Evan Symon – California Globe

Bill to Allow Diversion Programs Instead of Jail For Some Felonies Faces Rocky Road

May 18, 2025 2:45 amMay 18, 2025 2:46 am

A bill that would expand the usage of diversion programs in courts from solely misdemeanor offenses to including non-violent felonies continued to face a challenging future this week as more lawmakers continue to challenge the controversial bill. Assembly Bill 1231,...

Legislation to Eliminate Parental Punishments for Chronically Truant Students Delayed in Assembly

May 17, 2025 2:45 amMay 17, 2025 2:46 am

A bill to eliminate jail time, fines, and benefit reductions for the parents of chronically truant students was postponed in an Assembly Appropriations Committee this week, creating the latest speed bump for the bill. Assembly Bill 461, authored by Assemblyman...

Gov. Newsom Goes On International Interview Blitz Criticizing Trump and Tariffs

May 16, 2025 4:52 pmMay 16, 2025 4:56 pm

California Governor Gavin Newsom wrapped up several weeks worth of international interviews this week, defending his decision to have California work on separate trade deals with other countries, and blasting President Trump’s tariffs non-stop. Ever since President Trump unveiled new...

Governor Newsom’s Decision on Menendez Brothers Parole

May 16, 2025 2:45 amMay 16, 2025 2:46 am

The resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez this week from life in prison to 50-years-to-life with the chance of parole brought a new spotlight to Governor Gavin Newsom, who now has to power to approve whether or not a future...

Bill to Exempt Muralists From Contractor Licensing Gains Steam

May 15, 2025 6:50 pmMay 15, 2025 6:50 pm

A bill designed to exempt muralists from being known as a contractor and exempting them from getting a license moved ahead in the Senate this week. Senate Bill 456, authored by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento), would specifically exempt from the...

LA City Council Votes 12-3 to Give Hotel, Airport Workers $30/Hour Minimum Wage by 2028

May 15, 2025 1:51 pmMay 15, 2025 1:51 pm

In a 12-3 vote on Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council approved a minimum wage hike for airport and hotel workers, with the goal of it reaching $30 an hour by 2028 in time for the Olympics. According to the...

Bill to Expand and Modernize Court Reporter Pool in CA Introduced In Assembly

May 15, 2025 2:45 amMay 15, 2025 2:46 am

A bill aimed at expanding and modernizing the court reporter pool in California was introduced in the Assembly on Tuesday, with the ultimate goal of the bill to bring forward digital court reporters in addition to the current pool of...