WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is poised to revoke California's authority to set auto mileage standards, asserting that only the federal government has the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy. Conservative and free-market groups have been asked to attend a formal announcement of the rollback set for...
Behind Newsom's Break with Democrats on Environmental ‘Trump Insurance’ Bill
In a break with the Democratic-controlled Legislature, Gov. Gavin Newsom sided with farmers and water agencies Saturday by rejecting legislation aimed at blocking the Trump administration from rolling back endangered species protections. Over Newsom’s objections, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins pushed forward with votes on what is the most...
Tulare Vaping Death Reported. Gov. Newsom Launches Campaign to Warn of Dangers.
SACRAMENTO — A death related to the use of e-cigarettes was confirmed in Tulare County on Monday. On the same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California will spend $20 million on a public awareness campaign about the dangers of vaping nicotine and cannabis products and step up efforts to halt the sale...
California Asks Trump for Housing Vouchers to Aid Homeless
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday asked President Donald Trump to approve more housing vouchers as Trump's administration weighs in on the state's massive homelessness problem. Members of the administration visited Los Angeles last week to view the city's sprawling homeless encampments after Trump told his staff to develop...
Legislature Approves Contentious Environmental Bill SB 1. Newsom Signals Veto.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has indicated he will veto a bill aimed at countering rollbacks of environmental rules by the Trump Administration. The California legislature passed the controversial environmental bill SB 1 on Saturday and sent it to Newsom's desk. The measure was strongly opposed by Central Valley farming and water...
Uber Vows to Keep Fighting Sweeping California Labor Bill
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers confronting the changing definition of work have approved sweeping legislation designed to give many contract workers new pay and benefit protections, but tech giants Uber and Lyft vowed to keep fighting the changes, possibly by bankrolling an expensive fight on the 2020 ballot. The measure passed...
Gov. Newsom Gets Bill Capping Rent Increases
SACRAMENTO — Lawmakers sent Gov. Gavin Newsom legislation Wednesday capping rent increases as the state struggles with an affordable housing and a homelessness crisis. The cap expires in 2030 and would not apply to housing built within the last 15 years and single-family homes not owned by corporations or trusts....
Court Won’t Block Death Penalty Trials Despite Moratorium
SACRAMENTO — The California Supreme Court refused Wednesday to block death penalty cases from proceeding during Gov. Gavin Newsom's moratorium on executions. The justices rejected defense attorneys' arguments that jurors can't realistically gauge the seriousness of imposing a death sentence if they think it's never actually going to be carried...
Bill Giving Protections to 'Gig Workers' Sent to Governor
SACRAMENTO — State lawmakers sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill Wednesday that would give new wage and benefit protections to workers at so-called gig economy companies such as Uber and Lyft where people pick up jobs on their own schedule. The 56-15 Assembly vote marked a victory for labor unions...
NCAA Urges Gov. Newsom Not to Sign ‘Fair Pay’ Bill
INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA Board of Governors wants Gov. Gavin Newsom to reject a new attempt to pay college athletes. And it is prepared to take the fight to court if necessary. In a six-paragraph letter released Wednesday, the board urged Newsom not to sign the legislation known as the...