Throughout California starting today, ballots are being put in the mail. It's go-time for Election 2024. Big week. Here's what you need to know.
In the News Feed below you will find quick-read links to articles about about important statewide and local races, keyed to your county so you can easily get to the news YOU can use.
You may have caught wind of voter-restriction efforts by state lawmakers who have bought into the lie that mail-in voting breeds fraud. We present a hot-off-the-presses report from a non-partisan think tank that details how that perilous situation is shaping up. And how California lawmakers have moved in the opposite direction, making it easier than ever for voters to cast their ballots.
And: Because we believe in ending our News Features section on an upnote, we bring you the surprising and inspiring story of one of the nation's greatest champions of voting and democracy: Yep: the League of Women Voters. If you think the woman who built this organization were anything less than a passionate band of warriors, you should read this and educate yourself!
And in case you forgot: a Fall recipe ... and more!
Defending Democracy
As voters receive their ballots for the 2024 presidential election and important statewide and local races, we look at efforts to build democracy, and efforts to weaken it.
• Santa Cruz Sued By Housing Developer
Claiming a violation of state housing laws, local developer Workbench has sued the City of Santa Cruz over restrictions on the proposed five-story development on the Food Bin parcel on Mission Street.
(10/02/2024) → Lookout Local
• Laphonza Butler Wants You to Know She’s Your U.S. Senator
Ever since Laphonza Butler took herself out of the running for U.S. Senate a year ago — just two weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom picked her to replace the late Dianne Feinstein — she has faded into the background quite a bit.
(10/04/2024) → CalMatters
• Election Explainer: Proposition 35
The Mercury News explains the Proposition 35 to renew the existing tax used to fund Medi-Cal health services.
(10/04/2024) → The Mercury News
• State COVID Surge Over But More to Come
The summer COVID surge in California may be finally abating, but people are still advised to get update vaccines in anticipation of a resurgence in the fall and winter.
(10/02/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• California Collects Millions in Stolen Wages, but Can’t Find Many Workers to Pay Them
The state Labor Commissioner sometimes struggles to get back pay to workers when it reaches wage theft settlements. It tries social media, TV and hotlines. But money owed to employees is still sitting in state accounts.
(10/02/2024) → CalMatters
• A Minimum Wage Increase for California Health Care Workers Is Finally Kicking In
A California minimum wage law that was delayed amid budget troubles is now set to go into effect Oct. 16. It’s expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of workers.
(10/01/2024) → CalMatters
• Newsom’s Gas Price Bill Passes Assembly, but Senate Plan Still Uncertain
The Assembly approves Gov. Newsom’s bill on oil refineries on a 44-17 vote. But the state Senate will have its say during the special session.
(10/01/2024) → CalMatters
