State Sen. Tony Strickland asked Senate Budget Chair John Laird to allocate $400M for Prop 36, setting up a budget showdown over who pays to implement tougher theft and drug penalties. The state has only earmarked about $100M so far.

San Francisco’s DA announced a new enforcement action focused on dealer title and registration delays, citing last year’s AutoNation settlement as a model.

Supervisors ordered a countywide AI study after unions warned the technology could be used to cut jobs or make personnel decisions. The study will guide disclosure rules and narrow prohibitions.

President Trump named a 13-member tech advisory council that includes Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison and Jensen Huang. The group will advise the White House on AI and tech priorities.

Foster City projects a nearly $5 million operating surplus, but planned capital transfers and a hotel-tax slump mean the upside may be short-lived. Council approved a $15M CalPERS prepayment and ordered TOT audits.

The state’s petroleum watchdog has opened probes into some gas stations after sudden pump‑price spikes. Regulators are collecting records to see whether illegal gouging occurred.

Cupertino will poll residents on a possible increase to the utility users tax as officials weigh budget pressures and rising service costs. The poll will inform whether a November measure is viable.

Uber is backing a ballot initiative that would force crash victims to keep 75% of recoveries — a move lawyers and doctors say could shrink access to counsel and care.

Utilities commissioners recommended an 8% water-rate rise that would add roughly $10 to a typical monthly bill as wholesale Hetch Hetchy costs climb.

A new UC Berkeley/LA Times poll shows two Republicans leading California’s gubernatorial field as Democrats split the vote and voter engagement lags. The top‑two system raises new stakes ahead of June.

Ripon Fire is asking property owners to approve a Prop. 218 assessment to hire firefighters and staff an engine that’s stayed empty since 2014 as crews run thin.

ABC7 and USC will bring six gubernatorial candidates to a March 24 debate in Los Angeles as the June primary approaches.

A statewide Nexstar debate will bring top gubernatorial contenders to KRON4’s San Francisco studio on April 22; here’s who’s eligible and what to watch.