Gavin Newsom

A few moments of controversy have touched an otherwise sleepy, wide open race to be California’s next governor.

Since 2019 California has spent $450 million on a new 911 system. This year the Newsom administration declared it unworkable and will start over.

Gov. Newsom vetoed bills on virtual power plants, which deliver energy to the grid from such home devices as smart thermostats, solar panels, electric vehicle batteries and heat pumps. 

Political leaders talk about “heritage” but not “sovereignty” and see Native tribes as part of the past, not as governments operating now.

The seven-term congressmember is running on protecting Californians from the Trump administration and from rising prices. While he’s developed a reputation as a professional GOP antagonist, the challenge will be proving he has what it takes to deliver on the elusive affordability promise.

California’s independent legislative analyst is warning that the state faces a nearly $18 billion deficit. It is “critical” for lawmakers to rein in spending and increase revenues long term, he said.

State revenue is several billion dollars more than expected, but that cash must pay for schools and go into reserves. The deficit stays.

Newsom's former chief of staff is accused of misusing campaign money, lying to get a COVID loan and calling personal purchases, like designer goods and a luxurious vacation, business expenses.

A study Gov. Gavin Newsom commissioned describes higher margins oil refiners receive for their products, which become gasoline.

The federal grand jury indictment accuses Williamson and four other co-conspirators, including Becerra’s former chief of staff, of funneling $225,000 in money from a dormant campaign account. Williamson is also accused of falsely claiming more than $1.7 million in fraudulent business expenses on her taxes, for a $15,000 Chanel bag, a chartered jet and a nearly $170,000 birthday trip to Mexico.