[update 1:00pm: The communications staff of Senator Perata called to take strong exception to the theory (espoused last night and reported below) that the Senate leader knew anything about the Assembly tax credit proposal, or that he implicitly supports it. … Continue reading »

A new survey concludes that the governors of most states don't have to disclose very much about their financial interests. And while California's gubernatorial disclosure laws only earned a grade of "C," we're tied for #12 out of all 50 … Continue reading »

If you're wondering why there's a lack of news about the status of a new state budget… well, that's because there's not much to report. Staff discussions continue on this 18th day of the new fiscal year, after the four … Continue reading »

In her first appearance before the Legislature, the governor's newly appointed chairperson of the California Air Resources Board painted a picture of the governor's commitment to the battle against global warming that's far more consistent with his public persona than … Continue reading »

This week: the budget stalemate, another week of big bills from the defeat of a homeland security proposal and pet fixing… and, finally, more about our pal Kate. And oh yes, the radio guy — yours truly — fails Audio … Continue reading »

If you've been waiting to see how much can be spent on a ballot measure fight, you might not have to wait much longer. There are new signs that some of the state's powerful Indian gaming tribes are considering a … Continue reading »

Text for this podcast is here.

A new analysis by the state auditor suggests that the payments made by gambling tribes into a special fund for local governments may not always be used the way they're supposed to be. State Auditor Elaine Howle's report focuses on … Continue reading »

In most cases, governors and their spokespeople have a time-honored tradition about legislation pending in either the Assembly or Senate: no position until the bill reaches the guv's desk. But the leader of Assembly Republicans said today that when it … Continue reading »

'RUFF' SLEDDING FOR SPAY/NEUTER: The hotly debated bill to require most dogs and cats older than six months to be fixed has been sidelined for the year. After more than an hour of testimony in a Senate committee this morning, … Continue reading »