California Legislature

Economy

Tesla troubles: Can California impose its blue values on the green economy?

Would California withhold clean car rebates from Tesla customers if the electric car maker doesn't meet the state's evolving labor standards?

By Judy Lin • December 20, 2017

Politics

Politicians accused of sexual harassment are being ousted by peer pressure

The electorate is a politician’s ultimate boss. But in recent weeks, as a wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations hits politicians in California's statehouse and the nation’s capitol, another force is proving to be as powerful as the electorate: peer pressure.

By Laurel Rosenhall • December 13, 2017

Capitol

Backlash ripples through California politics after women denounce sexual harassment

And as women come forward with stories of being propositioned, groped and even assaulted by male colleagues in politics, an undercurrent of retaliation has begun rippling through the state.

By Laurel Rosenhall • December 5, 2017

Politics

Lawmakers to Californians: Do as we say, not as we do

It’s an example of how the The Legislature’s exemption from the Whistleblower Protection Act has garnered attention in recent weeks, as a groundswell of women complaining of pervasive sexual harassment in the state Capitol publicly call for such protections for legislative employees. But the whistleblower act isn’t the only area of the law in which the Legislature has demonstrated a “do as I say, not as I do” mentality.

By Laurel Rosenhall • November 16, 2017

Politics

Millennial legislator who turned a red district purple is now a prime target

Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes’ tactical skills will be put to the test as she faces her first re-election campaign next year, a contest that could decide not only her own future in politics but also the balance of power in Sacramento.

By Laurel Rosenhall • November 7, 2017

Climate Change

Big Oil pulls Democratic lawmakers through the revolving door

As the oil industry worked to influence a landmark environmental policy in California this year, it had hired Democratic former legislators to lobby on its behalf.

By Laurel Rosenhall • October 9, 2017

Climate Change

Lawmakers missed a ‘green’ opportunity; could consumers pay the price?

Delay of a plan for more renewable energy in California could carry a price tag for consumers.

By Julie Cart • September 26, 2017

Education

Education foes fight to a draw in Sacramento

A powerful teachers union and advocates of charter schools, battling to shape the future of California schools, ended in a stalemate this year in Sacramento.

By Jessica Calefati • September 21, 2017

Politics

What a difference three days makes: How voters shook up California’s Legislature

Voters passed a law last year barring lawmakers from acting on bills until they've been available to the public for 72 hours. It was a game-changer this year.

By Laurel Rosenhall • September 20, 2017

Politics

The Suspense Files: California bills vanish almost without a trace

As befits a good murder plot, California lawmakers target potential victims by placing the bills on what they call the “suspense file.”

By Laurel Rosenhall • September 6, 2017