California’s dry weather is an apparent indicator of climate change’s effect on weather patterns in the United States, according to the findings in a new, highly comprehensive report by the Obama administration.
Lesley Clark reports for McClatchy Washington Bureau: “White House advisor John Podesta said the report -- the product of four years of work by hundreds of climate scientists -- is aimed at "actionable science" -- delivering "practical, usable knowledge" that state and local officials can use as they plan for the effects of climate change.”
“He pointed to rising sea levels along Florida and California’s drought and resulting wildfires as early indicators of climate change.”
Gov. Jerry Brown says the state will need to direct more resources to combat wildfires caused by severe drought.
Chris Megerian reports in the Los Angeles Times: “Since last July, firefighting has sucked $130 million out of the state's emergency fund, and Cal Fire expects it will cost an additional $82 million by the end of June.”
“Brown said administration officials were still calculating how much more money would be needed in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, but he said financial risks like wildfires should dampen expectations for new spending.”
California’s new top-two primary has changed state politics in more ways than just run off probability.
Carla Marinucci reports in S.F. Gate: “This is the first year in which top two is in play in races for state constitutional offices, including governor.”
“Julie Griffiths, a Republican strategist, said the new system is "causing business interests to weigh in more often and more generously" on behalf of Democrats who are "business friendly" in races where Republicans are unlikely to make a credible challenge.”
State lawmakers are wading the waters of international affairs.
Melanie Mason reports in the Los Angeles Times: “At issue is Nagorno-Karabakh, a semiautonomous territory within Azerbaijan's borders but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. A resolution by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) expresses support for Nagorno-Karabakh's independence — a departure from U.S. foreign policy, which considers the region to be part of Azerbaijan. For decades, the two countries have disputed the region, and international negotiations have stalled.”
In November, San Francisco voters will decide on more than a billion dollars in transit funding.
Michael Cabanatuan: “The city is recommending three ballot measures to create two transportation funding sources and raise about $1.5 billion. That includes a $500 million bond to fund transportation infrastructure projects, a San Francisco-only increase in the state vehicle license fee - from 0.65 percent to 2 percent - that would go into the general fund, and a companion advisory measure that would commit the license fee proceeds to transportation projects.”
GOP endorsements are absent on June’s sample ballots due to bad timing.
Christopher Cadelago reports for the Sacramento Bee: “The party acknowledged the confusion on Monday and posted a statement on its website. “Republican voters should look for candidates who are Republicans. If it is a contested race, we encourage voters to make an informed decision between the two or more Republicans running.”
“Some 88 Republicans, including incumbents, are running without intraparty challengers and are deemed endorsed.”
State Sen. Rod Wright was given another sentencing extension in his voter fraud and perjury trial.
Jean Merl reports for the Los Angeles Times: “Wright was to have been sentenced May 16 and would have faced possible expulsion from the Legislature's upper house. His attorney was able to have the sentencing moved to July 21, the district attorney's office said Monday, to allow more time to prepare a motion for a new trial.”
Iowa could send its first women to Congress this year.
Liz Halloran reports for NPR: “But this year the Hawkeye State — which claims that back in 1869 it became the first in the nation to elect a woman to public office — could write a new modern-day chapter.”
“There's an abundance of competitive major party female candidates vying for an open U.S. Senate seat and two open U.S. House seats. While GOP Gov. Terry Branstad is expected to win re-election, all three congressional races are wide open.”
