Tech companies under pressure as California governor weighs AI bills
California lawmakers want Gov. Gavin Newsom to approve bills they passed that aim to make artificial intelligence chatbots safer. But as the governor weighs whether…
After outcry, L.A. restricts duplexes in Pacific Palisades
As rebuilding ramps up in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles leaders are restricting the building of duplexes on single-family-home lots.The move follows an executive order issued…
After push from L.A., Newsom plans to weaken state duplex law in wildfire areas
Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to issue an executive order Wednesday allowing Los Angeles-area governments to limit development in wildfire-affected neighborhoods by exempting them from provisions…
Conspiracy theories thwart rebuilding plan after L.A. County wildfires
This week, reality TV show star Spencer Pratt posted multiple videos on social media savaging a proposed state bill on wildfire rebuilding. In one, Pratt…
Newsom’s podcast sidekick: a single-use plastic water bottle
Johnny had Ed. Conan had Andy. And Gov. Gavin Newsom? A single-use plastic water bottle.In most of the YouTube video recordings of Newsom’s new podcast,…
Despite political promises, Californians are stressed about their finances
SACRAMENTO — After voters in November sent a clear message that the rising cost of living remained a top concern, California lawmakers came to the Capitol vowing…
California lawmakers take steps to shield immigrants from Trump policies
SACRAMENTO — California legislators announced several bills to protect the state’s immigrants being targeted by President Trump’s aggressive new policies, including federal enforcement raids at schools, hospitals…
Newsom stymies implementation of landmark California plastic law
Gov. Gavin Newsom this week stymied implementation of landmark state environmental legislation that would have limited the amount of single-use plastics sold and distributed in…
Ethics violation lodged against former CalRecycle director
For lawmakers and lobbyists who worked on ensuring the passage of California’s landmark plastic waste law, Rachel Wagoner’s abrupt career shift was nothing short of…
What has a 2018 law done to ‘Trump-proof’ California on immigration?
WASHINGTON — Two days after Donald Trump won the 2016 election, California state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León canceled a flight to Germany and called…
Is the plastic industry trying to kill SB54, California’s polystyrene ban?
On Jan. 1, polystyrene packaging became illegal to sell, distribute or import into California — the result of a landmark waste law signed by Gov.…
How new California laws could affect you in 2025
California lawmakers passed roughly 1,200 bills last year, including some that resulted in unforeseeable wins by Republicans, promising protections for consumers and small strides for…