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California Policy and Politics Tuesday
Trump is trying to subvert California’s Nov. 4 election results, state attorney general says -- State Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said Monday that he anticipates the Trump administration, which last week announced plans to use federal election monitors in California, will use false reports of voting irregularities to challenge the results of the Nov. 4 special election. Dakota Smith in the Los Angeles Times$ Kate Wolffe in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 10/28/25
California will dispatch observers to watch DOJ’s election monitors -- California will deploy its own observers to watch over federal election monitors the Trump administration is sending to the state ahead of the Nov. 4 election, state Attorney General Rob Bonta said. Dustin Gardiner Politico -- 10/28/25
Proponents of Nov. 4 redistricting ballot measure vastly outraise opponents -- Gov. Newsom’s redistricting committee raised $114.3 million versus opponents’ $43.7 million, and heads toward Nov. 4 with $37 million cash on hand. More than 4 million Californians had voted early as of Friday, with Democrats leading in mail ballot returns at 51% to 28%. Seema Mehta in the Los Angeles Times$ Sophia Bollag in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 10/28/25
Newsom to Redistricting Donors: Stop Giving Me Money -- In an unusual show of confidence, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he raised enough cash more than a week before the California redistricting election. Shane Goldmacher and Laurel Rosenhall in the New York Times$ -- 10/28/25
More than 4 million California voters have sent in their Prop. 50 ballots so far -- California voters are turning in their ballots for the special election on redistricting at a faster rate at this point in the election — about a week out before Election Day — than in previous elections, according to one prominent data analyst. But it’s too soon to say whether that will mean a higher voter turnout overall for the special election. Linh Tat in the Orange County Register$ -- 10/28/25
California Republicans retreat as anti-Prop 50 campaign collapses -- As Democrats pummel the state with Yes on 50 advertising, the Republican side of the battle has gone quiet. Major GOP donors and party leaders have effectively vanished from the front lines. Will McCarthy Politico -- 10/28/25
With Newsom and Harris considering presidential run, could America choose a California Democrat? -- All the tingling chatter about a possible 2028 presidential primary face-off between California’s two marquee Democrats — Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris — begs the next question: Does a California Democrat stand a chance of winning the White House? Julia Prodis Sulek in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 10/28/25
Food benefits may not reach half a million in Bay Area in November -- Throngs of people in the Bay Area may not receive SNAP, also known as food stamps, in November during the government shutdown. Bay Area food banks and local governments are bracing for a potential surge in hunger if the partial federal government shutdown stretches into November and funding for a key safety net program runs dry. Grant Stringer in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 10/28/25
Trump’s chief immigration enforcer honed his controversial tactics in California -- Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino glanced at the crowd of yelling protesters in Chicago’s largely Latino Little Village neighborhood, took a step toward them and lobbed a canister of tear gas, a tactic a judge had temporarily banned. Sara Libby, St. John Barned-Smith in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 10/28/25
Insurance
Major California home insurance company requests new rate increase -- USAA, the seventh largest home insurer in California, is seeking permission to raise rates on homeowners by an average of 7.3% starting next year. Megan Fan Munce in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 10/28/25
Workplace
Amazon reportedly plans up to 30,000 layoffs in one of tech’s biggest job cuts ever -- California’s Employment Development Deparment said it has not received new layoff notices from Amazon. The company previoustly filed notices on Oct. 2 for around 550 layoffs in Southern California tied to four separate facility closures. Roland Li in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 10/28/25
Marketplace
Qualcomm to take on Nvidia with its own AI chips -- Qualcomm on Monday announced the release of a new series of artificial intelligence chips to compete with the market leader Nvidia, as the race to cash in on the massive AI datacenter buildout heats up. Nilesh Christopher in the Los Angeles Times$ Robbie Whelan and Gareth Vipers in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 10/28/25
Housing
This California town is battling the state's deepest housing conundrum -- Places in California are under immense pressure to add housing. But some have nowhere to build that's safe from wildfires. Kurtis Alexander and Harsha Devulapalli in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 10/28/25
Environment
LA’s oceanfront power plant is a test of clean-energy ambitions in the new Trump era -- The Trump Administration pulled $1.2 billion from California’s hydrogen hub. Even without federal funding, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is pressing ahead with clean energy retrofits. Alejandro Lazo Calmatters -- 10/28/25
Education
Most California college grads see positive return on investment, study says -- More than three-quarters of graduates from California’s public four-year universities have had a positive “return on investment,” the financial benefit they receive from their education compared to what they invested. Zaidee Stavely EdSource -- 10/28/25
Street
After deputy is killed, fleeing suspect is deliberately knocked off motorcycle in 150 mph chase -- A person suspected of fatally shooting a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was deliberately knocked off of his motorcycle by another deputy while he was leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit on the 210 Freeway in Upland. Clara Harter in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/28/25
L.A. County asks court to block release of thousands of sheriff’s deputy photos -- Los Angeles County is attempting to block a journalist from obtaining the names and photographs of about 8,500 deputies and other sworn personnel employed by the Sheriff’s Department. Connor Sheets in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/28/25
These protesters blocked the 110 Freeway. Now, their cases are on track to be dismissed -- It was one of the most dramatic protests in Los Angeles by activists who opposed Israel’s war in Gaza: a shutdown of the southbound lanes of the 110 Freeway as it passes through downtown. David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/28/25
Raid of fireworks lab that spurred school evacuations is connected to massive California explosion -- Authorities raided an East L.A. illegal fireworks lab in connection with an ongoing investigation into a deadly fireworks explosion in Yolo County, according to a source familiar with the investigation. The operation prompted the evacuation of students at two nearby high schools on Monday morning and sparked anxiety among some parents. Clara Harter and Richard Winton in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/28/25
Also
Walters: Friends or enemies? Newsom and Harris could face off for president in 2028 -- Well, sports fans, how about this scenario — long-time frenemies Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris facing off for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination three years hence? Dan Walters Calmatters -- 10/28/25
Freddie Freeman is Dodgers’ World Series walk-off hero again in 18-inning marathon win -- Freddie Freeman hits a walk-off home run in the 18th inning to give the Dodgers a 6-5 victory over Toronto in Game 3 of the World Series and a 2-1 series lead. The nearly seven-hour marathon unfolds with wild momentum swings in a game that ties the record for most innings in a World Series game. Jack Harris in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/28/25
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Trump Says He Is Prepared to Send ‘More Than the National Guard’ into U.S. Cities -- In a speech to American troops assembled in Japan on Tuesday, President Trump said he would escalate his orders to active duty branches of the military if he decides it is appropriate. Erica L. Green and Katie Rogers in the New York Times$ -- 10/28/25
Mexican president condemns U.S. attack on alleged drug boats off Mexico’s coast -- The Pentagon said 14 people were killed in several strikes carried out Monday in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. One survivor was rescued by Mexico’s navy, according to the Pentagon and Sheinbaum. Kate Linthicum in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/28/25
White House targets voting. But Trump is sitting out California’s redistricting war -- Trump, who rarely shies away from a fight with one of his chief foils in Newsom, vowed in August to file lawsuits against California over the redistricting measure. He hasn’t followed through with that promise. Alex Gangitano Politico -- 10/28/25
Democrats plan to sue over food aid as GOP splits on legislative patch -- Dozens of Democratic attorneys general and governors are planning to sue President Donald Trump’s administration Tuesday over its decision to not tap emergency funds amid the government shutdown to keep food aid flowing to 42 million Americans next month, according to three people granted anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of a public announcement. Meredith Lee Hill Politico -- 10/28/25
Largest federal workers union calls for ‘clean’ bill to end shutdown -- The American Federation of Government Employees is calling for a stopgap funding measure to bring employees back to work with back pay. Amy B Wang in the Washington Post$ -- 10/28/25
Shutdown imperils key education program for young children -- The lack of funding is expected to hit Head Start centers in red and blue states alike as Republicans and Democrats spar over who’s to blame for the shutdown. And the program is in trouble despite the fact that bipartisan support for it runs deep, including from senior Trump administration officials such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, whose agency oversees the program. Mackenzie Wilkes Politico Todd Wallack in the Washington Post$ -- 10/28/25
Hunger and Cold Loom as Shutdown Imperils Funding for Antipoverty Programs -- Within days, tens of millions of low-income Americans may lose assistance for food, child care and utilities if the federal government remains shut down. Linda Qiu and Eileen Sullivan in the New York Times$ -- 10/28/25
Trump’s China Deal May Avert a Crisis of His Own Making -- The Trump administration is hailing a potential deal that may return the U.S.-China relationship to where it was before the president began a trade war against Beijing. Ana Swanson in the New York Times$ -- 10/28/25
It’s Unconstitutional, but Trump Keeps Musing About a 3rd Term -- A president who has chafed at the limits on his power sees political benefit in talking about remaining in office. Jess Bidgood in the New York Times$ -- 10/28/25
Former DOJ officials say Comey case is vindictive, call for dismissal -- More than 100 former Justice Department officials urged a federal judge in Virginia on Monday to dismiss charges against former FBI director James B. Comey, arguing that the prosecution was fueled by political animus and not guided by legal standards. Perry Stein Politico -- 10/28/25
Decade after Paris accord, a supposedly big year for climate falls short -- The projection also has a huge caveat. It includes a U.S. plan submitted in the final weeks of the Biden administration that President Donald Trump has said he has no intention of fulfilling. Chico Harlan in the Washington Post$ -- 10/28/25
California Policy and Politics Monday
Staffing issues trigger temporary ground stop at LAX -- Nearly four weeks into the federal government shutdown, a staffing shortage at Los Angeles International Airport prompted a temporary ground stop Sunday morning affecting flights at the West Coast’s largest and busiest airport. Stacy Perman in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/27/25
Newsom, Harris both considering runs for president in 2028, a sign of California’s political clout -- In a sign of California’s rising status as a major hub of Democratic politics, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Sunday he’s considering a run for president in 2028 — just a day after the news that former Vice President Kamala Harris made the same pronouncement. Jenny Jarvie in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/27/25
California Latinos take pride in casting ballots in person. ICE at polls could deter that -- As in-person voting begins in California’s special election on redistricting, Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly asserted that the Trump administration could send immigration agents to polling places in an attempt to intimidate voters and depress turnout. Maya C. Miller Calmatters -- 10/27/25
Trump, contradicting the California GOP, opposes early and mail-in voting in Prop. 50 election -- President Trump urged California voters on Sunday not to cast mail-in ballots or vote early in the California election about redistricting — the direct opposite of the message from state GOP leaders. Seema Mehta in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/27/25
White House targets voting. But Trump is sitting out California’s redistricting war -- But aside from the monitoring, the White House has been backing away from campaigning against Democrats’ efforts to redraw California’s House map, appearing largely resigned to the idea it will pass given Democrats’ strong polling advantage. Alex Gangitano Politico -- 10/27/25
Skelton: Trump’s antics helping supporters of Prop. 50 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom’s anti-Trump, anti-Texas congressional redistricting gamble seems about to pay off. Newsom’s bet on Proposition 50 is looking like a winner, although we won’t really know until the vote count is released starting election night Nov. 4. George Skelton in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/27/25
Newsom, Harris both considering runs for president in 2028, a sign of California’s political clout -- In a sign of California’s rising status as a major hub of Democratic politics, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Sunday he’s considering a run for president in 2028 — just a day after the news that former Vice President Kamala Harris had made the same pronouncement. Jenny Jarvie in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/27/25
Workplace
As California’s storm season begins, weather office short-staffing prompts fears -- National Weather Service offices in California are scaling back operations ahead of the critical winter storm season, as federal cuts and staffing shortages take a toll. Anthony Edwards in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 10/27/25
Hollywood’s romance with micro dramas is heating up. Will it last? -- Hollywood’s major studios — including Disney and Fox — are investing in micro dramas, the fast-growing format of vertical smartphone episodes generating billions globally. Micro drama productions are filming hundreds of projects in Los Angeles, creating jobs for struggling actors, writers and crew members amid industry slowdowns. Wendy Lee in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/27/25
Sora app’s hyperreal AI videos ignite online trust crisis as downloads surge -- OpenAI’s Sora app hit 1 million downloads in a week, but backlash erupted over unauthorized deepfakes of celebrities, dead figures and copyrighted characters. Celebrity families and studios are demanding that OpenAI protect likenesses after videos of Robin Williams, Martin Luther King Jr. and other figures circulated without permission. Nilesh Christopher in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 10/27/25
PG&E sees major growth potential in San Jose as electricity demand rises -- PG&E is focusing expansion and upgrade plans in the San Jose area as officials predict the South Bay’s need for electricity will far outstrip a projected jump in demand within its service territory, the investor-owned utility’s chief executive said in a wide-ranging interview. George Avalos in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 10/27/25
More Big Companies Bet They Can Still Grow Without Hiring -- Part of that thinking is the belief that artificial intelligence will be used to pick up some of the slack and automate more processes. Companies are also hesitant to make any moves in an economy many still describe as uncertain. Chip Cutter in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 10/27/25
‘No Idea How Long People Can Hold Out’: Federal Workers Feel Brunt of Shutdown -- Some are turning to side hustles like delivering food, walking dogs and selling personal items to bring in a bit of income. Others are relying on food banks that have been hastily organized to provide federal workers and contractors with free groceries — efforts that community service providers say reflect a broadening food insecurity caused by the shutdown. Eileen Sullivan and Drew Atkins in the New York Times$ -- 10/27/25
Food
For OC nonprofits that address hunger, a tough future could be starting now -- Congress chose to cut the social safety net. That could mean big changes, starting soon, for agencies that help lower-income people in Orange County. Andre Mouchard in the Orange County Register$ -- 10/27/25
Education
Big Tech Makes Cal State Its A.I. Training Ground -- Spurred by titans like Amazon and OpenAI, California State wants to become the nation’s “largest A.I.-empowered” university. Natasha Singer, Philip Cheung in the New York Times$ -- 10/27/25
Inside California’s high school of the future: It’s clean, no one cuts and biotech is a class -- CART High offers work experience, academics tailored to students’ interests, stronger personal connections with staff and multidisciplinary courses that link directly to careers and community needs. Carolyn Jones Calmatters -- 10/27/25
White House visa fee hike could weaken California’s teacher pipeline -- A White House decision to add $100,000 to the price of a work visa, allowing employers to hire from overseas for hard-to-fill positions, has California’s technology industry and other businesses reeling. But another group is also on edge: the state’s schools. Diana Lambert EdSource -- 10/27/25
How much more money do UC alumni earn with graduate degrees? Here’s the data -- Fifteen years after graduation, the average University of California bachelor’s degree holder earns about $125,000 a year. But students who go on to pursue a graduate degree make even more, especially in one standout field. Hanna Zakharenko in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 10/27/25
Fewer San Diego County kindergarteners are getting vaccinated each year. Here’s what the data shows for every school -- Dozens of local schools reported immunization rates below 80%, and the countywide rate for measles has slipped below the herd-immunity threshold. Kristen Taketa in the San Diego Union Tribune$ -- 10/27/25
Also
We Traveled the Real California That ‘One Battle After Another’ Imagined -- Paul Thomas Anderson’s film spotlights unseen corners of the state. To find them, our photographer traveled California from tip to tip. Adali Schell and Matt Stevens in the New York Times$ -- 10/27/25
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6 ways the shutdown is about to get worse -- Popular programs that provide nutrition assistance, early childhood education and air service to rural communities are now among those about to run out of money. Jennifer Scholtes Politico -- 10/27/25
Voters are about to speak. What they say might not end the shutdown -- Statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia are being closely watched but seem unlikely to break the Washington impasse. Nicholas Wu, Jennifer Scholtes and Mia McCarthy Politico -- 10/27/25
Political peril spurs Trump to act on beef prices even as ranchers rage -- The average price for a pound of ground beef is $6.32, up about 14 percent since Trump took office. Myah Ward and Grace Yarrow Politico -- 10/27/25
The Effort to Court Trump Abroad: Deals, Flattery and Jet Fighters -- Lavish welcoming ceremonies and nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize are part of foreign leaders’ charm offensives when the American president comes to town. Alexander Ward, Gabriele Steinhauser and Meridith McGraw in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 10/27/25
Food Banks Brace for Overwhelming Demand as SNAP Cutoff Looms -- Growing need and decreased resources are squeezing the charitable food system beyond its capacity, leaders say. Chris Hippensteel in the New York Times$ -- 10/27/25
Trump Says a Recent M.R.I. Scan Was ‘Perfect,’ and He’d ‘Love’ a Third Term -- President Trump made the comments on the second day of his trip to Asia. The Constitution limits presidents to two terms, but Mr. Trump has suggested he might try to circumvent it. Katie Rogers in the New York Times$ -- 10/27/25
Trump ‘would love’ unconstitutional third term but rules out running for VP -- Donald Trump said on Monday morning that he would rule out running for the vice-presidency in the 2028 US election, an unorthodox approach that some of his supporters have floated to allow the Republican US president to serve a third term in the White House. Tom Ambrose The Guardian -- 10/27/25
Trump told Pence ‘you’ll go down as a wimp’ in January 6 phone call, book says -- Those details were revealed on Sunday when ABC News published a preview excerpt of an upcoming book by its political correspondent Jonathan Karl. The book, titled Retribution, cites Pence’s notes from the 6 January 2021 phone call with Trump, who was purportedly trying to shame his vice-president into refusing to certify Joe Biden’s victory weeks earlier in the White House. Ramon Antonio Vargas The Guardian -- 10/27/25
Musk back in Trump’s good graces after summer of public feuding -- U.S. president confirms he and the billionaire have been chatting again since last month, marking a revival of a key alliance. Sophia Cai Politico -- 10/27/25