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.

SF Fed chief Mary Daly called policy "slightly restrictive" and left the Fed's next move undecided as markets weigh AI-driven demand and slowing jobs.

The FTC warns some AI 'bias' fixes could themselves breach consumer law and has opened a public comment period through July 31.

AB 713 would let undocumented students access paid campus jobs at UC, CSU and community colleges; it cleared a Senate committee and now goes to Appropriations.

San Francisco’s minimum wage increases to $19.61 on July 1, 2026. Employers must update payroll, post the official MWO notice and confirm staffing compliance.

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.

The Supreme Court blocked an order to strip birthright citizenship, reaffirming the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark legacy rooted in San Francisco.