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Former Gavin Newsom Chief of Staff Charged in $225k Fraud and Corruption Scheme, Oil Industry Leaving CA, and More...
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First off… The Big News 👇
BREAKING NEWS
Former Gavin Newsom Chief of Staff Charged in $225k Fraud and Corruption Scheme
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Former Dana Williamson, who served as chief of staff to Gavin Newsom, has been indicted on federal charges alleging she and others orchestrated a scheme to steal campaign funds from a dormant account belonging to Xavier Becerra.
The indictment claims the scheme diverted roughly $225,000 by billing the campaign for bogus monitoring services and funneling the money to a co‑conspirator’s wife.
Williamson also faces accusations of falsifying contracts connected to PPP loans, and claiming more than $1 million in personal luxury expenses as business deductions.
She pleaded not guilty to all 23 counts and was released on bail under court conditions including the surrender of her passport.
Although the account belonged to Becerra, the former Health and Human Services Secretary, he is not charged, and has stated he cooperated with investigators.
The case marks a major federal corruption probe in California politics, involving high‑level aides and — by extension — scrutiny of the governor’s former inner circle.
US Supreme Court Could Rain on Newsom’s Prop 50 Parade: Could be Ruled Unconstitutional
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering a case, Louisiana v. Callais, that could upend how states draw voting districts and threatens to invalidate Proposition 50 in California.
Proposition 50, backed by Gavin Newsom and California Democrats, allows the Legislature to redraw congressional districts outside the normal once‑per‑decade cycle.
The Supreme Court may rule that using race as the predominant factor in drawing districts violates the Equal Protection Clause, which would directly affect maps drawn under Prop 50.
The article argues that if the Court strikes down race‑based redistricting mandates under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, many states’ current maps — including California’s — could be declared unconstitutional.
Legal experts quoted warn that the decision could reshape redistricting practices nationwide and render the Prop 50 maps null.
As a result, what Newsom and his allies celebrated as a coup in November could be reversed by the Court in the coming months.
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After Crushing Prop 50 Defeat, California GOP Turns to the Courts
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Despite a significant defeat at the ballot box for Proposition 50, California Republicans haven’t given up—they’re shifting their battle from votes to courtrooms.
A coalition has filed federal lawsuits arguing the new map drawn under Prop 50 is unconstitutional, claiming it unfairly uses racial criteria to create Latino‑majority districts in ways that violate the 14th and 15th Amendments.
The complaints point to public remarks by map‑makers and campaign finance documents suggesting race was the “number one thing” in redrawing boundaries.
Supporters of Prop 50, including Gavin Newsom, counter that the reform is a strategic response to GOP redistricting efforts in other states and will withstand legal scrutiny.
Legal analysts believe the case could escalate all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, potentially setting major precedents for redistricting regulation.
Meanwhile, the Republicans’ move signals a new phase of political combat in California, shifting from elections to litigation.
CaliforniaGlobe Posted: Who Supported, Opposed, and Profited off Proposition 50?
Curiously, one media outlet in Southern California reported on the NO campaign, but then the story was taken down. The Globe was provided screen shots of the article last evening. Read about it here
Warning: Lines for Gas Coming to California.
The oil industry is leaving because the state legislature has made it impossible to do business here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
California’s transition from fossil fuels to its 2045 net‑zero goal is creating a looming gasoline supply crisis, driven by collapsing in‑state oil production while demand remains high.
The article highlights that in 2024 California produced just 119 million barrels of crude—down 70 % from its 1986 peak—while demand remains around 511 million barrels, pushing the state toward greater dependence on imports.
Regulatory restrictions, a sharp drop in drilling permits, and major refinery closures are cited as key constraints threatening the supply chain and the integrity of oil‑transport pipelines.
The piece warns that pipelines designed for higher throughput could shut down as flows drop, potentially triggering gasoline shortages or long lines at the pump.
It critiques state lawmakers and Governor Gavin Newsom for prioritizing green‑energy ambitions at the expense of energy security and affordable fuel for families.
In short, the article argues that unless California reverses course, consumers face skyrocketing prices, supply failures, and a self‑inflicted energy crisis.
Now a Bit About Wildlife and Animals (These posts get a lot of traction!)
Eagles Are Just Inspirational
Possums may not be pretty but they are loved 675 thousand views
A Nurse Who Was a Hero
Sign The Petition by Clicking Below👇
Capitol Annex Project Leaders Still Won’t Tell Taxpayers How Much It’s Costing
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The California Capitol Annex project, a 525,000‑square‑foot building meant to house state lawmakers and the governor, has failed to provide updated cost estimates, leaving taxpayers in the dark.
While the last public figure was $1.1 billion as of three years ago, project leaders have not released any recent numbers despite formal records requests.
Over 2,000 people involved in the project have signed non‑disclosure agreements, which critics say further shields the project from public transparency.
The Joint Rules Committee overseeing the project cited past litigation and the pandemic as reasons for the delays in disclosure, but analysts say the lack of accountability remains unjustified.
Lawmakers have formally requested the governor intervene to require documents, briefings, and payments be made public, noting this is one of the most expensive buildings ever built in state government.
As construction continues toward a projected August 2027 completion, questions remain about cost escalation and public oversight.
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A veteran of the media and technology worlds, Jon has spent his career at the intersection of culture and innovation. He’s led multiple consumer companies from start-up to scale, including as CEO of Sentral, the housing innovator. Previously, he co-led WeWork’s US business, and currently advises numerous mission-driven companies.
Jon got his start in media with NPR, E!, and Wired, giving him a front-row seat to the early waves of disruption that would go on to reshape how we work, communicate, and connect. That same spirit of innovation drives his work today.
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