So, there’s this customer strolling past a display of fresh eggs at a grocery store in the San Anselmo area of Marin County on September 25, 2024. The scene was captured by Justin Sullivan, Getty Images.
Five months after Democratic legislative leaders encouraged their colleagues to focus on bills that would help make California more affordable, it seems like not much progress has been made. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas of Salinas recently introduced four new select committees to address what he calls the “biggest cost drivers for Californians.” These committees are aimed at lowering child care costs, making food and housing more affordable, and reviewing the effectiveness of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. However, these committees won’t start meeting until June.
In the meantime, Rivas has supported measures to speed up housing construction, while Senate Democrats have introduced bills to lower energy costs, increase housing supplies, and expand job training. But some analysts are skeptical about whether legislation alone can solve California’s most pressing issues, especially with President Donald Trump’s tariffs potentially causing price hikes and disruptions in various California industries.
Longtime Democratic strategist Garry South expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the proposed bills, questioning whether they would actually solve the housing crisis in California.
Moving on to another topic, a bill that would make soliciting minors for sex a felony sparked controversy among Democratic lawmakers last week. Assemblymember Maggy Krell, the bill’s author, objected to changes that would exclude soliciting older minors aged 16 and 17. Some Democrats and criminal justice reform advocates argued that this provision could unfairly punish older teenagers in consensual relationships.
On the other hand, Republicans and a few Democrats, including Krell, believe that these concerns are largely hypothetical, as prosecutors are unlikely to charge teenagers for consensual activities.
It’s a bit of a sticky situation, with differing opinions on how to handle this delicate issue.
Now, let’s talk about wildfires. Survivors of the deadly wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January are accusing State Farm of delaying or denying their property insurance claims. They are calling on California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to investigate the matter. Lara has requested information from State Farm regarding their standards for reviewing and processing smoke damage claims. The company has until Friday to respond to Lara’s letter.
In other news, the University of California has chosen James B. Milliken, the chancellor of the University of Texas system, as its new president. Milliken, who will take on the role in August, brings a wealth of experience in higher education governance from his time at the City University of New York.
Lastly, a recent investigation by CalMatters and The Markup revealed that digital trackers on Covered California’s website were sending visitors’ health information to LinkedIn. Following this revelation, a proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed, alleging violations of state and federal laws. A California congressman has also called for a federal probe into the matter.
It’s all happening in California, with a mix of legislative efforts, controversies, and investigations keeping things interesting. Who knows what will happen next in the Golden State?
