A Civic Lens poll of 400 likely voters puts Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco atop early California governor polling, but strategists say a large undecided vote keeps the race fluid.

Consultant data and local organizers say closing Ross’s Station 18 has lengthened engine and ambulance response times, and neighbors are pushing a ballot fix.

A nonpartisan report warns California could face a more than $1.8B shortfall next year as cap‑and‑trade receipts fall short of new fixed spending rules. Lawmakers may have to trim programs or shift costs.