California lawmakers have finally achieved the long-sought reform of the state’s key environmental law, CEQA. Facing mounting social and economic costs, Governor Gavin Newsom decided to confront the issue as he nears the end of his governorship.

California Democrats are contemplating new taxes on residents to cover rising costs of providing health care to illegal immigrants, as program expenses surge from $9.5 billion to $12.1 billion in Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest budget.

The Menendez brothers’ pursuit of a shorter sentence and possible parole has been postponed once more, with a new hearing set for May 9 to discuss the admissibility of risk assessments ordered by California Governor Gavin Newsom.