Senate Democrats unveiled a program to train and deploy staff as official observers in close Senate races, aiming to document intimidation and support oversight this fall.

Robert William, a lifelong Glendalian and 24‑year department veteran, has been appointed the city’s permanent police chief after serving as interim. City leaders say he’ll focus on modernization, accountability and staff wellness.

Vice President J.D. Vance stopped in Downtown Santa Monica for a recorded interview Friday, prompting temporary street closures and an FAA no-fly zone.

Councilmembers asked staff to draft a $25 minimum-wage ordinance for frontline health-care workers even as state law phases in similar increases. The move could fill gaps or duplicate state rules.

Santa Monica–Malibu officials warn LAUSD's tightened outgoing‑permit rules could force appeals, disrupt students and shave millions from local classroom budgets.

The state would split the top violation category and raise minimum fines for health‑related pesticide breaches, with a public comment window and virtual hearings in July.

A California bill to let insurers use smartphone and in‑car telematics for rates has drawn sharp criticism from consumer and privacy groups over tracking, retention and equity risks.

A White House executive order plus a VA-DOJ guardianship agreement have advocates warning that court-ordered guardianships could sweep unhoused veterans into involuntary care.

Kitty Felde says a fictional 'Papa' in her Fina Mendoza mysteries was modeled on Xavier Becerra — a detail that feels timely after Becerra topped the June primary.

AB 2129 would push Cal Fire salaries within 15% of 20 local departments, but Assembly estimates peg the cost at $373M–$609M — forcing a clash between recruitment needs and budget limits. Lawmakers and the governor face a tough choice.

Huntington Beach adopted a $592M 2026‑27 budget that leans on reserves to plug a roughly $15M structural gap while freezing some vacant posts.

A leaked list ties dozens of registered voters — including several famous actors — to a West Hollywood office address, prompting an election review and a closer look at residency rules.

Two California bills would add "Jewish" as an ethnicity on state forms and expand nonprofit security grants to cover off‑site events; both have cleared policy panels. Supporters say the changes will improve data and community safety.