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I’m CalMatters reporter Ryan Sabalow, and I’m pinch hitting for Lynn today. Democratic Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains learned the hard way that being a maverick has consequences. In 2023, as a rookie lawmaker representing the oil-dependent Bakersfield region, Bains cast the lone Democratic vote against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bill that sought to penalize oil company profits. […]

As heat waves become more intense and last longer due to climate change, setting rules around when utilities can shut off power for people who don’t pay their utility bills is one of the top concerns for consumer advocates and state regulators, reports CalMatters’ Alejandro Lazo. On Thursday the California Public Utilities Commission voted to […]

A new survey shows that Californians really don’t like artificial intelligence data centers. The latest Public Policy Institute of California poll of 1,578 adult Californians finds that 73% oppose the construction of data centers in their communities. Though the majority of both Democrats and Republicans disapprove of building data centers, Republicans are slightly more likely […]

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would make it easier for people to sue companies over alleged anti-competitive practices. But support for it is split among Democratic lawmakers who fear that the proposal would go too far in hurting businesses. As CalMatters’ Ryan Sabalow explains, the bill would allow people and businesses to […]

False evidence ploys, hefty cash payments and jail cells outfitted with recording devices. These are the staples of a so-called Perkins operation: A controversial law enforcement tactic in which a police officer or civilian poses as an incarcerated person to elicit incriminating statements from a suspect.  Perkins operations are widespread in California and have helped […]

The largest single piece of housing legislation to come out of Congress since at least 1990 is now law, despite President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign it.  The law is meant to kick start more housing construction across the country and features a grab bag of regulatory tweaks, pilot programs and targeted loans and grants.  Though […]

California Democrats are used to defending gun control measures against lawsuits by Second Amendment advocates like the California Rifle and Pistol Association.  Now, the state is facing a lawsuit from the Trump administration targeting a new law restricting sales of Glock semi-automatic handguns.  Since July 1, the state has prohibited the sale of Glock handguns […]

Three bills that would boost benefits and pay for California police officers and firefighters are wending their way through the Legislature with bipartisan support. But in a limited state budget year, their potentially high price tags might make them a tough sell to Gov. Gavin Newsom, reports CalMatters’ Adam Ashton. The Senate’s appropriations committee later […]

When people in California talk about mental health and homelessness, it’s usually the sickest people who come to mind: Those living on the street in the grip of psychosis.  But conditions such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder actually are far more common among homeless Californians. While less visible, those conditions can be […]

Southern California air regulators can move forward with new limits on the sale of certain gas-powered appliances, including water heaters. Despite pushback from businesses and developers, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-1 ruling last week upheld restrictions on commercial and industrial gas appliances in four Los Angeles-area counties. The ruling directly affects […]