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Assembly GOP leader survives ouster bid, but other challenges expected

Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, survived a bid to oust him on Monday night at a caucus of the 25 GOP Assembly members in Sacramento. Ten Republicans voted for his removal, three short of a majority. Nevertheless, anger

California lawmakers seek to revise parole reform law

Chris Reed January 31, 2017

Proposition 57 — the victorious November ballot measure sponsored by Gov. Jerry Brown — continues to spark controversy over its loose definition of “nonviolent” crimes. The proposition won easy approval despite harsh criticism from district attorneys around the state. The

CA Senate panel kills whistleblower protection bill for the third time

Matt Fleming August 12, 2016

For the third straight year, the Senate Appropriations Committee killed a bill on Thursday that would have extended whistleblower protections to legislative staff — a response to the unrelated legal troubles of three senators in 2014. There are already whistleblower

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

Melendez: Cruz Overreacted Regarding Soft-Core Porn Actress

Matt Fleming February 16, 2016

Asm. Melissa Melendez said Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz overreacted last week when he pulled an advertisement that unknowingly featured an actress who had been featured in multiple soft-core porn movies. Although Amy Lindsay, the actress, has appeared in a long

Legislators Steer Clear of Super Bowl

Matt Fleming February 12, 2016

Though just over 100 miles from the Capitol, state legislators showed no love for Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, at least not in person, likely an indictment of exorbitant ticket prices and an acknowledgement of ethics rules barring tickets

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