Rob Bonta

California Divide

Reparations rift? California’s Black lawmakers divided on how far to go

Though California’s Legislative Black Caucus filed a slate of 14 bills linked to reparations, a few lawmakers are floating their own proposals.

By Wendy Fry • April 10, 2024

Water

‘Forever chemicals’: Water supplies throughout California will exceed new national limits

The nationwide cost to treat or replace contaminated drinking water is estimated at $1.5 billion a year. The ubiquitous chemicals, linked to cancer and other diseases, build up in people and the environment.

By Rachel Becker and John Osborn D'Agostino • April 10, 2024

Justice

California is clearing criminal records — including violent crimes — to offer second chances

California has one of the nation’s broadest laws to clear criminal records, and it’s about to expand even more. Supporters say expungements give a fresh start to people who have done their time.

By Jeanne Kuang • March 21, 2024

Elections

Huntington Beach on collision course with California over voter ID requirement

Voters in Huntington Beach are passing measures for voter IDs and against gay pride flags to make the city a conservative bastion. But the state could take the city to court.

By Alexei Koseff • March 7, 2024

Housing

California sues homeless housing developer for $114 million

The state Department of Housing and Community Development has filed a civil lawsuit demanding that Shangri-La Industries LLC return funds it received from the Homekey program to house homeless Californians.

By Jeanne Kuang • January 12, 2024

California Divide

Kern County’s 2020 free speech violations trigger new safeguards. Will they work?

Kern County agrees to better protect free speech in a deal with the state Justice Department — inspired by the county’s’ 2020 squashing of COVID contracts to organizations that advocated defunding police.

By Nicole Foy • December 28, 2023

Economy

California new laws for 2024: Consumer protection beefed up

A new law, sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta, will create a fund designed to fully compensate victims of false advertising or unfair competition.

By Levi Sumagaysay • December 28, 2023

Justice

Year in review: California closes prisons and transforms others

As the state shutters prisons, Gov. Newsom wants to turn San Quentin into a model for rehabilitation. Attorney General Rob Bonta is trying to catch up on police shooting investigations.

By Nigel Duara • December 20, 2023

Commentary

Rob Bonta praised fentanyl murder case but ducked California legislation on deadly drug

California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised Placer County's prosecution of a fentanyl supplier responsible for the death of a teenage girl, but was AWOL when the Legislature was considering bills to address the fentanyl crisis.

By Dan Walters • October 22, 2023

Politics

California gunmakers fear their ‘expiration date’ in a state that doesn’t want them

Gov. Newsom just signed a tax on firearms and ammunition, among other new gun control laws. California’s remaining gun manufacturers wonder if they have a future.

By Alexei Koseff • September 28, 2023