Tahoe Truckee Region Local News: Elections & Politics


All Local Elections & Politics News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

Image caption: Translated from the Greek, “Democracy” means “people power.” How much power do the people have in California?
People Power! What Is Democracy, and How Does It Work in California?

Democracy is a 2,500-year-old system of government still looked on today as the best system, because under a democratic system, the people govern themselves. But is that all there is to it? What is democracy? And how does it work …

Image caption: The California Supreme Court has defined the state’s legal and political agenda for more than 170 years.
How the California Supreme Court Blazes Legal Trails

The California Supreme Court has kept the state at the forefront of legal issues surrounding abortion, the death penalty and same-sex marriage, starting in its earliest days in the Gold Rush era.

Image caption: The cycle of crime and homelessness is escalating, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Homelessness and Crime in California: Even More Complex Than You Think

The links between homelessness and crime are complex, and the idea that unhoused individuals present a danger to their community seems to be exaggerated.

Image caption: California continues to work on legislation that would make voting easier.
Voting Rites

California keeps on taking legislative steps that will keep it ranked in the top 10 of voter-friendly states.

Image caption: There are more than 300 community service districts in California.
Community Services Districts, Explained

Community service districts can do most anything a city government can do. Here’s how they work and how to start one.

Image caption: California cities switch to more inclusive, district-based elections system.
Voting Rights...the Final Frontier

Pushed by activists, cities move from at-large elections to district races.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

05/09/2025
Last week the Northern California beach town of Santa Cruz enacted a tax on sodas, ice teas and other beverages with added sugar. Voters approved the 2-cent-per-ounce tax in November, despite the beverage industry pouring at least $1.2 million in opposition.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

05/04/2025
It’s been five months since California’s legislative leaders deemed affordability an “urgent” issue for the session. So far: committees, bills, but few results

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

05/02/2025
California Republicans are increasingly pushing Democrats on child sex crimes bills. The supermajority is growing more divided about it.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/30/2025
Two consecutive committee chairs getting overruled by their committee members signifies a growing rift among California Democrats about how to address the housing crisis.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/30/2025
The original proposal would have mandated phonics instruction in K-12 classrooms. The latest version makes that optional.

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo From Tahoe Daily Tribune...

04/29/2025
Image for display with article titled Area Nonprofits Teach Environmental Advocacy at the Capitol

On April 8, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada Alliance, and Sierra Business Council hosted the annual Sierra Day at the Capitol in Sacramento. Approximately 70 participants attended, representing over 45 organizations.

Sierra Sun logo From Sierra Sun...

04/29/2025
Image for display with article titled Truckee Arts Leaders, Artists Advocate for the Arts at California State Capitol

Truckee Arts Alliance, alongside several local artists, traveled to Sacramento this week to attend the California Arts and Culture Summit and participate in Arts Advocacy Day at the Capitol. These statewide events brought together artists, cultural leaders, and policymakers to elevate the importance of the arts in California's communities.

Sierra Sun logo From Sierra Sun...

04/24/2025
Image for display with article titled Truckee Protestors and Business Owners Find Middle Ground After Weeks of Downtown Tensions

For the past nine Saturdays, downtown Truckee has been a focal point not just for shoppers and visitors, but for demonstrators taking to the streets as part of a growing national protest movement. While the gatherings have sparked passionate engagement from participants, they've also stirred frustration among some downtown business owners, who say the protests are impacting their bottom lines.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/16/2025
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit Wednesday, saying the tariffs hurt “states, consumers and businesses.”

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/13/2025
More than 100 California bills moved to the “suspense file” last week, the start of a process where consequential decisions are made out of public view.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/10/2025
Schools had until March 2026 to spend remaining COVID relief money. The U.S. Department of Education cut those funds, amounting to about $200 million for California K-12 schools.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/09/2025
This researcher’s project joins at least 30 others across the University of California system that have been terminated by the National Institutes of Health. Those multi-year awards were worth more than $173 million.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/09/2025
California Democrats are backing a legislative proposal that would allow gig workers to form unions. Expect big pushback from companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/02/2025
Rural counties are some of the most reliant on federal funding and federal workers. But some still welcome Trump’s upcoming cuts to forestry and other departments

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo From Tahoe Daily Tribune...

04/01/2025
Image for display with article titled City Chooses Not to Appeal Measure T, Issues 45-Day Moratorium

In a special city council meeting, the council heard public comment on Measure T, which previously banned vacation home rentals (VHRs) in residential neighborhoods before it was deemed unconstitutional in a recent ruling. Ultimately, the council voted 4 to 1 to not appeal the ruling and unanimously voted on a 45-day moratorium on issuing VHR permits in areas where Measure T prohibited them.

Sierra Sun logo From Sierra Sun...

04/01/2025
Image for display with article titled Truckee Sales Tax Increase in Effect

On November 5, 2024, Truckee voters approved Measure E, a general tax that will provide funding for essential services such as wildfire preparedness, transit services, environmental protection, and workforce housing.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

04/01/2025
At a time when the political climate calls for strong and steady leadership, many Black Californians are losing faith in the lawmakers they sent to Sacramento to deliver on a justice agenda anchored by reparations.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

03/26/2025
Voter guides in various languages at a polling site at Modoc Hall in Sacramento State in Sacramento on March 5, 2024. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Sierra Sun logo From Sierra Sun...

03/25/2025
Image for display with article titled Truckee Demonstration Grows as Community Voices Concerns

What began as a small gathering of five people on Feb. 15 has grown into an active weekly demonstration against moves made by the current administration. By March 22, attendance had reached 115 participants—undaunted by cold weather and rain. Now, demonstrators gather every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the eagle statue off Donner Pass Road, holding signs expressing their concerns, such as, "Got ethics? You're fired. Got millions? You're hired."

Tahoe Daily Tribune logo From Tahoe Daily Tribune...

03/25/2025
Image for display with article titled Kevin Kiley Slammed by Rallies and Town Hall Attendees in South Lake Tahoe

After multiple unanswered invitations from South Lake Tahoe residents to a town hall and a virtual town hall of his own, representative Kevin Kiley visited the city, only to tour the high school and meet with the Chamber of Commerce privately. Two different protests and an empty town hall made frustrations with the District 3 representative abundantly clear—yet they are still unanswered.