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.

After AB 1 became operative on July 1, 2026, legislative staff across California quietly began organizing around comp time, promotions and pay.

Lawmakers want to lock more AI‑era gains into California’s rainy‑day fund and exempt those deposits from the state spending cap. The Save for California’s Future Act will appear on the November 3 ballot.

San José and SJPD will hold in-person and Zoom sessions next week to explain plans for AI‑assisted police report writing and to take community questions.

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.

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.

Sunnyvale council approved increases to water, sewer and garbage rates that add about $12.43 to a typical single‑family monthly utility bill.

Councilwoman Cecilia Taylor won’t seek another term, leaving the Belle Haven seat vacant and District 1 without a candidate. Four people have filed to run for three council seats so far.

The state would split the top violation category and raise minimum fines for health‑related pesticide breaches, with a public comment window and virtual hearings in July.

Vice President J.D. Vance pulled in $4.2 million at a private Palo Alto dinner hosted by Chamath Palihapitiya, bringing Valley money into the RNC fold. The event drew top tech executives and raises fresh questions about donor influence.

City Council deferred a plan to raise some downtown meter rates and extend paid hours after a flood of public comment. The proposal would affect about 1,600 meters and is projected to bring in roughly $1.2M a year.

Sam Liccardo unveiled the SKILL Act at West Valley College, proposing federal tax credits to push companies to train and hire community‑college graduates for AI roles.

A new San Jose fire station built with bond money is finished but unstaffed as the city delays opening amid budget shortfalls. Councilmembers are exploring overtime and grant options to staff the building.