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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
Palm Springs Desert SunPalm 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.
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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.
USA TodayUSA Today
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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
ReutersReuters
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
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California Legislature Delays Enforcement of 'TRAP' Law, Adds Exceptions for Employers

California Legislature Delays Enforcement of 'TRAP' Law, Adds Exceptions for Employers

California Legislature Delays Enforcement of 'TRAP' Law, Adds Exceptions for Employers
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California Highlights Emergency Preparedness During Preparedness Month

California Highlights Emergency Preparedness During Preparedness Month

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared September as Preparedness Month, emphasizing the state's leadership in emergency readiness (Cal OES, 2026). The state has made significant investments in disaster preparedness, including wildfire detection satellites, AI-powered camera networks, and expanded firefighting resources. California has also launched initiatives like Earthquake Warning California and CalHeatScore to address earthquake and extreme heat risks. The state has pre-positioned resources for potential winter storms and floods, while also focusing on wildfire prevention through campaigns like 'One Less Spark.'
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California Road Trips Offer Diverse Experiences from Napa to Redwoods

California Road Trips Offer Diverse Experiences from Napa to Redwoods

California Road Trips Offer Diverse Experiences from Napa to Redwoods
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California extends mortgage relief for wildfire victims

California extends mortgage relief for wildfire victims

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation to extend mortgage relief for victims of the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires. The bills, authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian, provide up to 24 months of mortgage forbearance for affected homeowners in L.A. County and establish a statewide program offering 12 months of relief for homes in federally declared disaster zones. These measures aim to address financial hardships caused by wildfires and ensure clearer repayment terms for borrowers. The legislation also prohibits lenders from requiring lump-sum repayments and strengthens deferral options for homeowners exiting the program. The new laws take effect immediately, offering critical support to those still recovering from the devastating fires. [Source time: 2026-09-15T20:59:35Z]