The state will find the money for increased benefits by removing a payroll tax shield on earnings above $145,600, effectively raising the contributions from higher earners.

In a survey regarding six statewide measures on the November ballot, San Jose Inside Power Poll finds widespread support of constitutional protection for contraception and abortion access.

Bees are critical to many of California's leading crops such as almonds and strawberries, and just one square foot of grass treated with the neonicotinoid pesticides can kill one million bees.

Two days before the Sept. 30 deadline, after vetoing a similar bill last year and resisting months of marches, vigils and posturing, including a note from President Biden, Newsom changed his mind on a farmworker labor bill.

The Golden State’s extreme drought, exacerbated by warming temperatures and increasingly unpredictable precipitation patterns, is expected to continue into the new year.

As other states restrict or ban abortions, the California laws aim to improve access and protect patients and clinicians. They will also expand services to accommodate an expected influx from other states.

The new law addresses serious problems with nursing home licensing in California, but some elder care advocates say it misses a chance to protect residents and consumers.

The new law prevents cities from requiring new developments near public transit to set aside space specifically for parking.

The U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative will increase small business owners’ access to capital, cover upwards of 80% of loans.

As Democratic control over the Legislature has become even more dominant, aggrieved businesses are creating their own ballot measures.

The governor also signed six climate bills into law, including one that keeps the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant to stay open until 2030.

The new restrictions were approved, despite the fact that the county exceeded Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call for a reduction of 15% compared to 2020, using 19% less water in July when compared to July 2020, well above the statewide average of a 10% savings.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has, for reasons practical and political, shifted toward an increasingly aggressive effort to enforce the state's laws to promote affordable housing.

Today’s Homekey awards include $51.6 million for 204 interim units in San Jose and $26.6 million for 108 interim units in Palo Alto.

State legislators last week killed dozens of bills, including some controversial proposals on health care costs, social media regulation, pay transparency, climate change and much, more more.

Warning that the water supply will shrink by 10% due to climate change, Newsom set targets for recycled water and increased storage. But deadlines are distant, details are scant and there is no conservation.