El Dorado County Elections & Politics Digest

Rep. Katie Porter was the choice of 19% of likely voters, just ahead of Rep. Adam Schiff at 16% and Rep. Barbara Lee at 13%, a June survey by the Public Policy Institute of California found. PPIC also found that in the race for the White House, 50% of the state’s likely Republican voters support former President Donald Trump.

California lawmakers tried nine times to stiffen penalties for trafficking of a minor. The latest effort appeared to die — until a social media campaign forced Democrats to reconsider.

The U.S. Supreme Court handed voters a major victory with its ruling that state courts can review—and rectify—election-related rules and voting maps passed by state legislatures.

With an election year on the horizon, the El Dorado County Republican Party is getting a head start in opening its headquarters in Cameron Park.

Robert Rivas tells anyone who will listen that his rise from farmworker housing on the rural Central Coast to Assembly Speaker is wholly unexpected. But many who have watched the Democrat’s climb from an outgoing high-schooler to a San Benito County supervisor to the holder of one most powerful political offices in the state are not surprised.

El Dorado Hills resident, small-business owner and retired law-enforcement professional Greg Ferrero has announced his candidacy for El Dorado County supervisor.

California lawmakers are poised to consider HR 47, which would rename room 317 in the Capitol as the “Speaker Anthony Rendon Press Room.” The resolution highlights Rendon’s lengthy time as speaker—the longest since California set term limits for state lawmakers.

The arguments made by the Los Angeles Unified School District to fight a 2021 lawsuit attempting to reopen schools sparked a campaign to enshrine a constitutional right to a high-quality education. Let the politics begin.

California’s state budget is the product of a multi-month, multi-step process that involves the governor, the Legislature, lobbyists, interest groups and the public. Here are the key dates along the way.

Democratic leaders in the Legislature unveiled their California budget agreement, but Gov. Newsom must sign off for a final deal. There are some significant differences with what Newsom proposed in May.

A group of residents from El Dorado County met at the El Dorado Community Hall to discuss a newly devised plan to split a state off California, making El Dorado County into El Dorado State.

Congressman Kevin Kiley spent the day in South Lake Tahoe meeting with area leaders before recognizing a longtime business for its years of service to the community.

Assistant County Manager Jenifer Davidson has been named to the manager's position.

California is considering banning the use of “reverse search warrants,” which compel tech companies to disclose the identities of individuals based on the location of their phone and internet search history. Abortion activists call it vital.

The deadline for bills to pass their first house in the California Legislature has come and gone. Most made it. A few failed. And a handful of intriguing bills that didn’t pass may resurface because their authors aren’t giving up.

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo announced his re-election campaign to keep his seat in 2024.

Brian K. Veerkamp has announced his intention to run for El Dorado County District 3 supervisor, a seat he previously held 2013-20. Current District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas recently announced she would not seek a second term.

The South Lake Tahoe City Council heard multiple presentations, including an update on roadwork and an annual report from the department of public works.

In their twice-a-year exercise, legislators killed hundreds of California bills in the process known as the suspense file. They included ones on abortion access, climate and homelessness. The state budget deficit also made an impact.

California may be a Democratic stronghold, but it has also become a hotbed of right-wing, white supremacist and antisemitic activity, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL report found more incidents and collaboration between groups.

Wendy Thomas has announced she will not seek a second term as District 3 supervisor, explaining that “family is calling her back.” But she is committed to serve her full term as “there is much work to be done.”

El Dorado County Planning Commissioner Lexi Boeger has announced she plans to run to El Dorado County’s District 3 supervisorial seat. The Placerville resident is a volunteer and advocate representing agriculture, small business and arts and culture development.

California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis became the first candidate to enter the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom as the state’s leader.

Tahoe Township Justice of the Peace Richard Glasson announced his plans for an Oct. 5 retirement to Douglas County commissioners. “I do not want the county to be caught off guard,” he said.

A surprise for District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin came at the kickoff of the public comment segment of the April 18 Board of Supervisors meeting, courtesy of some in her jurisdiction: a recall notice of intent.

On March 21 the Human Rights Commission was disbanded by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. Lara Gularte writes about the move on behalf of her former commission members.

A former El Dorado County planning commissioner is challenging El Dorado County in court, alleging she was wrongfully removed from the commission and subsequently retaliated against. Former District 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel called for Cheryl Bly-Chester's removal in late August 2021.

Vocal residents made one final, unsuccessful attempt to stop the Human Rights Commission from being disbanded at the March 21 El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The race to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein is shaping up to be a close contest between two congressional colleagues who have built national profiles but appeal to different generations of Democratic voters.

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee filed federal paperwork to enter the race for the held by long-serving Sen. Dianne Feinstein, joining a field that already includes two other House members.

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced Feb. 14 that she will not run for her Senate seat in 2024, a major moment given that the fight to succeed her is already under way. She says she intends to accomplish “as much for California as I can” until her term ends.

The Rescue Union School District Board of Trustees have tapped Michael Flaherty to fill a vacancy left by Michelle Bebout’s resignation.