Boxes are being packed and goodbyes said as several well-known lawmakers leave office this week. The two-year legislative session officially ended at midnight. And it's safe to say that no departure will be more notable than that of Senate President … Continue reading »

In a closely watched test of California's newest open government law, Proposition 59, legal advisers to Governor Schwarzegger have confirmed he will release many of the documents surrounding private meetings he has conducted while in office. You may remember that … Continue reading »

Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill said this morning that the state faces a budget deficit of $6.7 billion next year, and almost $10 billion in 2006-07. Both are increases in her deficit projections from just a few months ago. Hill, who … Continue reading »

A little-talked about deadline hovering over Governor Schwarzenegger's Sacramento housing status has led to the creation of a special foundation and may ultimately lead to a new Governor's Mansion. Earlier this year, the governor's campaign advisers were told by the … Continue reading »

After years of being the state agency that credentials members of the press, the California Highway Patrol has decided to stop the practice, and has declared all of the existing credentials to be invalid. This is the kind of a … Continue reading »

An interesting new analysis from the Secretary of State's office shows that when it comes to picking the winner of the presidential election, two California counties have gotten it right almost every time since 1912. The Golden State's bellwethers are … Continue reading »

Controller Steve Westly released new data today showing that state revenues are $2 billion ahead of where they were this time last year. It's good news, but likely not enough good news to solve the fiscal problems that are just … Continue reading »

Governor Schwarzenegger left today for his trade trip to Japan, a whirlwind 4 day excursion likely to be remembered as much for the rock star welcome he gets as it is for actual news. (Schwarzenegger has long been a favorite … Continue reading »

If you're a political junkie, you've probably heard the old saying about how political money is like water trickling through any crack it can find. Critics say the cracks in California's Proposition 34 have turned those trickles into gushing rivers … Continue reading »

At a Capitol news conference this morning, Governor Schwarzenegger announced his new director of the Department of Finance will be Tom Campbell. The 52-year-old Republican is a familiar face in California politics, having served in the state Senate (1993-95) and … Continue reading »