Luis Alejo | CalWatchdog.com

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New law clears way for redevelopment’s return

Five years ago, when state courts upheld Gov. Jerry Brown’s and the Legislature’s move to shut down redevelopment in California and seize $1.7 billion in redevelopment funds from local agencies around the state, Brown’s crusade won cheers from many of

Despite several big environmental wins during last days of session, one big bill got away

Matt Fleming September 1, 2016

Democrats will walk away from the two-year legislative session that ended Thursday morning with a long list of environmental accomplishments — but still one got away. A bill sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, would

Women poised for modest gains in legislative races

Matt Fleming July 26, 2016

Women make up more than half of California’s population, but only about one-fourth of the Legislature. And in November, that’s unlikely to change too much, according to a CalWatchdog analysis. While an October surprise, outside factor or just particularly good

Lawmakers perpetuate “system-is-rigged” narrative by honoring family members with awards, critics say

Matt Fleming July 21, 2016

At a time when voters are increasingly convinced the system is rigged, some state legislators are making that perception worse by giving district-wide awards to their family members, critics say. While it’s not uncommon for legislators to participate in award ceremonies recognizing

Two more lawmakers demand resignation of UC Davis chancellor

Matt Fleming April 14, 2016

Two state lawmakers took to Twitter on Thursday and joined the growing chorus of Democratic legislators who are calling for the resignation of UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi after a series of unflattering stories by The Sacramento Bee. On Wednesday, The

Rendon’s Assembly speakership sweeps in change

Matt Fleming March 8, 2016

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon’s swearing in as speaker on Monday signaled a fresh start as optimism warmed over the Capitol. At the swearing in, the paramount Democrat drew a standing ovation from the crowd and an impassioned introduction in both English and

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,

State Assembly approves plan to bring back Kelo-style redevelopment

John May 24, 2015

Redevelopment agencies would once again have the power to seize private property for big developers under a bill that passed the California State Assembly earlier this month. Assembly Bill 2, authored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, would give local governments the

Undocumented immigrants hit the road with CA driver’s licenses

James Poulos March 20, 2015

After two months of granting driver’s licenses to once-undocumented immigrants, California officials reported big numbers. The Golden State program has supplied licenses to almost 150,000 immigrants. Supporters of the move have been quick to tout its perceived advantages — and to boost participation

Latino assemblyman: Asians not ‘people of color’

Chris Reed April 27, 2014

The increasing rift between Latino and Asian Democrats over Latinos’ newly revived interest in gutting Proposition 209 took a funny twist in the Sacramento Bee. So much for the Rainbow Coalition — it turns out that one lawmaker thinks Asian-Americans