Sen. Josh Becker’s SB 493 would add “war” to California’s price‑gouging law, letting prosecutors pursue suspected wartime profiteering as pump prices spike. Supporters point to a persistent California premium at the pump.

A Sacramento County grand jury says Natomas Unified’s special‑education program is underresourced, pointing to chronic absenteeism, suspensions and staffing shortages.

A Yolo County judge declined another hospital restoration for Michael Lopez and has referred his case to California’s CARE Court, setting a Sept. 4 status hearing. The court directed evaluations to serve as a petition and left Lopez on own‑recognizance release under conditions.

Lincoln's City Council placed a one‑cent sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot that city officials say would raise about $6 million a year for public safety and street maintenance.

Senate Bill 1007 would limit most HOA dues hikes to 8% without homeowner approval, splitting Democrats and forcing a debate over reserve funding and transparency.

SB 760 requires at least one all‑gender restroom per school by July 1, 2026. Sacramento districts say most campuses will be compliant, though some summer work remains.

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 CSU review praised Luke Wood’s energy and big programs at Sac State but ordered steps to rebuild trust, finish repatriation and streamline operations.

A San Joaquin County grand jury’s latest report puts the Stockton City Council under renewed scrutiny as city leaders promise reviews and push back on parts of the findings.

A Sacramento County grand jury says Rancho Murieta's water district subsidized the country club’s irrigation for nearly four decades and flagged conflicts and management failures. The report orders a formal response and leaves ratepayers watching the next hearings.

A Sacramento grand jury found the Community Police Review Commission largely ineffective, saying City Hall and the police department left most recommendations unaddressed.

Jacqueline White will take over as Sacramento County superintendent on Sept. 1 as SCUSD wrestles with a multi‑year budget shortfall that could threaten local control.

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.