Explore

California Governor Newsom Signs Wildfire Recovery Package to Enhance Protections and Rebuilding Efforts

California Governor Newsom Signs Wildfire Recovery Package to Enhance Protections and Rebuilding Efforts

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of four bills aimed at strengthening California's long-term wildfire recovery system. This legislation builds upon the state's ongoing efforts with survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires, providing new tools for wildfire survivors across California. Key provisions include expanding mortgage protections, strengthening insurance coverage, and improving testing and remediation standards for smoke-damaged homes. Specifically, Assembly Bills 1642 and 1795 establish first-in-the-nation standards for smoke damage claims, requiring insurers to pay for lead and asbestos testing and remediation in wildfire zones and cover full cleanup to pre-loss condition. Additionally, insurers are barred from cutting off Additional Living Expense coverage until a home is actually remediated and safe to occupy. Assembly Bills 1842 and 1847 provide permanent mortgage forbearance protections and extend the forbearance window for Los Angeles fire survivors.

Governor Newsom Signs 'Jay Leno's Law' and Lowrider Heritage Bill in California

Governor Newsom Signs 'Jay Leno's Law' and Lowrider Heritage Bill in California

Governor Newsom Signs 'Jay Leno's Law' and Lowrider Heritage Bill in California

House Votes to Block California's Ship Emissions Rules, Sparking Federal-State Clash

House Votes to Block California's Ship Emissions Rules, Sparking Federal-State Clash

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to overturn California’s stringent at-berth emissions regulations for oceangoing ships. Lawmakers passed H.J. Res. 210 by a vote of 216 to 211, aiming to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorization that permits California to enforce its 2020 At-Berth Regulation. These rules mandate that vessels calling at regulated California terminals control emissions throughout their port stay, typically by connecting to shoreside electricity or using alternative emissions-control systems. The regulations have covered container, reefer, and cruise ships since 2023, with roro vessels and tankers at Los Angeles and Long Beach to be included from 2025. Republican congressman Vince Fong, a proponent of the resolution, argued that California’s requirements impose costs beyond the state due to the volume of cargo passing through its ports, potentially leading to increased prices and supply chain disruptions. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the House's...

In Silicon Valley, AI data center boom meets local resistance

In Silicon Valley, AI data center boom meets local resistance

By Elizabeth Mendez and Nichola Groom SAN JOSE, California, Sept 17 (Reuters) - In Silicon Valley's biggest city, residents and environmental groups are organizing against a wave of proposed data center projects that officials have courted in a bid to position the city as a hub for AI infrastructure

California Governor Newsom Signs 'Jay Leno's Law' to Ease Smog Checks for Classic Cars

California Governor Newsom Signs 'Jay Leno's Law' to Ease Smog Checks for Classic Cars

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1392, widely known as 'Jay Leno's Law,' which will exempt certain classic cars from smog check requirements. This new legislation applies to collector vehicles from the 1976 through 1985 model years that are either insured as collector vehicles or driven less than 1,000 miles annually. The bill was jointly authored by state Senators Dave Cortese, a Democrat from San Jose, and Shannon Grove, a Republican from Bakersfield. Jay Leno, the former host of 'The Tonight Show' and a prominent classic car enthusiast, expressed gratitude for the Governor's commitment to preserving California's classic car heritage. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2028. In addition to this, Governor Newsom also signed Assembly Bill 2541, which creates a specialty license plate to honor California's lowrider heritage, further supporting the state's diverse car culture.

California Expands Classic Car Smog Exemptions with "Leno's Law"

California Expands Classic Car Smog Exemptions with "Leno's Law"

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1392, known as "Leno's Law," which expands smog-check exemptions for certain classic cars. The new law creates a phased-in exemption for qualifying collector vehicles from model years 1976 through 1985. Currently, vehicles made before the 1976 model year are exempt from the state's regular smog-check requirement. Under the new legislation, qualifying collector vehicles manufactured before 1981 will become exempt starting January 1, 2028. Subsequently, one additional model year will be added annually, eventually including 1985 model-year vehicles by 2033. To qualify for the exemption, vehicles must either be insured as collector vehicles or be driven less than 1,000 miles per year. These restrictions are designed to ensure the exemption applies to cars preserved for occasional use rather than daily transportation. The bill was jointly authored by state Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove and passed both legislative chambers before reaching the Gove...

'Voters are deeply concerned.' Democratic 2028 hopefuls debate AI regulations

'Voters are deeply concerned.' Democratic 2028 hopefuls debate AI regulations

As Americans’ concerns over AI have grown in the wake of whistleblower warnings, Democrats are rushing to solidify their pitch to voters.

Palm Springs Desert Sun

California sets first statewide smoke-damage insurance rules

California sets first statewide smoke-damage insurance rules

California approved new smoke-damage insurance standards and homeowner protections that take effect Jan. 1.

Senate Committee Advances Senator Padilla's Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act to Combat Wildfires

Senate Committee Advances Senator Padilla's Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act to Combat Wildfires

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has seen his bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA) advance out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works with a unanimous vote. This legislation aims to prevent wildfires and increase the use of prescribed fire. Senator Padilla emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to address the growing wildfire crisis, which annually devastates public lands and communities. The bill provides certainty that states will not face penalties for wildfire prevention actions and establishes a program to assist communities in planning and preparing for smoke events. Additionally, Senator Padilla highlighted his bipartisan Save Our Sequoias Act, designed to protect giant sequoias from wildfires, insects, and disease, and urged the Department of the Interior to reconsider a proposed land transfer within Yosemite National Park.

California Teacher Associates sues the state over $3.9B it owes

California Teacher Associates sues the state over $3.9B it owes

The California Teachers Association filed a lawsuit on Sept. 15 against California over its decision to withhold billions in funding for schools.

SEIU Local 1000 Authorizes Unfair Practice Strike Vote Against Newsom Administration

SEIU Local 1000 Authorizes Unfair Practice Strike Vote Against Newsom Administration

SEIU Local 1000, representing California state workers, has authorized an Unfair Practice Strike Vote following months of stalled contract negotiations with the Newsom administration. The union alleges that the administration has failed to bargain fairly over key priorities brought forward by state employees. As a result, SEIU Local 1000 is holding a series of Strike Vote Meetings to inform its members about the implications of an unfair practice strike and the significance of the strike authorization vote. These meetings aim to educate workers on how they can collectively demonstrate their power to CalHR, the state's human resources department. The union's decision signals a significant escalation in the dispute over worker contracts and conditions, potentially leading to widespread labor action across California state agencies.

Governor Newsom Announces Supreme Court Blocks President Trump's Challenge to Vote-by-Mail in California

Governor Newsom Announces Supreme Court Blocks President Trump's Challenge to Vote-by-Mail in California

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a victory for California after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump's efforts to challenge vote-by-mail procedures. This decision follows losses for the Trump Administration in district and appellate courts. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the high stakes of the litigation, noting that voting is a fundamental right and mail voting is the primary method in California and several other states. The ruling ensures that voters can cast their ballots without uncertainty or fear of their voices being questioned. California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., stated that the decision allows the state to move forward with conducting elections fairly and openly. The Supreme Court's action comes amidst a whistleblower report warning of 'potentially catastrophic problems' with the Trump Administration's efforts and an admission from USPS that the technology to implement the proposed rule was unavailable.