Political Stories Top stories California millennials surging: Their votes could be decisive – especially on marijuana — As they come of age and register to vote, Millennials—that enormous generation born since 1981—are surging so fast they’re on the verge of overtaking the Baby Boomer behemoth as a share of the California electorate. And new evidence confirms […]

Political Stories Top stories  California officials take sides on November ballot initiatives — Some prominent California figures solidified their stances on ballot initiatives on Thursday, while others remained quiet. On Tuesday, the California Secretary of State released its preliminary voter guide that will ultimately be mailed to all voting households. It included signed statements from each side of […]

Political Stories Top stories  California’s small solution to the housing crisis: Small houses – To help ease California’s housing crisis, Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers are turning to people’s backyards. Multiple bills with the endorsement of Brown are moving through the Legislature to make it easier for homeowners to build small units on their properties, whether in their […]

Political Stories Top stories  Dan Walters: Would extending California income tax hikes cause rich to leave? — Would making higher rates at least semi-permanent do what the temporary taxes apparently did not do – spur the wealthy to flee California in serious numbers? It’s a question that no one can answer – yet. Walters column in Sacramento […]

Political Stories Top stories Dan Walters: Politicians ignore long-term effects as they seek instant payoff – Michael Fitzgerald laid Stockton’s budget-busting library decision on Mayor Anthony Silva, who is facing a tough re-election this year. “We have had enough talk and heard enough excuses,” Silva said as he pushed for reopening the library. “It’s time to move […]

Political Stories Top stories  As California Democrats party in Philly, state’s head teacher poised to lead Golden State — In a chain of events straight out of an episode of “The West Wing,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is poised to take the helm as acting governor at some point in the next week […]

Political Stories Top stories  FPPC approves regulation change aimed at ‘shadow lobbyists’ – California’s political watchdog approved a regulatory change Thursday aimed at encouraging shadow lobbyists to disclose their efforts to influence legislation. Sacramento Bee article  Campaign cash: A journey through the Cal-Access labyrinth — When California introduced its Cal-Access campaign finance website, “There was nothing like it […]

Political Stories Top stories Valadao addresses concerns about Trump, absence from GOP convention — Kevin McCarthy, the House majority leader from Bakersfield, took a turn at the podium Tuesday in Cleveland, addressing the Republican National Convention as an unabashed supporter of the newly minted nominee, Donald J. Trump. David Valadao, McCarthy’s congressional neighbor to the immediate […]

Political Stories Top stories  Kevin McCarthy heavy on House GOP agenda, lighter on Trump — House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy used a Tuesday night speech at the Republican National Convention to condemn government bailouts and handouts and reminisce about Ronald Reagan’s shining city upon the hill. Sacramento Bee article; LA Times article  Proposition 53: A battle over debt […]

Political Stories Top stories Valley congressmen in competitive races flex fundraising muscle – As the fall campaign season prepares to kick into high gear, incumbents in the central San Joaquin Valley’s two competitive congressional districts are in a commanding financial positions. Hanford Republican David Valadao, the 21st Congressional District incumbent, and Fresno Democrat Jim Costa, the […]