Kimberly Ellis wants to be chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, one of the most influential political forces in the nation. She has visited Fresno twice in recent weeks to make her case to local party activists. Many of those party faithful will have a hand in selecting their next...
Walters: Trump Pardon Closes Book on ‘Shrimpgate’ Scandal
When President Donald Trump pardoned former California Assemblyman Pat Nolan this month, he closed the book on one of the state’s most embarrassing political scandals, albeit one that wrought systemic change in the Capitol. Nolan was one of four state legislators and eight other political figures, including a member of...
California Might Get One of the Nation’s Toughest Police Use-of-Force Rules
After months of negotiations to craft a bill meant to reduce police shootings in California, legislative leaders have landed on a version that appears likely to pass, with law enforcement groups removing their opposition, civil liberties advocates declaring victory and Gov. Gavin Newsom lauding a policy that “will help restore community...
Police Won’t Fight California Use-of-Force Bill
SACRAMENTO — Major law enforcement organizations dropped their opposition Thursday to California legislation that strengthens standards for when officers can use deadly force, a shift that followed changes to the measure. The measure would bar police from using lethal force unless it is "necessary" to defend against an imminent threat...
“American Taliban” John Walker Lindh Is Released From Prison
John Walker Lindh, the Californian who took up arms for the Taliban and was captured by U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2001, got out of prison Thursday after more than 17 years, released under tight restrictions that reflected government fears he still harbors radical views. President Donald Trump reacted by...
Tougher Vaccination Requirements Move Forward in California
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers moved ahead Wednesday with tougher rules that limit parents from choosing whether to vaccinate their schoolchildren as a handful of opponents shouted "we will not comply" inside the Senate. Senators sent the measure to the Assembly as the nation struggles to stem the highest number of...
Vegas Tourism Board Backs $49 Million Elon Musk Transit System
A company backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk has been granted a nearly $49 million contract to build a transit system using self-driving vehicles underneath the Las Vegas Convention Center. The board of directors of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved the contract Wednesday with The Boring Company,...
Walters: Trump Doing California a Bullet Train Favor
At last count, California’s Democratic political leadership had filed four dozen lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration, reflecting differences on policies large and small. For the most part, California’s legal allegations have been on target. However, Trump is on solid legal and logical ground in the latest conflict over the...
New California Sea Dragon Habitat Is Among World’s Largest
LA JOLLA — At first glance, it looks like a branch of kelp, but then an eye moves among its leafy appendages, and ridges of tiny, translucent fins start to flutter, sending the creature gliding through the water like something from a fairy tale. A Southern California aquarium has built...
‘American Taliban’ John Walker Lindh to be Released
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — John Walker Lindh, the young Californian who became known as the American Taliban after he was captured by U.S. forces in the invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, is set to go free after nearly two decades in prison. But conditions imposed recently on Lindh's release, slated...