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.

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.

San Bruno police are pressing for pay raises as contract talks stall before a Dec. 31 deadline. City leaders say budgets are tight and warn large increases could force cuts.

President Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, restoring whole and 2% milk to school lunch menus. Bay Area districts will decide if and when to change their offerings.

San Mateo County collected $4.1 billion in property taxes in FY 2024–25, a 6% increase that boosts school and local budgets while highlighting a state funding shortfall.

Pacifica’s City Council appointed Sean Charpentier as the new city manager. He’ll start May 4 and brings 20+ years of local‑government experience and regional ties.

Jim Irizarry says a years‑old American Independent Party registration was a mistake; his opponent says it undermines his bid to run San Mateo elections.

Michael Ku, a 20-year San Bruno veteran and paramedic with an SJSU engineering degree, has been named the city's new fire chief. Officials highlight training and technology as priorities.

Rep. Kevin Mullin faces four challengers in the June 2 CA‑15 primary as Democrats and a Republican clash over health care, energy and district funding.

Former Half Moon Bay mayor Joaquin Jimenez is challenging incumbent Ray Mueller in San Mateo County’s District 3 race; coastside housing, water and the Corpus removal are front‑and‑center. The June 2 primary could settle the seat.

A voter found an unmanned, unlocked vote center in Belmont the night before the June 2 primary; county officials say ballots and equipment were secure.

City Manager Alex Khojikian will lead June town halls to discuss the city’s budget and a proposed 1/4‑cent sales tax that could raise about $7 million a year.