The fundraising has generated criticism and a state investigation, but California Speaker Anthony Rendon isn't asking legislators to change their conduct.
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.
Steak dinners with lobbyists, overseas trips, favors for spouses — nonprofits set up by California legislators and their staffers are testing campaign finance laws even as they underwrite good works by elected officials. Here as elsewhere, they're on the rise.
California struggles to close educational divide. Construction workers get behind schools bond measure. Lobbying industry grows in spending, influence.
The Supreme Court has given lawmakers the greenlight to gerrymander, but two California bills could drive the state even further in the other direction.