Politics and Elections

Initiative filing fee hike moves closer to approval

A proposal to make it more expensive to file a ballot measure in California is moving closer to becoming law, worrying both liberal and conservative groups that frequently utilize the initiative process. Democratic Assemblymen Evan Low of Campbell and Richard Bloom of Santa Monica have

Sodomite Suppression Act shut down by CA Superior Court

Josephine Djuhana June 24, 2015

On Tuesday, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Raymond M. Cadei ruled to prevent the Sodomite Suppression Act from moving forward in the initiative process. State Attorney General Kamala Harris, who first filed an action for declaratory relief, is no longer

CA Dems move to remake state voting

James Poulos June 16, 2015

Pursuing a long-held dream of maximizing voter turnout, California Democrats have coalesced around legislation that would fundamentally transform the experience — and inconvenience — of casting ballots. “California elections would be radically retooled, with neighborhood polling places replaced by ‘voting centers’

New CA pot analysis sees savings, raises questions

James Poulos June 15, 2015

According to one respected source in Sacramento, pot is good for California’s bottom line. The state Legislative Analyst’s Office, which produces nonpartisan studies of ballot initiatives, has unveiled a new report considering the fiscal impact of marijuana decriminalization in the Golden

Union grip on CA elections slips

James Poulos May 31, 2015

After a lengthy streak of outsized influence, California’s private-sector unions have suffered a string of electoral setbacks — shaking up the balance of power in Democratic circles and giving Republicans reason for cheer even when facing down defeat. A perfect storm Although

Sanchez-Harris race makes national waves

James Poulos May 18, 2015

California’s battle between Democrats vying to replace Sen. Barbara Boxer took on national proportions at the state party’s annual convention, thanks to a heavyweight endorsement and a classic unforced misstep. Although the two did not directly trade barbs, Harris and Sanchez

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