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Illegal Petition Fraud, Chevron Warns of State of Emergency, LA "Ground Zero" For Hospice Fraud, and More...
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First off… The Big News 👇
BREAKING NEWS
Appears Illegal Petition Fraud in Plain Sight?
Californians,
Look around. Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Rent costs more. Everything costs more.
But somehow, Sacramento Democrats who are running the government think the solution is always the same: raise taxes, grow bureaucracy, and protect their donors.
Meanwhile, the people who actually keep our state running, workers, small business owners, parents trying to make ends meet, are being squeezed harder every single year.
That’s why I’m running for State Senate. We need someone unafraid to rattle the cages and make change. Because the people in charge have forgotten who they work for.
They’ve built a system that works great for everyone but us. This campaign is about changing that. We demand a government that works for the people.
The insiders already have their donors lined up. They already have their consultants and their big checks.
What we have is something stronger: people.
If you’re tired of watching your paycheck shrink Sacramento grows, I’m asking you to stand with us today.
Chip in $20, $50, $100, or whatever you can to help us build a campaign that actually fights for working people.
This race isn’t just about one seat.
It’s about whether the people who built this community finally get a voice again.
Let’s take it back.
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Chevron Warns of State of Emergency in California
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
California’s Cap-and-Invest program limits aggregate greenhouse gas emissions from major polluters, which account for roughly 80% of the Golden State’s pollution.
It requires the companies to buy allowances for each ton of carbon dioxide emitted. Each year, fewer allowances are created. Revenue from the program funds climate-friendly initiatives, such as public transport projects and public health projects, according to CARB.
Chevron’s president has warned that California’s energy policies could drive gasoline prices significantly higher and potentially damage the state’s economy.
The company argues that aggressive climate regulations, refinery closures, and new fuel requirements are tightening fuel supplies and making gasoline more expensive to produce in the state.
Industry leaders say these policies could lead to job losses and reduced economic activity if energy costs continue to rise sharply.
California already has some of the highest gasoline prices in the country, and officials in the oil industry warn the gap could widen further under current policies.
Critics of the state’s approach argue that environmental rules and taxes are contributing to the high costs for drivers and businesses.
State leaders, however, maintain that their policies are necessary to transition California toward cleaner energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Chevron Will Shut Down Remaining 2 Refineries if CARB Amendments Pass
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Chevron has warned California officials that it may shut down its two remaining refineries in the state if proposed amendments to the California Air Resources Board’s Cap-and-Invest climate program are approved.
The company sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and regulators arguing the new rules would make it difficult for refineries to remain economically viable under the stricter regulations.
Chevron President Andy Walz said the changes could increase gasoline prices by more than $1 per gallon by 2030 and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs connected to the petroleum industry.
The company also cautioned that losing more refining capacity could force California to rely more heavily on imported fuel to meet demand.
Critics of the policy say the regulations risk harming the state’s economy and eliminating high-paying union jobs tied to energy production.
Supporters of the climate rules argue they are necessary for California to meet its long-term environmental goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LA is "Ground Zero" for Hospice Fraud
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A CBS News investigation found widespread signs of fraud in California’s hospice care industry, particularly in Los Angeles County, which researchers described as “ground zero” for suspicious activity.
An analysis of records for every hospice operating in the county revealed hundreds of facilities with warning signs such as questionable addresses, unusually high patient numbers, and overlapping ownership structures.
In some cases, investigators found situations where patients who were not terminally ill were allegedly enrolled in hospice care so providers could bill Medicare for services.
The investigation also highlighted how clusters of hospice companies are sometimes registered at the same locations, raising concerns about organized schemes to collect federal healthcare payments.
Despite earlier efforts by the state to crack down on hospice fraud, many facilities flagged for potential problems remain open and operating.
The findings raise concerns about patient safety and taxpayer money, suggesting that weaknesses in oversight have allowed fraudulent operators to continue functioning within California’s hospice system.
LA in Budget Free Fall
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Los Angeles is expected to collect about $8.36 billion in revenue next fiscal year, an increase of roughly $157 million compared to the current year, but the total still falls about $143 million short of earlier projections.
Even with the modest increase, the city’s structural deficit is expected to grow rather than shrink because expenses continue to rise faster than revenues.
When additional spending commitments—such as about $60 million tied to increased police hiring—are included, the city’s budget shortfall could approach $300 million.
Rising personnel costs, long-term obligations, and expanding government programs are placing continued pressure on the city’s finances.
The situation highlights a persistent imbalance between the city’s spending and its available revenue.
Without significant reforms to control costs or restructure spending priorities, Los Angeles is likely to continue facing recurring budget crises in the years ahead.
LA City Hall Approves $177M in Contracts to Pay Anti-Police Groups and Attorneys Who Sue The City
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A report shared by California Post claims that Los Angeles City Hall approved roughly $177 million in contracts for organizations and attorneys connected to anti-police activism and lawsuits against the city.
The contracts allegedly fund groups that advocate against policing policies or are involved in legal actions challenging the city’s law-enforcement practices.
Critics argue the spending is controversial because taxpayer dollars are being used to support organizations that simultaneously sue or campaign against the city’s police department.
Supporters of the funding say the programs are intended to support legal services, advocacy work, and policy reform efforts related to policing and civil rights.
The situation has fueled debate about whether city funds should go toward groups involved in litigation against the same government providing the funding.
The controversy reflects broader tensions in Los Angeles over policing policy, government spending, and the role of advocacy organizations in shaping public safety reform.
LA PD Hands Tied
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The Los Angeles Police Department says it has become much harder to track and investigate gang activity after California stopped allowing officers to use the CalGang database, which previously contained information on suspected gang members and their associations.
Police officials say the loss of the database has weakened their ability to share intelligence between agencies and identify connections between suspects, gangs, and crimes across jurisdictions.
According to LAPD leaders, the system once helped investigators map relationships, monitor repeat offenders, and anticipate violent gang conflicts before they escalated.
Critics of the database had pushed for its elimination after audits revealed errors, fabricated entries, and concerns about racial bias in how individuals were labeled as gang members.
Law enforcement officials now argue that without a centralized system, investigators are forced to rely on fragmented information and slower investigative methods.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between civil-rights concerns about surveillance databases and law enforcement’s argument that such tools are necessary to combat organized gang violence effectively.
Oakland Corruption Trial
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Oakland’s corruption investigation centers on former Mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and local businessmen David and Andy Duong, who are accused in a federal bribery scheme involving city contracts and political influence.
Prosecutors allege the Duongs offered financial benefits and other favors to Thao and Jones in exchange for favorable treatment from the city government.
Investigators say the arrangement involved payments disguised as legitimate work and false invoices meant to hide the flow of money.
The case grew out of a broader federal corruption probe that included FBI raids on homes and businesses connected to the suspects.
Thao was later indicted by a federal grand jury after being recalled from office by voters in 2024.
The defendants deny wrongdoing, but the case has intensified concerns about corruption, political influence, and public trust in Oakland’s city government.
Ongoing Federal Corruption Probe Claims Another Elected Official
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Former San Leandro City Councilman Bryan Azevedo has pleaded guilty in federal court to two corruption charges after admitting he accepted a bribe from local businessmen.
His plea is part of a broader federal investigation into corruption in the East Bay that has already resulted in indictments against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and recycling company owners Andy and David Duong.
Azevedo has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, which could provide investigators with additional information about how the alleged bribery network operated.
His cooperation has also raised speculation that other current or former elected officials may be under investigation as the probe continues.
The case centers on allegations that business interests sought favorable treatment from local governments through bribery and political influence.
As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to reveal more about the scope of corruption and its potential impact on local politics in the region.
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Gavin Using Your Money to Promote Himself
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A proposal tied to Governor Gavin Newsom is drawing criticism after reports that a taxpayer-funded advertising and outreach campaign could be used to promote California’s image nationally while he weighs future political ambitions.
The plan would spend millions of dollars on a marketing effort designed to counter negative narratives about the state and highlight California as an economic and innovation powerhouse.
Critics argue the campaign functions more like a public-relations push that could benefit Newsom politically, particularly as speculation grows about a possible presidential run.
Supporters of the program say the state has a right to promote its economic strengths and defend itself against what they describe as misleading portrayals of California.
The proposal has raised concerns among some lawmakers and commentators about whether public funds should be used for messaging campaigns that appear tied to a governor’s personal political profile.
The controversy reflects a broader debate over the line between legitimate government promotion of a state and political messaging that critics believe resembles campaign advertising.
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The underbelly of California politics turned inside out this week.
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