Elections
Prez primary price: How much each candidate spent in California
What do the top two spenders, Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer, have in common? Both are billionaires and both are no longer in the race.
Campaign Finance
WhatMatters
Election Day + Obamacare jeopardy + Job protection for workers who use cannabis? + Coronavirus update
Zombie votes and delayed results expected today. Bill would protect workers who use medical marijuana. Business and labor groups spent big on primary.
WhatMatters
COVID-19 update + A $50,000 loophole + American Independent Party loses a member + Eduardo Mendoza’s journey
Schools brace for impact of coronavirus. PAC exploits campaign finance loophole in Assembly race. American Indepdenent Party losers a voter.
Elections
Last-minute special interest cash pours through California’s $50,000 loophole
It's a California campaign finance loophole big enough to drive a $50,000 truck through — and how special interests avoid revealing they're paying for ads.
WhatMatters
Dreaming in Salinas about a home + Gig economy battle ahead + The water fight to come
Salinas farmworkers saddled with poor living conditions. State again battles Trump over water policy. School bond contains break for developers.
WhatMatters
Politicians skirt disclosure law + Oil plays big in legislative races + Campaign money’s outsized influence
Legislative nonprofits shrouded in secrecy. Oil and gas interests look to reshape legislature. Former FPPC chair gets new perspective on campaign finance.
Capitol
Brace for the deluge: Special interests are spending millions to get the California legislators they want
Nearly half of all unlimited outside spending comes from old-guard industries: Oil and gas. Realtors. Car dealers. Also some rich folks.
Capitol
Steak dinners, secret donors: How the Tech Caucus is courting Silicon Valley with charity
The Tech Caucus' foundation, co-launched by Assemblyman Evan Low of Campbell, woos Silicon Valley — but has stopped disclosing who actually donates to it.
Capitol
For California lawmakers, charity can begin at home
It's legal for Assemblyman Rob Bonta's nonprofit to give to his wife's employer. But an author of the state's political ethics law says it shouldn't be.
WhatMatters
Charities and politicians + Bloomberg’s California play + Sex offenders and parole
Legislative nonprofits test campaign finance law. Bloomberg makes a play for California. Why some sex offenders are eligible for early parole.