Breaking News

CA regulators to punish VW

Amid a broad crackdown on Volkswagen by federal authorities and state attorneys general, California officials moved to pursue the strictest penalties against the company, whose evasion of emissions regulations was revealed by a state Air Resources Board investigation. Manipulating tests Board chairwoman Mary Nichols,

GOP activists excited about party’s improving prospects in California

John October 2, 2015

When California Republican activists converged on the Anaheim Marriott in mid-September, they experienced something they hadn’t felt in years. Excitement. “It’s an exciting time for the delegates as we embark on a journey in 2016 by selling principles of limited government

Governor Jerry Brown revives redevelopment agencies

John October 1, 2015

Redevelopment is back in California. Four years after Governor Jerry Brown led the effort to eliminate redevelopment agencies, the governor has changed his mind, signing legislation to restore the controversial institutions and their power to use eminent domain. Earlier this month,

CA regulators crack down on fuel carbon

James Poulos October 1, 2015

In the wake of a big legislative setback, Gov. Jerry Brown’s wish to use regulations to cut fuel emissions is swiftly coming true. This month, Democratic lawmakers couldn’t muster enough votes to slash gasoline use by half within 15 years. Now, the state Air

CA asset forfeiture reform fails

James Poulos September 30, 2015

After passing the state Senate overwhelmingly, California’s bipartisan attempt to reform asset forfeiture laws ran aground in the Assembly, victim of a powerful lobbying campaign conducted by law enforcement and its allies. Golden State cops teamed with prosecutors to sink the

Cumulative trauma law bedevils employers, hands fired employees a payday

Steve Miller September 30, 2015

The Monteleone family opened Barone’s Italian Restaurant in Valley Glen 70 years ago, and has seen its share of employee turnover. But Tom Monteleone got a nasty lesson in California’s employee relations law last week. One of his cooks was

McCarthy poised for House Speakership

James Poulos September 29, 2015

In a twist as sudden as it was unlikely, Republicans appear poised to make Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Though he could face opposition from the House’s conservative caucus, McCarthy’s reputation — and solid positioning

Chinese firm plans L.A.-to-Vegas train

James Poulos September 27, 2015

For bemused Californians, there’s another bullet train in town, thanks to the Chinese government. More specifically, credit — $100 million worth — goes to China Railway International USA, a venture spearheaded by Beijing’s national railroad, China Railway. The consortium has ponied up

Apple stokes buzz with DMV meeting

James Poulos September 25, 2015

California was poised to make automotive history again as Apple met with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. As the Golden State grapples with divisive choices over emissions regulations, electric and self-driving cars have emerged as the latest home-grown innovation with

CA Democrats push to ease voter registration

James Poulos September 24, 2015

California Democrats succeeded in sending Gov. Jerry Brown legislation that would substantially expand voter registration. The move teed up a significant advance toward one of the party’s longtime statewide and nationwide goals. As MSNBC noted, Democrats see themselves at a