The nomination window opened July 13 for Palo Alto’s Nov. 3 election. Local hopefuls are filing while a half‑cent Cubberley sales‑tax measure heads to the ballot.

Startups are using AI to answer campaign texts; vendors say millions of messages have already been sent as the 2026 midterms approach. Regulators and voters are weighing consent and disclosure.

The CPUC will consider a $22M settlement with PG&E over the 2022 Mosquito Fire. The deal would send $21M to the state and require a $1M inspection review.

A new state bill would speed certifications and give hiring preference to formerly incarcerated firefighters, aiming to turn trained hand‑crew members into career Cal Fire hires.

AB 2344 would let animals seized in cruelty cases go to foster homes or rescues while criminal cases proceed, easing shelter crowding and speeding recovery.

After a 9–2 Board vote, San Francisco will vote Nov. 3 on a charter change that sets rules for a potential city-run public bank. The measure lays governance but not startup funding.

Two Assembly Republicans joined Democrats to pass SB 762, a bill that would let named cities and counties ask voters to exceed California’s 2% local sales‑tax cap. The vote has stirred GOP critics and taxpayer groups.

The Sonoma County Board approved Dr. Mia Shim as the county health officer, effective Wednesday. Shim joins from Seattle public health with nearly 20 years of experience.

Supervisor Shamann Walton agreed to a $4,500 ethics settlement after investigators found he accepted a $5,500 portrait and voted on a contract tied to nonprofit-paid travel.

The state high court will decide whether electronic recordings can create official transcripts in many civil cases, a move that could restore appeals for millions. The ruling will affect family, probate and civil hearings across California.

A Sacramento judge upheld Santa Cruz's voter-approved 2¢/oz sugary drink tax on June 29, 2026, rejecting an industry lawsuit and preserving funds for local health programs.

Newsom signed a budget that adds roughly $40 million to speed California's vote counting, but advocates say the amount is only a partial fix compared with the roughly $90 million they had requested.

The 2026‑27 state budget includes $20 million to restart the CalFresh fruit‑and‑vegetable EBT pilot after a pause that left families without extra produce rebates. Advocates say it’s a start, not a long‑term fix.