California GOP Blocks Democratic State Legislative Supermajorities In Both Houses
Republican Catharine Baker was declared the winner over Democrat Tim Sbranti in Assembly District 16 after an updated tally by Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
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Republican Catharine Baker was declared the winner over Democrat Tim Sbranti in Assembly District 16 after an updated tally by Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
While states out West enjoy both autonomy and distance, federal lawmakers have the power to quash any District law they don't like. And with legalization getting a foothold on the East Coast for the first time, the District's initiative could force Congress to make decisions affecting the future of legal pot nationwide.
Voters in two California coastal counties have approved a ban on fracking and other intensive oil production, while a third coastal county rejected such a ban.
Incumbent Tom Torlakson has defeated a challenge from first-time candidate Marshall Tuck in the race for California superintendent of public instruction.
Marijuana activists who have longed for decades to end America's drug war pocketed more major victories Tuesday, with Oregon and the nation's capital approving recreational pot use.
As controller, the termed-out Chiang was responsible for overseeing government audits and disbursements of state funds when California and its cities were in fiscal peril.
The measure asked voters to approve or reject a law passed by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown that would allow the North Fork Rancheria Band of Mono Indians to build a Las Vegas-style casino with up to 2,000 slot machines nearly 40 miles from its reservation. The casino was proposed about 30 miles from Fresno and 25 miles from a casino operated by the Table Mountain Rancheria tribe.
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, a Democrat, was one of its main proponents. He argued the measure would force health insurers to justify rate hikes for individual and small group plans.
Under Proposition 47, shoplifting, forgery, fraud and petty theft are among the crimes that will be treated as misdemeanors rather than felonies. Misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of less than a year in custody.
California Gov. Jerry Brown is returning to Sacramento for a record fourth term.
Both men running for lieutenant governor campaigned on the idea that the low-visibility job with little power can still be a platform for change - and voters had to decide whose message they preferred.
But the reason the contest lured more than $60 million in donations was its proposal to lift the cap on damages for pain and suffering caused by doctor negligence to $1.1 million, up from $250,000.
Proposition 1 would invest $2.7 billion in additional water storage, including two new reservoirs, along with billions more for conservation, water recycling and cleaning up contaminated groundwater.
California would overhaul its rainy day fund to pay down more debt and provide a bigger buffer against future state budget shortfalls under a measure on Tuesday's ballot.
During his campaign, Jones said he helped save businesses and consumers $1.4 billion by rejecting excessive premium increases for auto, home and other insurance.
