A new commission of lawmakers, defenders and academics will draft a five‑year plan to fund investigators, set caseload limits and shore up California’s public defense.

Pinole's council voted 4‑0 to hire Naomi Kelly as city manager starting July 1, picking a former San Francisco administrator despite questions about ties to a 2023 corruption case.

Oakland's City Council passed a midcycle budget that avoids layoffs while adding one-time funding for shelter beds, film incentives and anti‑dumping crews. The plan leans on vacancy savings and one-time revenue.