An appeals court ruled Dec. 31 that the state lacks authority to issue revenue bonds for the Delta tunnel, stripping DWR of a key financing tool for the 45‑mile plan.

The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office announces a change in communication leadership as Lieutenant Greg Stark steps down and Sergeant Jason Waite steps in as interim PIO.

The California Supreme Court ruled judges can’t impose fines and fees defendants can’t afford, prompting remands and new ability‑to‑pay hearings across the state.

New state estimates show California added roughly 19,200 people; Sacramento and the Central Valley gained while San Francisco’s rebound stalled.

The California Department of Education told Tahoe‑Truckee to move its high‑school sports into the California federation after Nevada tightened transgender‑athlete rules, touching off fights over travel and fairness.

Nevada County Counsel Kit Elliott is retiring on Dec. 20, with Trevor Koski taking over the next day. The transition acknowledges Elliott's contributions and prepares Koski to continue her legacy.

SB 307 orders CSU campuses to shield students whose schooling is interrupted by immigration enforcement. Advocates say the law helps, but campus staff warn training is still needed.

Citrus Heights City Council appointed MariJane Lopez-Taff as mayor and Porsche Middleton as vice mayor for the coming year, reflecting routine leadership changes.

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.

The Placer County DA criticized the Department of State Hospitals for scheduling a meeting on SVP placements that conflicts with a Board meeting, limiting official and public participation.

Yolo County supervisors approved a contract sending residents to a Sacramento crisis receiving center with three "crisis chairs," updated the master fee schedule and picked Sheila Allen as 2026 chair.

Eric Grant was reappointed as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California, following a decision by local judges and a prior temporary appointment by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Representative Matsui and advocacy groups criticize ICE for detaining Afghan nationals in Sacramento, emphasizing the community's sense of betrayal and the need to honor commitments to Afghan allies.