Elections

Centrist summit encourages California GOP to go its own way

A centrist summit in California has a message for California Republicans: you don’t have to be like President Trump. You don’t even have to like him.

By

Ben Christopher

• March 5, 2019

Elections

With new Latina chair, party insiders say GOP “dodged a bullet.” Now what?

At the California Republican convention this weekend, GOP delegates nominated Jessica Patterson, a millennial Latina with a lengthy resume as a behind-the-scenes party operator, as their new chair.

By

Ben Christopher

• February 24, 2019

Elections

“Travis, just go away:” Carl DeMaio says Allen unfit to be next state GOP chair

San Diego Republican activist Carl DeMaio held a press conference this morning at the party convention in downtown Sacramento denouncing former Assemblyman Travis Allen, calling him unfit to lead the state Republican Party.

By

Ben Christopher

• February 23, 2019

Elections

Preparing to draw lines for Election 2022

California is beginning the process of establishing a new Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw legislative, congressional and Board of Equalization seats for the 2022 election and beyond.

By

Dan Morain

• February 21, 2019

The California Republican Party's path to relevance hinges on the strategy it chooses for dealing with President Donald Trump: ignore him, embrace him or denounce him.

Elections

Critical choice for California GOP: Which door—if any—leads to revival?

As California Republican delegates descend on Sacramento this weekend to elect a new party chair, rally what's left of the troops and talk Election 2020, many will be pondering—and likely fiercely debating—a much bigger question: What now?

By

Ben Christopher

• February 21, 2019

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris speaks during a launch rally for presidential campaign in Oakland last month. Photo by Jose Carlos Fajardo, Bay Area News Group

Capitol

Two CA polls in one day offer encouragement to Newsom, the new Legislature, and Kamala Harris for president

A new poll released finds Californians feeling positive about Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's priorities and the new Legislature. And a second poll issued the same day indicates that the state's junior U.S. senator, Kamala Harris, has an early home state advantage—just as long as more high-profile Democrats don’t jump into the race.

By

Ben Christopher

• February 6, 2019

Elections

New insurance commissioner hires ex-lobbyist for company under investigation by insurance agency

As Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara will oversee a department with 1,325 employees, a budget of $287 million and a significant law enforcement operation. His transition team includes a man who until last month lobbied for a drug company that received a subpoena from the Department of Insurance.

By

Dan Morain

• January 3, 2019

U.S. Sen. candidate Kevin de León addresses the California Democratic Party convention, winning a much larger share of delegate support than his opponent, veteran Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Elections

Plan B: Kevin de León says he’s considering bid for Democratic party chair

State Sen. Kevin de León, who lost to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in November, now says he's considering a run for chairman of the California Democratic Party.

By

Ben Christopher

• January 3, 2019

Education

Can California afford Gavin Newsom’s vision for school kids? Here’s your K-12 primer for 2019

Universal preschool. Top ranked per-pupil spending. Data tracking from toddlerhood to universities. Newsom is giving schools a tough assignment for 2019.

By

Ricardo Cano

• December 16, 2018

A divide between the fortunes of California's haves and have-nots has fueled more than a decade's worth of economic anxiety, reflected again in a new poll. File photo of Oakland inequality protest by Brian Sims via Creative Commons.

Economy

Poll: Despite surging economy, Californians anxious about future and want change

Many California are eager for change and a majority are downright pessimistic about California's future, according to a new survey from the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

By

Ben Christopher

• December 12, 2018