Jennifer Siebel Newsom

WhatMatters

Latest election results + A Socialist in California + Death penalty persists + Unexpected tax bounty

Good morning after Election Day, California. Democratic presidential primary: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders led with 33.2% of the vote to former Vice President Joe Biden’s 24.3%, Michael Bloomberg’s 14.7%, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s 12.1%. Proposition 13: The $15 billion school construction bond trailed 44%-56%. Millions of uncounted votes Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders won California’s […]

By Dan Morain • March 4, 2020

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.

By Dan Morain • March 2, 2020

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.

By Laurel Rosenhall • February 19, 2020

WhatMatters

Gavin Newsom talks climate with Quebec’s premier as state braces for rising seas

California governor hosts Quebec premier to discuss cap-and-trade agreement. Report urges preparation for rising seas. UC sued over SATs.

By Judy Lin • December 11, 2019

Politics

Brown vetoed but they’re persisting: Take Two of MeToo hits Newsom’s desk

Among the 700 or so measures before Gov. Gavin Newsom this year are repeats of #MeToo bills that stalled previously or were vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

By Laurel Rosenhall • September 26, 2019

WhatMatters

Newsom’s labor dispute, pay equity, PG&E’s lobby fight, death on the streets, and Delta tunnel

Newsom disinvites labor leader from commission. First partner fights for pay equity. Ad blitz aims to sink PG&E bankruptcy bill.

By Dan Morain and Adria Watson • August 28, 2019

Newsletters

“Electability” in the 2020 primary, polling on housing, and Newsom’s office budget

California voters weigh 2020 presidential electability, want state action to fix housing crisis. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis counts wounds from tariffs.

By Dan Morain • June 6, 2019

Newsletters

Drawing lines on privacy, wildfire, water and schools

San Francisco bans use of facial-recognition technology. PG&E's new CEO to face lawmakers today. Attorney general sues to stop raising of Shasta Dam.

By Dan Morain • May 15, 2019

Commentary

Paying women less than men for substantially similar work is wage theft

In California, paying women less is a form of wage theft. The law also prohibits paying someone less for substantially similar work on the basis of race or ethnicity. What makes California’s pay equity law particularly significant is that it does not require proof of discrimination or intent.

By Guest Commentary • April 16, 2019

Capitol

“The rhetoric is so toxic:” Newsom lands in El Salvador as Trump moves to end aid there

As Gov. Gavin Newsom touched down in El Salvador to begin a three-day trip designed to contrast his own approach to immigration with that of his nemesis, President Donald Trump, the contrast could hardly have been more stark.

By Elizabeth Aguilera • April 7, 2019