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LAO report: $1.3 billion state building plan lacks oversight

The $1.3 billion first phase of a project to build and modernize 11 state office buildings lacks adequate accountability and oversight and is behind schedule, according to a report. The report, released by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office on Wednesday, identified three

CA Democrats want higher fees and taxes for state infrastructure

James Poulos December 14, 2016

Sharing in a new emerging consensus in favor of substantial infrastructure spending, California Democrats have teed up the policy for early action in 2017, triggering renewed debate over the wisdom of funding the effort through significant new transportation-related fees and

Chargers almost an L.A. team

James Poulos December 13, 2016

After months of relative certainty that the National Football League wanted the Rams in Los Angeles and the Chargers in San Diego, expectations have been gradually upset, turning the other former L.A. team’s relocation back to the City of

Court OKs constitutional challenge to new state law affecting farm industry

Steven Greenhut December 13, 2016

SACRAMENTO – A federal appeals court last week has taken the highly unusual step of finding a U.S. constitutional cause of action in a challenge to a California state law – the latest wrinkle in a long-running and bitter dispute

Orange County congresswoman looking to climb leadership ladder

Matt Fleming December 12, 2016

Congresswoman Mimi Walters is preparing a run for a high-ranking spot in House Republican leadership, the Irvine Republican confirmed on Monday. The House Republican chair position is not yet vacant, but with Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers reportedly close to being selected to

CA farmers finally win on federal water bill

James Poulos December 12, 2016

California’s beleaguered farmers had their hopes for a better 2017 rekindled as landmark water legislation delayed for years finally passed Congress. But the political cost to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a key supporter, has been high, with outgoing Sen. Barbara Boxer digging

Poll: Californians think higher ed is too expensive, love the quality

Matt Fleming December 8, 2016

Californians are concerned over the cost of the state’s public colleges and universities, just as two of the state’s three higher-education systems are considering tuition increases. In fact, only 13 percent of Californians say it’s not a problem, while 57

Towns take heat from proposed taxes targeting streaming video

James Poulos December 8, 2016

Tempting fate — and mobilized outrage from consumers and their Silicon Valley allies — municipalities around California have zeroed in on a new source of revenue: Online film and television streaming services, and the people who use them. “If the cities are successful

Lawmakers seek citizens’ help for legislative ideas

Matt Fleming December 7, 2016

Two state lawmakers are looking to include constituents in the policy-making process in similar, and yet very different, ways. While Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens, is holding a contest for constituents to pitch their best ideas for a “There Ought to

California’s largest public employee union strikes deal with Gov. Brown

James Poulos December 7, 2016

Gov. Jerry Brown came to an agreement with SEIU 1000, resolving a crisis over negotiations with the public employee union, California’s biggest. The bargain struck came relatively close to Brown’s initial offer, sharpening the ongoing debate over how best to budget for