California Policy Pulse

A letter writer argues that Proposition 45 would weaken CEQA by limiting alternatives analysis and fast-tracking "essential" projects—including...

AB 2074 requires California's largest cities to create transit-hub districts in dense downtowns for high-density housing near jobs and transit.

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• Political Breakdown (KQED) delivers daily insider interviews with reporters, officials, and campaign players
• California Underground offers weekly...

Proposition 4 would let governments create public financing programs, potentially shifting power away from wealthy donors.

• Broader access:...

California employers face new mandates on automated decisions and surveillance starting 2027.

• Inventory ADS tools supporting discipline or...

This week's California political fortunes turned on accountability gaps and generational friction.

• Malia Cohen skipped journalist interviews,...

California lawmakers approved $14.3 billion in annual tax and fee increases during the 2025-26 session, far less than the $803 billion in hikes they...

Governor Newsom’s latest state appointments emphasize backgrounds in urban planning, energy policy, and local government.

• Sean Kennedy named Deputy...

A yes vote on Proposition 3 would lock in income tax rates of 10.3% to 12.3% for single filers earning $371,000+ and joint filers at $743,000+,...

AC Transit riders already endure canceled buses that derail essential trips, with one missing a critical mammogram appointment because her line failed...

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Truth in Disclosure Act requiring firms over $100 million in revenue to reveal historic slavery ties, turning a...

Opposition to Prop 39 centers on its lack of evidence for fraud and potential to suppress votes, while critics attack the outside groups pushing the...

California's recent privacy updates stand out amid stricter rules in Delaware and major EU enforcement.

• Governor Newsom signed SB 690, restricting...

Experiential learning helps students practice civic skills while mastering core concepts.

• AP Government students analyzed Prop 15 on education...

The Trump administration's lawsuit aims to halt counting of roughly 20,000 ballots until citizenship is verified, spotlighting due process risks for...

What do the latest state assessments actually reveal about California student progress under Newsom?

• Gains reported across ELA, math, and science...

Governor Newsom activated the State Operations Center and prepositioned firefighters and aircraft to counter dangerous fire weather while proclaiming...

PG&E's 10-year plan targets 5,000 miles of underground lines to slash wildfire risk in high-threat Northern California areas.

• Risk and reliability...

New California laws effective January 1, 2027, raise urgent compliance questions for employers and workers.

• AI decisions: How will employers...

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake simulator at Balboa Park lets the public experience realistic shaking while receiving expert preparedness tips, turning...