#california
#california

Homeless Initiative awarded $51.5 million to assist 105 Freeway and river encampments

California awarded L.A. County $51.5 million grant to assist homeless along 105 Freeway and riverbeds for housing and services. [ more ]

Kqed

California's Second-Largest Reservoir Filled to Capacity | KQED

Lake Oroville reaches full capacity for the second year, ensuring water supply for millions of Californians. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Incredible before-and-after images of reservoirs are proof of California's winter deluges

Record rainfall in California replenishes reservoirs, benefiting water supply and environmental needs. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Last year's wet winter gave California Central Valley groundwater levels a major boost

California's groundwater reservoirs received a significant refill in 2023, offering hope for long-term recovery efforts. [ more ]

Nieman Lab

Newsonomics: Eight essentials as California's "save local news" bill picks up speed

Legislatures move slowly in addressing challenges like saving local newsrooms. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Elias: A modest proposal to solve California's retail theft problem

Proposition 47's impact on smash-and-grab robberies in California is linked to the increase in minimum theft value considered a felony, leading to a need for legislative adjustments. [ more ]

ABC7 San Francisco

California reports first increase in groundwater supplies in 4 years

California reported the first increase in groundwater supplies in four years due to successful management and recharge efforts during wet years. [ more ]

Kqed

Climate Voters Grapple with Ethical Dilemma in California's District 13 Race | KQED

Voters in California's U.S. House District 13 prioritize climate change issues, impacting election outcomes. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

New York court to weigh extradition of Harvey Weinstein to California

Harvey Weinstein faces extradition to California for a 2022 rape conviction after New York's 2020 conviction was overturned, with his retrial pending in Manhattan. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Man ties Grindr date to bed, then robs and abandons him, California officials say

The article discusses a 27-year-old man facing prison for attacking and robbing a man he met on Grindr in California. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Police arrest 3 suspects in rural Monterey County shooting that killed 4 and wounded 7

Three suspects arrested in connection with a shooting at a party in King City, California. Gang-related charges including murder and attempted murder. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Gavin Newsom has navigated ups and downs of California's finances. Another test lies ahead

California Gov. Gavin Newsom faces significant budget shortfall, navigating tough financial decisions. [ more ]

ABC7 San Francisco

Newsom proposes slashing 10,000 vacant state jobs to help close California's $27.6 billion deficit

California faces a $27.6 billion budget deficit, leading to proposals for budget cuts and suspensions to address the shortfall. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

5 days ago

Newsom's latest insurance move could help Californians avoid cancelled policies but they'll have to pay

Governor Newsom plans to expedite insurance companies' rate hike approvals to address growing costs from wildfires and climate change. [ more ]

moregovernor-newsom

Sacramento Bee

This California city is the worst in US for drivers, new Forbes study says. Here's why

Oakland, California is considered the worst city to drive in the United States due to high gas prices, fatal car accidents, and long commute times. [ more ]

TESLARATI

Tesla sued again over Fremont paint shop emissions

A non-profit filed an emissions lawsuit against Tesla for harmful pollutants from its California factory, seeking injunction and fines for Clean Air Act violations. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Accused gunman buries dead man, poses as kidnapper to victim's girlfriend, CA cops say

A man in California is sentenced to prison for killing a man and attempting to extort money while posing as a kidnapper. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Driver escaping cops has deadly plunge off cliff into ocean, California police say

Fleeing driver dies after driving off cliff in Santa Cruz, California. [ more ]

homelessness

Sacramento Bee

Gavin Newsom wants California cities to plan housing for homeless - without money to fund it

California Gov. Gavin Newsom sponsors bill to encourage cities to include homeless in housing plans. [ more ]

San Jose Inside

Legislators Consider Requiring Sobriety in Homeless Housing

Lawmakers in California are proposing bills to allow state funding for sober housing, challenging the current policy of accepting individuals regardless of drug and alcohol use. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

$3.3 billion available for mental health beds as Newsom kick-starts Prop. 1 spending

California to invest $3.3 billion in mental health treatment centers by July, part of a $6.4-billion plan to address mental health and homelessness crisis. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speeds up money for mental health ballot measure he championed. Here's how

Over $3 billion will be used to build mental health centers, advancing Governor Newsom's homelessness and mental health strategy. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

California moves closer to requiring new pollutant-warning labels for gas stoves

California Assembly approved labelling gas stoves with health hazard warnings to address respiratory issues, facing opposition advocating for improved ventilation. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Storm-driven tax delays worsened California's deficit. Newsom wants control over deadlines

California seeks more control over tax deadlines to manage budget deficits. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Education

A new California bill could provide cash to homeless high school seniors

Student homelessness in California has risen, prompting a bill for guaranteed income to support unhoused high school seniors in pursuing higher education or work. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

$20 billion: The Delta tunnel's new price tag

California's Delta tunnel project cost estimated at $20 billion, $4 billion higher than before, aiming to improve water supply and climate resilience despite environmental concerns. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

10 hours ago

Price tag for California's controversial Delta tunnel project increases by $4 billion

The cost of California's Delta Conveyance tunnel project increased by over $4 billion to $20.1 billion. [ more ]

Mail Online

America's 'climate warrior' state is home most polluted cites

California, home to climate leaders, faces high pollution levels due to multiple sources like agriculture and oil industry. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Left-wing politics

Biden officially expands national monuments in Northern and Southern California significant to tribal nations

President Biden expanded two national monuments in California, honoring tribal heritage and addressing climate change by conserving important cultural and environmental land. [ more ]

Kqed

Atmospheric Rivers in California's Ancient Past Exceeded Modern Storms | KQED

Climatologists discovered historical atmospheric storm evidence, impacting future weather understanding and climate change predictions in California. [ more ]

moreclimate-change

New York Post

California Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses Meghan and Harry's 'delinquent' charity controversy

Governor Newsom defended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation, emphasizing their valuable work for women and mental health. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California EV sales kick off strong this year despite recent slump, Tesla fatigue

California EV sales surged in 2024 despite Tesla's slowdown. [ more ]

ABC7 San Francisco

Tesla cuts entire Supercharger team in latest round of layoffs

Tesla is reducing its focus on building new charging stations and instead concentrating on maintaining existing ones. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

This deadly disease that kills deer and elk has been detected in California for the first time

Chronic wasting disease, similar to 'zombie deer disease' and fatal, detected first time in California deer. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Use solar power, kill a tortoise? Climate change solution carries environmental costs

Solar power is essential for climate change but must be strategically placed to avoid harm to ecosystems. [ more ]

SFGATE

'Clumsy' fatal disease seen in California animals for first time

Chronic wasting disease detected in deer and elk in California for the first time. [ more ]

Kqed

Small Houses Pose Solution to Housing Crisis | KQED

Small multifamily dwellings with fewer zoning restrictions could offer solutions to California's housing crisis. [ more ]

Kqed

Small Houses Pose Solution to Housing Crisis | KQED

Small multifamily dwellings with fewer zoning restrictions could be a solution for the housing crisis in California. [ more ]

SFGATE

Half of California isn't prepared for impending federal deadline

Travelers need REAL ID for domestic flights by May 2025 in California, or passport required.

Over 17.4 million Californians have adopted REAL ID, but skeptics raise privacy concerns. [ more ]

www.npr.org

Sierra Nevada records snowiest day of the season from a brief but potent storm

A late spring storm in Northern California set a single-day snowfall record for the season in the Sierra Nevada mountains. [ more ]

Kqed

How Have Wage Increases Affected Fast Food Workers? | KQED

California raised fast food minimum wage to $20 an hour from $16. [ more ]

ABC7 San Francisco

Here's what supporters and opponents say about CA proposal that would regulate self-checkout

Regulating self-checkouts bill introduced to reduce theft and boost employment in California. [ more ]

sfist.com

San Francisco

Tuesday Morning Topline: Lake Oroville Reaches Capacity for Second Straight Year

Lake Oroville reached capacity for the second straight year. State officials discussed potential water release through spillways. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Stolen Porsches worth $500,000 driven through showroom windows, California police say

Accused thieves stole two Porsches worth $500,000 by crashing through showroom windows in California. [ more ]

Padailypost

Biden coming to Palo Alto, Portola Valley for fundraisers

President Biden attending fundraising events with notable figures in California and Seattle. [ more ]

sfist.com

New California Bill Would Eliminate or Severely Curtail Self-Checkout, In Hopes of Reducing Shoplifting

Proposed bill in California aims to eliminate or restrict self-checkout to reduce shoplifting and preserve cashier jobs. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California abortion rate rises to highest level in a decade. What experts say

California's abortion rate surged by 16% in 2023, reaching the highest level in a decade due to increased access and out-of-state individuals seeking care. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Business

Fast-food workers make $20 an hour. California's other low-wage earners ask: What about us?

Low-wage workers in certain sectors in California are not benefiting from the recent increases in minimum wages, causing disparity and a call for equal treatment. [ more ]

www.ocregister.com

Business

Is California's unemployment rate really 9.5%?

California's real unemployment rate, including underemployment and discouraged workers, is almost double the official jobless rate, the highest in the nation. [ more ]

Fast Company

15 hours ago

Business

Big Oil abandoned this California town 10 years ago. Now, it has a new plan to save it

The oil industry downturn in Taft, California significantly impacted the town's economy and community services. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Police officers won't be forced to disclose their gender identity to state officials following lawsuit

Police officers in California no longer need to disclose their gender identity during traffic stops reporting. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Editorial: California's love affair with fiber threatens efforts to bridge digital divide

California aims to bridge the digital divide with high-speed internet access using a mix of fiber optics and alternative technologies for cost-effectiveness. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Lawmakers grill Newsom officials on homelessness spending after audit causes bipartisan frustration

California has struggled with homelessness spending transparency and efficacy, with questions raised about the effectiveness of over $20 billion spent in the past five years. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Mega Millions player wins big in California. Where was the winning ticket sold?

California Mega Millions ticket wins $419,367 but narrowly missed $306 million jackpot. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

A wet year boosted California's groundwater, but not enough to address long-term declines

Groundwater levels in California rose significantly in 2023 due to historic wet weather and aquifer replenishment efforts. [ more ]

ABC7 San Francisco

Sierra Nevada records snowiest day of the season from brief but potent California storm

A late spring storm set a single-day snowfall record in the Sierra Nevada for the 2023/2024 season. [ more ]

www.ocregister.com

Bay Area raises top Southern California wage hikes for 1st time in 3-plus years

Bay Area pay raises outpaced Southern California for the first time since 2020. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

5 days ago

Northern lights appear in L.A. County skies this weekend

The northern lights were visible in California due to a solar storm, an extremely rare occurrence for this region. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Long Beach health officials declare tuberculosis outbreak a public health emergency

Long Beach declared public health emergency due to TB outbreak. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

17-year-old fatally shot walking home from work, CA cops say. Search is on for suspect

The search for a suspect accused of fatally shooting a 17-year-old girl while she was walking home from work in California continues. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

US news

Readers Share Why They Love Living in the Golden State

Readers share love letters about living in California. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

US news

Exclusion of Jewish Jurors Prompts Review of California Death Row Cases

Prejudice notes made during jury selection in a murder trial may lead to convictions being tossed out, impacting California's death row cases. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Chicago Cubs

Family of bears cool off in California pool: They can take a dip whenever'

Bears in Monrovia, California, including cubs, recently visited a backyard, with the adult bear taking a swim in the pool. The residents enjoy these visits and take precautions. [ more ]

Kqed

Imperial County Community Fights For Local Post Office To Be Rebuilt | KQED

Residents of Niland are still advocating to reopen the post office after two years.

California prison officials are reluctant to disclose the specific costs for implementing new indoor heat regulations. [ more ]

SFGATE

Design

Wealthy California town's resorts are auctioning off historic art

Historic artwork from California resorts up for auction, including pieces by notable artists like Francis McComas. [ more ]

KALTBLUT Magazine

Design

Levi's and ERL Infuse Iconic Denim With California Sun in Latest Drop - KALTBLUT Magazine

The Levi's x ERL collaboration introduces a second collection with vibrant denim pieces embodying retro Californian flair. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California bill limits self-service checkout stations, restricts them to 10 items or fewer

Grocery and drug stores in California may be required to have at least one cashier-run checkout and limit self-service checkouts to 10 items or fewer. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

5 days ago

Walters: Politicians keep shifting blame as California's homelessness crisis worsens

Homelessness crisis spending in California has been ineffective and even more challenging due to high living costs and underlying economic factors. [ more ]

Kqed

Regulators Approve Fixed Charge For Utility Bills | KQED

California regulators approved a controversial electricity bill proposal, balancing a monthly $24 charge with reduced kilowatt hour fees. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Travelers is the latest California insurer to raise rates. How to find coverage in your area

Travelers Insurance in California increasing rates by 15% due to wildfire risks, reinsurance costs, and inflation. [ more ]

Kqed

Key California Ag Giant and United Farm Workers Clash Amid Union-Drive Efforts | KQED

The new law in California aims to make it easier for farmworkers to unionize, potentially leading to a resurgence of the United Farm Workers. [ more ]

Mail Online

Health

FDA recalls dozens more candy due to potential bacteria contamination

A variety of popular sweets recalled in California due to salmonella contamination concerns. [ more ]

time.com

Health

Organic Walnuts Are Linked to a Dangerous E. Coli Outbreak

E. coli outbreak linked to organic walnuts in California and Washington. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Here are the winners and losers in California Gov. Gavin Newsom's May Revise budget

California Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal includes significant cuts in spending, impacting state workers and public health. [ more ]

Kqed

Regulators Approve Fixed Charge For Utility Bills | KQED

California regulators approved monthly charge increase but with lower kilowatt hour rates for electricity. UC Merced students protest over-policing. Pallid bat named California's official state bat. [ more ]

www.npr.org

Medicine

California's $12 billion Medicaid experiment stretches the definition of health care

Community health workers play a crucial role in addressing health disparities and improving outcomes in Medicaid initiatives. [ more ]

Kqed

Medicine

California's $12 Billion Medicaid Experiment Pushes Boundaries of Health Care | KQED

Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading an innovative $12 billion effort to expand Medi-Cal's services beyond traditional health care. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Planned Parenthood announces latest outside spending plan in California congressional races

Planned Parenthood in California launches a campaign targeting Republicans in crucial House races for abortion rights advocacy and potential impact on national legislation. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Coronavirus

Are new COVID variants - called 'FLiRT' - spreading in California? A UC doctor explains

The FLiRT variants, KP.1.1 and KP.2, are rapidly spreading in California, showing increased transmissibility. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Public health leaders push back against Gavin Newsom's budget cuts: 'We cannot go back'

Proposed cuts to California's state and local health departments are described as 'devastating' and 'a step backwards' by public health leaders. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

California is offering drivers $400 gift cards to test its alternative to the gas tax

California is exploring new ways to fund road repairs as gas tax revenue declines with the rise of electric vehicles. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Newsom announces first $3.3 billion from Prop. 1 mental health bond

California's new mental health bond of $6.4 billion aims to fund treatment centers and homeless housing, potentially impacting existing mental health funding programs. [ more ]

Kqed

16 hours ago

Criminal Justice Reform Measure Saves California Millions Of Dollars | KQED

Proposition 47 has faced criticism but led to significant state savings by reducing prison populations. [ more ]

Eater SF

Law

California Restaurants May Take the State's Junk Fee Ban to Court

Restaurant Association argues SB 478 doesn't apply to restaurants as menu items are neither goods nor services. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Sen. Bernie Sanders endorses 2 California ballot measures, including rent control expansion

Sen. Bernie Sanders supports ballot measures on rent control and oil drilling restrictions in California. [ more ]

Kqed

Newsom Seeks Faster Track for Home Insurance Rate Hikes as Market Shrinks | KQED

California faces challenges with finding new homeowners insurance policies due to wildfires and inflation, leading to efforts by Gov. Newsom to expedite rate hike reviews. [ more ]

Kqed

California Considers Making Sobriety a Mandatory Requirement for Shelter Access | KQED

Lawmakers in California are considering allowing sober housing facilities to operate under a Housing First framework to address homelessness. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Newsom eyes $1 billion in cuts to affordable housing programs

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is planning $1 billion in cuts to various housing programs to address a $27 billion state shortfall. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

15 hours ago

Northern California bear euthanized after it broke into homes, tried to enter school gym

Marauding bear euthanized after continual break-ins, endangering residents in Northern California town. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

10 hours ago

What are California's most popular baby names? See the top picks for boys and girls

California's top baby names have remained consistent over the past five years. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Science

The northern lights were barely visible in L.A. Here's what you missed

Northern lights made rare appearance in California despite light pollution [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California insurance leader defends department's work amid pressure and home, auto challenges

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is implementing rule changes to stabilize and improve insurance availability in the state. [ more ]

The Mercury News

With fewer Californians and more construction, where are the housing bargains?

California's population decreased, housing stock increased, yet cost of living remained high due to economic factors like expensive mortgages and high demand.

The addition of mostly pricier housing options in California did not lead to affordability improvements, with factors like demand from investors and low unemployment contributing to high housing costs. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California GOP lawmakers call for stripping financial aid from violent student protesters

California Republican legislative leaders propose revoking state financial aid for students committing violent acts during campus protests. [ more ]

www.ocregister.com

As Californians mitigate wildfire threats, why is there still an insurance crisis?

Mitigation efforts in California aim to reduce wildfire risk for homeowners, impacting insurance affordability and availability. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Crime is a ballot 'vulnerability' for California Democrats after Schiff, Bass break-ins

Democratic lawmakers in California facing safety concerns could impact voter sentiment and party candidates in upcoming elections. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

'Bold move' enables delivery driver to escape accused robber, California cops say

A delivery driver in California escaped an accused robber by intentionally crashing his truck into a light pole. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Media industry

California bill would tax Big Tech to create tax credit for news organizations

California bill proposes data extraction fee on Big Tech to fund journalists. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Artificial intelligence

Can AI-powered drive-throughs save the day for fast food operators?

The increasing minimum wage in California is leading businesses to implement AI and technology to offset rising labor costs. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee