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Access Media Productions

“Fostering community engagement” is the goal of locally minded Access Media Productions. This nonprofit production company focuses on local government, media and and other nonprofits.

Local Elections & Politics Digest

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Elections & Politics City of Monterey League of United Latin American Citizens

Local Latino Rights Group Demands Change to Monterey Election Process

In a letter to the city of Monterey, Andrew Sandoval, director of the Salinas-based chapter of LULAC, said his organization believes Monterey’s at-large election system violates state law. Salinas, Marina and Greenfield already have district-based systems, and LULAC is talking with Soledad about a similar transition.

(Oct. 15, 2021) → Read the full Monterey County Weekly report

Elections & Politics

How Will Voters be Represented in California’s New Election Districts?

Redistricting—the redrawing of maps for congressional, legislative and local seats—is happening right now. The process has been affected by a new state law that prioritizes keeping “communities of interest” together, and also the 2019 FAIR MAPS Act, which requires public input at every step of the process.

(Oct. 14, 2021) → Read the full Monterey Herald report

Recent Articles

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Image caption: Gov. Gavin News signed a broad new set of police reform laws Sept. 30.

STATEWIDE EXPLAINER

California’s Sweeping New Police Reform Laws, Explained

Gov. Gavin Newsom and California’s Democratic legislators have enacted a sweeping new package of police reform legislation. Here’s what the new laws will accomplish, and why.

Image caption: The schoolhouse was the biggest building in Allensworth, the town founded by Col. Allen Allensworth, which is now a state park.

STATEWIDE SIGNAL BOOSTER

Civil Rights, Historical Wrongs

Sacramento-based news outlet talks to Jonathan Burgess and L. Dee Slade, both testifying before the Reparations Task Force.

Image caption: Gavin Newsom has reason to be upbeat after crushing an attempt to recall him on Sept. 14.

STATEWIDE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Recall Election Ends in Rout For Newsom, So What's Next?

Gavin Newsom's star is on the rise after a dominant victory over a recall attempt, but leading Republican candidate Larry Elder says he's only getting started.

Image caption: 41 candidates to replace Gavin Newsom already handed over their tax returns.

STATEWIDE AGGREGATOR

Judge Rules Recall Candidates Don’t Need To Reveal Tax Returns

Even though 41 candidates to replace Gavin Newsom in the Sept. 14 recall election have revealed their tax returns, a judge now says that wasn’t necessary.

Image caption: Billionaires on both sides have ponied up big bucks in California's gubernatorial recall.

STATEWIDE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Big Money Battles it Out as Recall Campaign Nears Conclusion

When California adopted the recall law 110 years ago, it was to keep big money out of politics. Now billionaire donors are dominating this year's gubernatorial recall campaign on both sides.

Image caption: Larry Elder, the frontrunner among candidates hoping to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.

STATEWIDE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Is California’s Recall Voting Process Undemocratic?

The next governor of California could win election with far fewer votes that the incumbent governor in the state's recall vote Sept. 14. How did the recall process become so undemocratic?

Image caption: Gov. Newsom has signed a new bill to fund rural broadband access.

STATEWIDE AGGREGATOR

Rural Counties Welcome $6 Billion in State Broadband Money

After criticizing an earlier state proposal for bringing broadband to rural counties, the Rural County Representatives of California now applauds a new bill with $6 billion in funding.

Image caption: Joint Powers Authorities are important government agencies with little public accountability.

STATEWIDE EXPLAINER

JPAs Explained: Little-Known Govt Bodies With A Big Role

Under California law, local governments may work together in a "Joint Powers Authority." But these little-known agencies can wield broad powers—even to levy taxes—with little public accountability.

Image caption: Last year, Gov. Newsom signed AB 1185. What changes has it made for sheriffs?

STATEWIDE EXPLAINER

California's New Law To Create a Watchdog for Sheriffs, Explained

AB 1185, authorizing civilian sheriff's oversight bodies, was one of the few law enforcement reform bills to pass in the wake of the George Floyd protests. What does the law accomplish, and will it make a difference?