Regulations

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,

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

From L.A. to San Diego, short-term rentals stoke fury

Chris Reed September 29, 2015

The Internet-fueled rise of short-term vacation rentals is stoking fury in coastal Southern California communities and cities that attract lots of tourists. Opponents say they’re killing neighborhood quality of life by bringing a never-ending series of loud, rude, drunken visitors

Government transparency effort faces union backlash

Dave Roberts September 23, 2015

Senate Bill 331, a bill sponsored by government employee unions that is on Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk, is touted as increasing transparency in contracting by certain local governments. But critics say the bill’s provisions are actually intended to punish agencies

Unique “behested” campaign donations prop up nonprofits, political endeavors in growing numbers

Steve Miller September 21, 2015

Donations to special interests on behalf of statewide officeholders have grown from $250,000 in 2000 to $4.9 million so far this year, records show. The donations, which can be solicited by the charity or the officeholder, are unlimited and need

Sacramento sends Brown sweeping medical pot regulations

James Poulos September 20, 2015

Marking the end of one era and the start of a new one, Sacramento lawmakers sent legislation to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk that would revolutionize California’s approach to legal medical marijuana. Together, Assembly Bills 266 and 243, along with Senate Bill 643, were dubbed the

Contested family leave bill on governor’s desk

Dave Roberts September 18, 2015

Since 1997 the California Chamber of Commerce has prevented more than three-quarters of bills that it calls “job killers” from reaching the governor’s desk. This year only three of 19 targeted bills were passed by the Legislature. Gov. Jerry Brown

Assisted suicide bill heads to Brown

James Poulos September 16, 2015

Gov. Jerry Brown once again held the fate of a major legislative change in his hands. This time, a bill legalizing assisted suicide has landed on his desk. After the Assembly greenlit the legislation 44-35, the state Senate cleared it with a 23-14

CA Dems split on legislation mandating emissions cuts

James Poulos September 10, 2015

Landmark climate legislation has run aground in Sacramento, hobbled by a rebellion among Democrats skittish of being tied by constituents to the potential economic impact of further mandated emissions cuts. Inadequate support The unanticipated struggle threw supporters of the bill, including Gov. Jerry Brown,

Drone bill shakes up CA startups

James Poulos September 4, 2015

The fate of California’s private drones will be decided by Gov. Jerry Brown, who must choose whether to sign divisive legislation headed to his desk. Privacy vs. productivity The bill cleared both chambers of the state Legislature “despite bipartisan concern about regulating