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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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Uber slashes jobs in California after CEO announces staffing cuts

Uber slashes jobs in California after CEO announces staffing cuts

The pending layoff notices are dated Sept. 2, the same day Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced a 10% reduction in staff.
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Becerra leads Hilton, voters narrowly back wealth tax, poll finds

Becerra leads Hilton, voters narrowly back wealth tax, poll finds

A new California poll finds Democrat Xavier Becerra ahead of Republican Steve Hilton and voters narrowly supporting a tax on billionaires' wealth.
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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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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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Colleagues mourn reporter, pilot killed in Los Angeles helicopter crash

Colleagues mourn reporter, pilot killed in Los Angeles helicopter crash

NBC Los Angeles is mourning their two colleagues who were killed in a helicopter crash on Tuesday, Sept. 15. This is what they're saying.
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Governor Newsom Considers Bill Impacting Controversial Forest Lawn Drive Project in Los Angeles

Governor Newsom Considers Bill Impacting Controversial Forest Lawn Drive Project in Los Angeles

California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently reviewing a bill, SB 194, that includes a last-minute provision specifically targeting a controversial street safety project on Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles. This provision would impose new requirements for reducing vehicle travel lanes on streets that provide the sole access to two or more adjacent cemeteries in cities with populations exceeding 2 million. Los Angeles is the only city in California that meets this population criterion. The proposed traffic-calming measure on Forest Lawn Drive, which involves reducing traffic lanes and adding a protected bike lane, has been a point of contention. Councilmember Nithya Raman supported the project, while Mayor Karen Bass paused it for redesign due to community opposition. Street safety advocates are urging Governor Newsom to veto the bill, highlighting the unusual nature of the Legislature intervening in such a granular local issue.
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Prosecutors rule out death penalty for son of slain filmmaker Rob Reiner

Prosecutors rule out death penalty for son of slain filmmaker Rob Reiner

By Steve Gorman and Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Prosecutors said on Tuesday they have ruled out seeking the death penalty in the murder case against Nick Reiner, accused of fatally stabbing his parents, Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner
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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.
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Dolphins at 49ers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 2 game

Dolphins at 49ers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 2 game

The San Francisco 49ers host the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium on Sept. 20 and USA TODAY's NFL experts have locked in their picks for the action.
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California Welcomes 39 New CAL FIRE Company Officers on 9/11 Anniversary

California Welcomes 39 New CAL FIRE Company Officers on 9/11 Anniversary

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, California Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the graduation of 39 new CAL FIRE Company Officers from the department's 12th leadership academy of 2026. These officers join over 3,600 emergency response leaders trained since 2019, reflecting California's commitment to building a robust firefighting force. The graduates completed rigorous training in tactical command, personnel management, and all-risk emergency operations. This milestone is part of a broader effort to expand CAL FIRE's workforce, which has nearly doubled since 2019, growing from 5,829 to 11,436 positions. The state has also invested in new training academies and additional resources to address increasingly complex climate-driven emergencies. [Source time: 2026-09-13T05:05:01-07:00]
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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.'