Politics

The afternoon sun illuminates the backs of people standing outside a building holding red and white signs that say "ICE out of Escondido."

Politics

‘Tonight isn’t about bullets and targets. It’s about boundaries’: Residents denounce ICE contract

Despite hundreds of residents voicing their opposition to a contract with ICE to share the use of a police firing range, the Escondido City Council declined to cancel the agreement during a five-hour meeting on Wednesday night.

By Deborah Brennan • February 26, 2026

A group of demonstrators marches through a crosswalk at a city intersection, led by a person holding both a U.S. flag and a Mexican flag raised overhead. Several others carry Mexican flags and handmade protest signs, including messages such as “Families belong together,” “We are not criminals,” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Traffic lights and palm trees line the street, with mountains visible in the distance under a clear sky.

Politics

As Escondido debates contract with ICE, other local officials weigh whether to cooperate on immigration enforcement

Critics are urging Escondido to cancel its long-standing contract allowing ICE to use the city’s police firing range, as local governments across San Diego County differ over how much to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement under California Values Act.

By Deborah Brennan • February 24, 2026

A person — with short honey-colored hair and wearing a peach pant suit — waves their hand in the air as they smile towards a crowds while standing behind a podium.

Politics

Nancy Pelosi takes final bow as California Democrats’ ‘forever speaker’

She's leaving Congress after 39 years, but Nancy Pelosi proved she can still command a room full of California Democrats like no one else.

By Juliet Williams • February 23, 2026

A large crowd gathers inside a spacious convention hall beneath a blue sign that reads “Welcome to the CADEM 2026 State Convention.” Attendees cluster in groups across the tiled floor, many wearing badges and blue shirts, talking, waiting, or looking toward a central area. The setting has tall stone-patterned walls, high ceilings, and wide doorways, giving the scene a formal conference atmosphere.

Politics

‘What the hell is going on?’: Democratic leaders clash over congressional endorsement

Sen. Mike McGuire accused Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks of trying to block his endorsement despite the backing of 74% of delegates.

By Maya C. Miller • February 23, 2026

Three people stand behind a set of tables at an event. The photo focuses on an individual wearing a navy pant suit as they reach for the chair behind them. The person next to them looks towards another person holding a microphone.

Politics

California Democrats back establishment candidates despite progressive pushback

The California Democratic Party is betting that a tried-and-true playbook and standard-bearer candidates offer their best chance to take back the U.S. House in November’s midterms rather than fresh faces and more populist policy planks. The country’s largest state Democratic party endorsed a slate of aging congressional incumbents at its convention in San Francisco after […]

By Maya C. Miller • February 23, 2026

A speaker stands at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party,” addressing an audience while gesturing with one raised finger. The stage is framed by dark curtains and lit with blue overhead lighting, with U.S. and California flags positioned on either side.

Politics

California Democrats can’t pick a favorite as 9 candidates vie to replace Newsom

Nine Democrats, one party endorsement, zero consensus. California's gubernatorial hopefuls woo delegates while anxiety grows about a GOP lockout.

By Jeanne Kuang • February 22, 2026

A group of officials and staff walk down a roadway beside a high chain-link fence topped with razor wire outside a large facility, with parked cars and low hills in the background under bright afternoon sun.

Politics

California lawmakers blocked from entering Otay Mesa Detention Center despite prior clearance

Sen. Alex Padilla and two San Diego County supervisors were blocked from inspecting the Otay Mesa Detention Center on Friday despite having received clearance from ICE days prior.

By Deborah Brennan • February 20, 2026

A projector displays a blue California Democrat Convention graphic as people can be seen protesting in the foreground.

Politics

Furious with Trump, California Democrats plot election strategy in San Francisco

In a pivotal election year that will serve as a referendum on the second Trump administration, California Democrats face pressure from activists on the left to abandon “radical civility” and instead back candidates who will push back hard against the GOP.

By Maya C. Miller and Jeanne Kuang • February 19, 2026

A person speaks at a podium on a stage beneath blue lights, gesturing while addressing an audience in front of a large backdrop reading “Billionaire Tax Now” and “Vote Yes 11/3/26.”

Politics

Bernie Sanders warns of ‘billionaire class’ as California wealth tax fight intensifies

“They believe they have the divine right to rule,” U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders told a crowd in Los Angeles Wednesday night. A proposed ballot measure would tax billionaires' net worth by 5% for health care and schools, but top Democrats say it will drive them away.

By Nigel Duara • February 19, 2026

A blurry view of a person holding up a child so they can reach the window of a brick building.

Politics

Newsom expanded free preschool. Now private daycares can’t afford to stay open

The governor tripled early childhood funding and expanded TK to all 4-year-olds. But preschools are closing, making infant care harder to find.

By Jeanne Kuang • February 17, 2026