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State Democrats’ internal rift persists

The tension between the progressive “Berniecrat” wing and the mainstream liberal wing of the California Democratic Party appears likely to resonate for years to come. That’s the clear takeaway from Bay Area political organizer’s Kimberly Ellis’ vow to keep contesting

Bipartisan support building to curb “policing for profit”

Matt Fleming May 25, 2016

Proponents of a measure to close a loophole that allows local law enforcement agencies to seize citizens’ property without a criminal conviction or even an arrest — a practice dubbed “policing for profit” — are moving behind the scenes to shore

Bauman has large lead in race for CA Democratic Party chair

Matt Fleming February 29, 2016

SAN JOSE – The widespread support for Eric Bauman at the state Democratic Party convention last weekend made it seem as though he were running uncontested for party chair. Bauman was everywhere. He introduced past Assembly speakers at one party

CA Democratic Convention: Lorena Gonzalez leads party into workers’ comp fight

John May 19, 2015

Lorena Gonzalez doesn’t shy away from a fight. After less than two years in the state Assembly, the former San Diego labor organizer has established herself as the state’s leading advocate for workers. Last year, Gonzalez successfully authored legislation to force companies – large

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

Federal judge strikes down CA foie gras ban

John January 8, 2015

Bon appétit. A federal judge has struck down California’s prohibition on foie gras — more than a decade after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the nation’s first ban on the culinary treat. U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson ruled Wednesday that

Debra Bowen revelations appear to explain her failure on job

Chris Reed September 7, 2014

Saturday’s Los Angeles Times’ bombshell about Secretary of State Debra Bowen’s struggles with depression struck a sad chord with many people who have struggled with mental illness or had a family member with such problems. Two months before Californians go

CA Democrats mismanage campaign war-chests

John March 8, 2014

California Democrats converge on the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend for the party’s annual state convention. Although Democrats face two scandals involving members of the state Senate, the party is well positioned for the 2014 campaign cycle. The party

Shawnda Westly sparks CA Democratic Party victories

CalWatchdog Staff April 23, 2013

Editor’s Note: This is Part Two of a two-part series. Part One is here. April 23, 2013 By John Hrabe In addition to her victorious campaign strategies in 2012, California Democrat Party officials recognize Democratic Party Executive Director Shawnda Westly’s

CA Dems’ mega weapon: Shawnda Westly

CalWatchdog Staff April 22, 2013

Editor’s Note: This is Part One of a two-part series. Part two is here. April 22, 2013 By John Hrabe The second night of the 2013 state convention earlier this month, California Democrats shared the downtown convention center with two