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Senate committee OKs increased energy regulation

A bill that ratchets up energy restrictions in California passed a Senate policy committee last week, despite concerns from business representatives and Republican legislators that it will drive up energy costs, cost jobs and place too much power in the

Unions central to Brown’s infrastructure plans

James Poulos April 13, 2015

Faced with a restive constituency disgruntled by drought, Gov. Jerry Brown has moved to execute on his plans for California infrastructure — a boon to labor unions, but a point of contention for his political adversaries. Train trouble As the Los

Environmentalists face blame for drought

James Poulos April 12, 2015

As California’s potent drought inspired soul searching from analysts worried the Golden State can’t grow without water, politicians and officials focused on a more immediate task: laying blame for the problem. Gov. Jerry Brown has tried to set a philosophical tone, cautioning that

Lawmakers embark on high-speed journey through Japan

John April 11, 2015

As California moves forward with the state’s first high-speed rail system, questions remain about the viability of the $68 billion transportation project. In an effort to better understand the challenges posed by high-speed rail, a delegation of three state Senators spent the

Unions, environmentalists clash over wind farm

Dave Roberts April 10, 2015

Usually reliable allies for three liberal causes – renewable energy, environmental protection and labor unions – clashed recently over whether to grant a three-year extension for a wind farm in the Altamont Pass on the eastern fringe of the Bay

Sanchez poised to challenge Harris for Boxer’s Senate seat

James Poulos April 10, 2015

With expectation building around a presumptive Senate run, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Ca., is scheduled to attend a high-powered meet and greet event in San Francisco today, April 10. The move signals what could be the beginning of a Democratic title fight in

Did Rail Authority flout sunshine law?

Kathy Hamilton April 9, 2015

At a recent meeting of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, a board member announced a closed executive session but provided no exception as required by the state’s sunshine law, citizen attendees said. State law requires government bodies to notify the

Accusations fly over volatile CA gas prices

James Poulos April 9, 2015

In an unusual exercise of power, California lawmakers in the state Senate launched a preliminary probe into the recent spike in Golden State gas prices. Although the numbers have dipped back down, and a big refinery explosion last month sidelined some

Feds cloud pot picture in CA

James Poulos April 8, 2015

Over the strenuous objections of some California lawmakers, the Department of Justice vowed to continue prosecuting the medical marijuana industry in the Golden State. Despite a recent bipartisan federal amendment de-funding the Department’s fight against medical marijuana, spokesman Patrick Rodenbush revealed to the

Hertzberg seeks permanent extension to taxpayer relief program

John April 8, 2015

As California taxpayers brace for another round of tax increases this session, they’ve found an unlikely ally in the state Legislature. State Senator Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, who has ruffled the feathers of taxpayer groups with his proposal for a $10