are advancing new bills on behavioral health coverage.
Digital Democracy
California is the only state that doesn’t exempt veterans’ retirement from taxes. Is this the year that changes?
California is the only state that doesn’t allow any tax exemptions on military retirement income. New bills aim to do that, but analysts say the financial incentive may be too small to get veterans to stay in California.
Politics
Another California professional group wants a free pass from jury duty. This lawmaker says no
For years, various professional groups have tried unsuccessfully to get their members out of jury service. Probation officers are trying again this year.
Politics
A loophole in California law makes it hard to prosecute threats against schools. Will lawmakers close it?
After a man threatened an elementary school in her district, Assemblymember Darshana Patel wants to close a loophole in the law that makes it harder to prosecute threats against places than individuals.