SACRAMENTO — Republicans in the California state Senate replaced their legislative leader, Sen. Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, on Wednesday — a shakeup to start the session after the party lost two seats in the November election and saw its caucus dwindle to a historically low number. Senate Republicans unanimously voted...
Widow’s Testimony Doesn’t Convince Senators to Back ‘Gavin’s Law’
A law championed by Assemblyman Jim Patterson to increase penalties on hit-and-run drivers after a 2018 death of a Clovis Unified educator hit a stumbling block Friday in Sacramento. The Senate Public Safety Committee failed to pass "Gavin's Law," named for Gavin Gladding, killed during a jog on Friant Road...
California Legislature Will Extend COVID-19 Recess, Leader Says
SACRAMENTO — Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins said the California Legislature extend its recess beyond April 13 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. “Given what the governor and our public health officials have stated, it has become increasingly clear that the April 13th return date the Legislature envisioned isn’t feasible,” Atkins...
California Senate Oks Expansions of ‘Red Flag’ Gun Law
SACRAMENTO — Employers, co-workers and teachers could ask judges to take away guns from people who are deemed a danger to themselves or others under a bill that has cleared the California Senate. California enacted a so-called "red flag law" that took effect in 2016. But it only allows law...
In Fresno, Legislators Hear Solutions to Doctor Shortages
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into a law a bill that will allow illegal immigrants between the ages of 19-25 to receive Medi-Cal benefits. That will add an estimated 90,000 to the California health care rolls, at a cost of $98 million to taxpayers. Where will the doctors come...
Borgeas, Hurtado Sworn-In as New State Senators
The California state Legislature was back at work, albeit for a ceremonial session. As mandated by the state Constitution, all 80 Assembly members and the 20 newly elected senators were sworn into office Monday by Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Chief Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, respectively. Among the senators were...
Democrats’ Total Control of State Legislature Hinges on Key Race
SACRAMENTO — Democrats' total dominance of the state Legislature likely comes down to a single state Senate seat in Tuesday's election. Republicans have held Senate District 12 for years, but incumbent Anthony Cannella can't run again due to term limits. Democrats were pinning their hopes on Assemblywoman Anna Caballero while...
South Valley Assembly Seat Prime for Flipping
Republicans should be optimistic about flipping a state Assembly seat representing Kings and Kern counties. Assembly District 32 might be the Republicans' best chance to turn a blue seat red come November. Republican Justin Mendes, a Hanford councilman, is celebrating after garnering a primary win over Democratic incumbent Rudy Salas...
Take 5: Lt. Gov. Candidate Ed Hernandez Stresses Health Care, Economic Development & Education
Ed Hernandez is a former Assemblyman who represents the 22nd District in the California Senate. The West Covina optometrist, a Democrat, is now running for the lieutenant governor's seat held by termed-out Gavin Newsom. Others in the Field It's a crowded race. In addition to Hernandez, there are three other...
Take 5: Lt. Gov. Candidate Ed Hernandez Stresses Health Care, Economic Development & Education
Ed Hernandez is a former Assemblyman who represents the 22nd District in the California Senate. The West Covina optometrist, a Democrat, is now running for the lieutenant governor's seat held by termed-out Gavin Newsom. Others in the Field It's a crowded race. In addition to Hernandez, there are three other...