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Fresno County Voters to Decide on Measure S, a Proposed $7.4 Billion Transportation Sales Tax

Fresno County Voters to Decide on Measure S, a Proposed $7.4 Billion Transportation Sales Tax

Fresno County residents will vote on Measure S, a proposed half-cent sales tax projected to generate nearly $7.4 billion over 30 years for transportation improvements. This measure, also known as 'Better Roads Safe Streets,' is designed to replace Measure C, a half-cent sales tax that has been in effect since 1986 and is set to expire on June 30, 2027. Measure S significantly reallocates revenue compared to its predecessor, with 65% designated for existing neighborhood roads and 5% for regional improvements, including 1% for Fresno Yosemite International Airport. This contrasts with Measure C's allocation of 34.6% for local roads and 30.4% for regional projects. The new measure also mandates the construction of at least 120 miles of bike paths or protected bike lanes and 150 'Safe Routes to Schools' projects. Additionally, 25% of the tax revenue is allocated to public transit, with specific requirements for year-over-year improvements in service metrics.

Bernie-Backed Latina Candidate Challenges Incumbent Black Republican Mayor in Fontana Mayoral Race

Bernie-Backed Latina Candidate Challenges Incumbent Black Republican Mayor in Fontana Mayoral Race

Joz Sida, a self-described democratic socialist endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, is challenging incumbent Mayor Acquanetta Warren in Fontana, California's mayoral election. Sida is part of the Fontana United Slate, a group of progressive candidates aiming to unseat current city government officials. Mayor Warren, a Black Republican, has held her position since 2010 and has not lost reelection. Sida's campaign emphasizes economic populism, universal healthcare, and higher taxes on the wealthy, aligning with a national trend of democratic socialist candidates gaining traction. Fontana, a city with over 218,000 residents, is 66% Latino, and 59% of its population is under 40. The city is politically Democratic, with roughly 4 in 10 registered voters identifying as Democrats compared to 23.3% for Republicans.

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna Considers 2028 Presidential Bid on Economic Populism Platform

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna Considers 2028 Presidential Bid on Economic Populism Platform

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) is seriously considering a presidential run in 2028, aiming to position himself as the Democratic Party's next leader with a platform centered on economic populism. The 49-year-old congressman has been touring various regions, including the Rust Belt, to promote his 'New Economic Patriotism' agenda. This agenda includes proposals for an industrial development bank, the return of manufacturing jobs, investments in trade schools and tech institutes, and a nationwide tax on billionaires. Khanna likens his vision to a 'Marshall Plan for America,' emphasizing wealth redistribution and addressing issues like AI's impact on the economy and wealth inequality. He plans to make a decision regarding his candidacy by the end of the year, currently focusing on helping Democrats regain control of the House and advocating for California's Proposition 40, a 5% tax on the state's billionaires.

Representative Darrell Issa Retires as California District Redrawn to Favor Democrats

Representative Darrell Issa Retires as California District Redrawn to Favor Democrats

Republican Representative Darrell Issa has announced his retirement from Congress, opting not to seek re-election. This decision comes after his district in California was redrawn, making it less favorable for a Republican incumbent. The race to fill his now-vacant seat is currently contested between Republican San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and Democratic San Diego City Council member Marni von Wilpert. This development is part of a broader trend in California, where the Democratic-led state implemented its own redistricting last year. Analysts suggest this redistricting could enable Democrats to gain up to five additional seats from Republicans out of the state's 52 House seats. The redrawing of district maps is a significant factor in the upcoming midterm elections, influencing the competitiveness of various races across the state and potentially impacting the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

CNN to Host California Gubernatorial Debate Featuring Becerra and Hilton, Moderated by Jake Tapper

CNN to Host California Gubernatorial Debate Featuring Becerra and Hilton, Moderated by Jake Tapper

CNN is set to host a California gubernatorial debate on September 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. Pacific Time, featuring Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra and Republican candidate Steve Hilton. The one-hour debate will take place at CNN's studios in Los Angeles and will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Xavier Becerra, who previously served as U.S. health and human services secretary during the Biden administration, California attorney general, and a U.S. congressman, is emphasizing his extensive government experience. Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, has centered his campaign on affordability issues and a call for reduced bureaucracy. Both candidates emerged from a competitive June primary election. To qualify for the CNN debate, candidates were required to meet specific criteria, including raising or loaning at least $1 million to their campaigns and securing at least 15% support in two qualifying polls.

Palm Springs Desert Sun

California governor race heats up as first debate announced

California governor race heats up as first debate announced

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off in a CNN debate days before California voters receive their mail-in ballots.

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Endorses Krystle Johnson for Lemon Grove City Council

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Endorses Krystle Johnson for Lemon Grove City Council

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has officially endorsed Krystle Johnson, a special education teacher, in her bid for a full-term position on the Lemon Grove City Council. Johnson, a decade-long resident of Lemon Grove, is actively involved with local organizations that provide essential services such as food, legal assistance, and housing to those in need. Her campaign platform focuses on improving street safety, constructing more sidewalks, streamlining the permitting process to support local businesses, and addressing affordability challenges faced by residents. Johnson's overarching vision is to foster a 'thriving Lemon Grove where all citizens can prosper and flourish.' In addition to Congresswoman Jacobs, Johnson has also secured endorsements from the San Diego County Democratic Party and the local labor union, AFSCME 127. The upcoming November election will see voters decide on three City Council seats, including two full-term positions and one two-year partial term, alongside a measure concerning the comm...

Representative Sam Graves Introduces BUILD America 250 Act to Address Highway Trust Fund Insolvency

Representative Sam Graves Introduces BUILD America 250 Act to Address Highway Trust Fund Insolvency

Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has introduced the BUILD America 250 Act. This legislation proposes to authorize $75 billion annually in Highway Trust Fund contract authority, along with an additional $3 billion subject to future appropriations, over a five-fiscal-year period. This represents a seven percent increase over current Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) levels. A key distinction of the BUILD America 250 Act from the IIJA is its funding strategy; unlike the IIJA, which included $47 billion in multiyear advance appropriations from the general fund, Graves' bill contains no such provisions. Instead, it relies on future congressional action to fund new programs. This legislative effort comes as a Congressional Research Service report projects the Highway Trust Fund's balance will approach zero by fiscal year 2028, necessitating congressional action to either increase revenue or reduce highway programs before the end of t...

Just 3,773 California Votes Helped Keep Woodrow Wilson in the White House

Just 3,773 California Votes Helped Keep Woodrow Wilson in the White House

presidential election stands out in American history for its exceptionally close electoral college results, which ultimately saw Woodrow Wilson sec...

California Governor Gavin Newsom's PAC Faces FEC Scrutiny Over Campaign Travel Reimbursements

California Governor Gavin Newsom's PAC Faces FEC Scrutiny Over Campaign Travel Reimbursements

California Governor Gavin Newsom's Campaign for Democracy PAC has received a letter from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) demanding more information regarding tens of thousands of dollars in travel reimbursements. The FEC warned that the PAC could face an audit or enforcement action if it fails to adequately explain the spending. Federal watchdogs specifically flagged payments described as 'Travel and Event Reimbursement,' noting that disclosure rules may require campaigns to identify the businesses that ultimately received the reimbursed money. The commission has ordered the PAC to provide the missing information by October 6. This scrutiny comes as Newsom embarks on a tour of the South, meeting with Black elected officials and community leaders, and holding political rallies, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid.

San Francisco Supervisor Candidate Shawn Richard Calls for Redirect of $500,000 PAC Donation to Community

San Francisco Supervisor Candidate Shawn Richard Calls for Redirect of $500,000 PAC Donation to Community

District 10 Supervisor candidate Shawn Richard has publicly urged an independent political action committee (PAC) supporting his rival, Theo Ellington, to reallocate a significant $500,000 donation. The contribution, made by cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen, executive chairman of Ripple Labs and a prominent financial backer of Mayor Daniel Lurie, was intended for the PAC named 'From the Neighborhood, For the City, Supporting Theo Ellington for Supervisor 2026.' Richard is advocating for this half-million-dollar sum to be directed instead to Bayview-Hunters Point churches and community groups. His proposal suggests the funds be used to purchase groceries and essential household supplies for families in need within the community. This donation is notable as the San Francisco Chronicle has described it as one of the largest ever made to a single supervisor candidate in the city's history. The PAC itself was established just two weeks prior to Larsen's contribution becoming public. While individual cont...

Pacific County Sheriff Candidates Face Ethics Complaints Over Campaign Activities Involving Mothers

Pacific County Sheriff Candidates Face Ethics Complaints Over Campaign Activities Involving Mothers

The contentious race for Pacific County sheriff has led to formal ethics complaints filed with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) against both incumbent Daniel C. Garcia and challenger Rich A. Byrd. The complaints, filed within a week of each other, allege campaign boundary violations involving the candidates' mothers. The complaint against Garcia, filed by former Long Beach mayor Jerry Phillips, claims Garcia used public assets by attending forums in uniform and a county vehicle, and that his mother, Karma Garcia, used the Sheriff's Office Facebook page to coordinate campaign yard sign pickups. The complaint against Byrd, filed by Kathy Peterson, alleges campaign finance violations related to a bake sale organized by his mother, Doris Byrd, which raised $5,900. Peterson argues the fundraiser was not properly structured as a 'low-cost fundraiser' and that the proceeds constituted an excessive, indirect contribution exceeding state limits.