California paid $20M for consultants to trim prison spending, but projected savings were dramatically revised down as workers’ compensation and staffing costs bite. The state is now seeking more money even as analysts point to closing prisons for the biggest returns.

The San Francisco Superior Court plans to end its decades‑long partnership with the Pretrial Diversion Project, citing financial transparency concerns. Advocates warn shifting services to probation could disrupt thousands of people awaiting trial.

South San Francisco’s year‑end shortfall narrowed to about $600K after stronger hotel and business‑tax receipts, but pension and state funding gaps leave uncertainty ahead.

A fight at Aragon High reignited debate in San Mateo over restoring school resource officer coverage. City leaders say they’ll reopen talks with districts while the high‑school district declines to increase funding now.

SB 68 will require chain restaurants to disclose nine major allergens on menus by July 1, 2026; advocates celebrated at the Capitol while industry warned of costs.

Public records show UC campuses allowed campus license‑plate data to be accessed by federal agencies including CBP, prompting legal and privacy questions under California law.

SFERS quietly redirected $110M into Asia‑focused lending and Bay Area venture funds, including $40M PAG allocations and new Eclipse commitments.

An appeals court affirmed that a controversial Black Lives Matter street mural outside Palo Alto City Hall did not amount to workplace harassment, ending a multi-year legal fight. The decision upholds a lower-court dismissal.

Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire has been named to the Pentagon’s new tech advisory board, reigniting criticism over anti‑Muslim posts and political donations.

USDA finalized ASCF payment rates and opens enrollment June 1, offering $1.625B in one‑time aid with tiered per‑acre payments and specific eligibility rules for specialty growers.

AB 1921 would require publishers to offer offline-capable versions, patches or refunds when online game services shut down. The Assembly passed it Wednesday and sent it to the Senate.

SB 1364 would let judges bar custody or unsupervised visitation when a child was conceived in an alleged sexual assault; the bill passed the Senate and now moves to the Assembly. Survivors’ advocates say the change fills a gap where criminal convictions are rare.

New reporting and national surveys show women elected officials in California face more threats and family-directed abuse than men.