A state audit found the Department of Cannabis Control's rules on child-attractive packaging are vague and enforcement inconsistent, prompting calls from legislators and public-health experts for clearer statutory definitions, improved DCC tools, possible premarket review and tighter beverage limits to reduce child poisonings.

The Senate Budget Committee advanced AB 117 to authorize a $590 million, TIRCP‑backed loan to four Bay Area transit agencies. Supporters said the loan is cost‑neutral to the state and uses unallocated TIRCP dollars; lawmakers pressed for oversight and repayment safeguards if a regional sales tax measure fails.

Lawmakers, the Attorney General’s Office, nonprofits and platform representatives told an Assembly outcomes review that AB 488 created new tools to protect donors but that registry delays, ‘good standing’ rules and operational burdens have interrupted fundraising for some charities and small-gift programs.

Planning commissioners received and filed the Palos Verdes Peninsula Multi‑Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update, hearing a presentation on hazards, funding incentives and mitigation actions; the plan was released Feb. 12 and the public comment period runs through Feb. 25, ahead of a scheduled city council adoption on Feb. 23.

State and labor representatives described the High Road Construction Careers program’s 13 pre‑apprenticeship partnerships, ties to Caltrans projects through SB 150, supportive services (childcare, stipends), and capacity challenges that limit how many apprentices can be placed on public projects.

Nevada County officials said an avalanche near Castle Peak on Feb. 17 left six people rescued and nine presumed dead; eight decedents have been located and one person remains unaccounted for. Recovery is ongoing but delayed by heavy snow and avalanche hazard.

All Home and the Bay Area Jobs First collaborative told the California Workforce Development Board they awarded $9 million across 10 catalyst projects targeting five priority sectors and will hold an April symposium to align funding and activation plans before California Jobs First funding sunsets in September 2026.

County counsel presented a draft encampment ordinance designed to meet state HAP funding requirements; the task force formed and authorized an ad hoc committee to refine the draft, with providers pressing for service protections and safeguards for medically necessary items.

Staff presented a draft FY 2026–27 Community Activities budget covering contract services, promotions and event logistics; the proposal includes a $30,000 Car Week shuttle line and suggested enhancements for the city's 100th birthday events. Commissioners asked staff to prepare ad hoc committees and bring detailed budget adjustments next month.

The Auburn Planning Commission approved a design review permit (DRP25-06) for three detached one-bedroom units at 160 Oak Street after staff recommended approval and commissioners discussed setbacks, drainage and the lack of local residential design standards. The permit passed on a 4-1 roll call vote.

After lengthy debate, the board voted down the preliminary certificated and classified reduction‑in‑force resolutions and directed staff to draft revised resolutions that include district administrative positions (excluding the superintendent) for consideration at a special meeting to meet statutory notice deadlines.

The council authorized staff to finish the sewer cost-of-service report and Prop 218 process, noting a consultant recommendation of 5.5% annual increases for Vista and 4% for Buena in the near term; council also directed staff to add $25,000 to the city's lifeline rebate program for low-income sewer assistance.

At its Feb. 17 meeting the Costa Mesa City Council recessed into closed session to consider four workers’ compensation claims, anticipated litigation, existing lawsuits (including several involving D'Alessio Investments and a Wallace Avenue property) and a real-property negotiation for 695 West 19th Street with City Manager Cecilia Gallardo Daly named as negotiator and GEMBRE Housing as the negotiating party.

Alongside adopting the indoor temperature ordinance, the council approved a package of consent and policy items (including items 4–7, 9–11, 38, 40, 46, 58 and 62) with recorded roll‑call tallies noted in the meeting.

Police Chief Traeger and event organizer GoodRoots presented options to reduce nighttime noise and unsafe cruising during Car Week, including increased enforcement, noise‑measuring technology and a pilot controlled‑parking evening event (Thurs–Sat) with staged entry, staffing and electronic waivers. Commissioners asked for flow, liability and revenue details before council review.

After a multi-hour presentation and exchange, councilmembers sent staff research and council direction on movable tiny homes to the planning commission for detailed drafting and recommendation; staff recommended size, safety and certification standards, and council asked for fire-department review and limits on front‑yard siting.

Townsend Public Affairs and city staff reviewed grant and earmark results (about $9.1M secured, including a $1M federal earmark) and the City Council unanimously adopted the City of Westminster 2026 legislative platform to guide state and federal advocacy.

The council on Tuesday adopted a maximum indoor temperature standard for rental housing, aligning the city with county policy and directing departments to report on implementation, grid impacts and funding for cooling measures.

A Los Angeles County Sanitation District representative told Gardena’s Planning and Environmental Quality Commission about existing recycled‑water, green‑energy and biosolids programs and a proposed advanced treatment demonstration at the AK Warren facility in Carson that would produce additional reusable water.

Peggy Walker of the San Diego Alliance for Direct (Free) Youth presented an information item asking the commission to support smoke‑free multiunit housing ordinances; she cited a survey of more than 300 coastal residents with over 80% support and proposed pursuing ordinances in Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas.

City officials and local advocacy groups told the California Transportation Commission the proposed delay of the State Route 123 (San Pablo Avenue) rehabilitation would risk public safety; speakers described recent collisions, requested more multimodal safety features, and said the city is ready to break ground within six months.

Dozens of county employees, union representatives and healthcare providers urged the Board of Supervisors to delay or prevent planned layoffs in the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program, warning that replacing public‑health nurses and specialists with contractors could disrupt care coordination and increase emergency visits.

SiteLogic updated the board on HVAC replacements, solar installations, EV charging infrastructure and LED lighting retrofits across district sites, and referenced an estimated $29 million in savings over 30 years; work is phased and partly grant‑funded.

The board approved TK–8 educational specifications developed with HMC Architects to guide future school design, covering safety, classroom adjacencies, collaboration commons, CTE space and a finance framework; the document will be submitted to the California Department of Education for site and plan review.

Two residents from Hinkley told the Lahontan board their well water remains unsafe from nitrates after years of contact with staff; the board agreed to schedule an informational item with the discharger present to update progress and next steps.