John, Author at CalWatchdog.com

Posts From John

John

Lawmakers work with industry to improve ride-sharing

State lawmakers have shelved a plan to adopt new regulations on the state’s burgeoning ride-sharing industry in favor of industry-backed measures that make it easier for customers to safely share a ride. Last Thursday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee held in

Ling Ling Chang announces bid for state Senate in 2016

John May 29, 2015

Assemblywoman Ling-Ling Chang, R-Diamond Bar, has announced her campaign to replace termed-out State Senator Bob Huff. Chang’s campaign for the 29th State Senate district sets up a showdown with former Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang for a seat that Democrats see as an

State Assembly approves plan to bring back Kelo-style redevelopment

John May 24, 2015

Redevelopment agencies would once again have the power to seize private property for big developers under a bill that passed the California State Assembly earlier this month. Assembly Bill 2, authored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, would give local governments the

CA Democratic Convention: Lorena Gonzalez leads party into workers’ comp fight

John May 19, 2015

Lorena Gonzalez doesn’t shy away from a fight. After less than two years in the state Assembly, the former San Diego labor organizer has established herself as the state’s leading advocate for workers. Last year, Gonzalez successfully authored legislation to force companies – large

CA Democratic Convention: Women seek to “Close the Gap” in California politics

John May 18, 2015

Women remain the stars of the California Democratic Party. This past weekend, Sen. Elizabeth Warren received top billing as the convention’s keynote speaker. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi earned rounds of applause from committee and caucus meetings. And, of course, the convention buzz

CA Democratic Convention: Marginalized group challenges party to stand for “health choice”

John May 17, 2015

At this weekend’s state party convention, California Democrats went out of their way to acknowledge marginalized groups and affirm their commitment to a woman’s right to choose. “It’s a lack of respect,” House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi said of why

CA Democratic Convention: Democrats divided on economic issues, trade pact

John May 16, 2015

Sen. Elizabeth Warren staked her claim as the progressive choice for president Saturday, with a rousing speech to delegates at the California Democratic Party’s state convention. The first-term Democratic Senator from Massachusetts earned a rousing applause and standing ovation from convention delegates

U.S. Senate 2016: Loretta Sanchez announces campaign for Boxer’s seat

John May 15, 2015

Flanked by a group of supporters at the Santa Ana train station, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove, officially launched her campaign to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. Thursday’s announcement, one day before the California Democratic Party’s spring convention, sets up

State Controller Betty Yee to audit City of Industry

John May 8, 2015

First, it was widespread corruption at the city of Bell. Next, came an even bigger embezzlement scandal in Pasadena. Now, it’s $326 million in cronyism at the City of Industry. This week, State Controller Betty T. Yee announced that her office

Hertzberg proposes plan to reduce traffic penalties, restore suspended licenses

John May 6, 2015

Drivers who’ve had their licenses suspended could soon get a reprieve. State Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, has introduced legislation that would reduce outstanding penalties and fines for drivers with a suspended license. In addition to reducing penalties, Senate Bill