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Citizen Portal News California
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The Los Angeles City Council just approved a slew of measures, including crucial enhancements for encampment safety and arts programming—what's next for the city?

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#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LosAngelesCouncil
Votes at a glance: council advances consent items, approves encampment and arts measures
Council approved a batch of consent items and several contested measures Feb. 17: a bundled consent vote passed (clerk reported 14-0), item 6 (report on cooling equipment) passed 11-3, item 46 (encampment/fire-safety modification) passed 11-3, item 62 (arts report) passed 14-0; item 58 recorded a split (2-2).
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:55 AM
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California's HCAI is ramping up funding for mental health professionals through exciting loan-repayment and scholarship programs—don't miss your chance to learn how this could impact your career!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #ScholarshipOpportunities #MentalHealthAccess
HCAI tells board about loan-repayment awards and scholarship programs; urges outreach to psychologists
HCAI reported $97,646 deposited from Board of Psychology fees into the mental health practitioner education fund and described loan-repayment and new scholarship programs for licensed mental health professionals; HCAI asked the board to help publicize application windows.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:33 AM
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San Jacinto School District is seeing promising academic gains but grappling with chronic absenteeism and special-education costs—what's being done to turn the tide?

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#CA #ChronicAbsenteeism #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthSupport
District presents midyear LCAP: small gains in ELA, concern over chronic absenteeism and special-education costs
District staff presented a midyear Local Control and Accountability Plan update showing modest gains in English language arts and EL progress, declining suspension rates, and a chronic-absenteeism concern; the LCAP includes targeted funding lines for attendance outreach, mental-health supports and enrichment programs.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:06 AM
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The Sacramento Planning and Design Commission has greenlit a controversial six-story, 332-unit redevelopment project, igniting fierce debates over height limits and neighborhood impact.

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#SacramentoSacramentoCounty #CA #SacramentoAlhambra #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning
Sacramento commission approves 332‑unit Alhambra redevelopment amid neighborhood objections
The Planning and Design Commission approved a 6‑story, 332‑unit mixed‑use project at Alhambra Boulevard (P24‑007) on Feb. 12, 2026 after extended public comment and debate about height, parking, sewer capacity and an identified underground storage tank; staff conditioned remediation and infrastructure upgrades.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:05 AM
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Parents are demanding accountability and safety measures, urging the San Jacinto school board to install hallway cameras after a string of alarming incidents.

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#CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #TransparencyInGovernance #PublicSafety
Parents press for hallway cameras and demand accountability; trustee publicly faults district counsel
Multiple public commenters urged hallway cameras after safety incidents and alleged administrative negligence; a trustee placed a formal no-confidence notice in district counsel Joseph Sanchez and requested a forensic audit and contract review.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:04 AM
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Unlock the secrets to making your land "shovel-ready" for business investment with the latest CEQA resources and exemptions from California's GO-Biz webinar!

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#CA #EnvironmentalReview #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #InfrastructureReadiness
GO-Biz webinar outlines CEQA resources, new exemptions and what makes a site 'shovel-ready'
GO-Biz hosted a webinar with the State Clearinghouse to walk communities and developers through CEQA resources, recent statutory exemptions for infill and advanced manufacturing, tools for screening sites (CEQAnet, SiteCheck), and practical steps to make parcels business-ready.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:00 AM
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Caltrans is set to revolutionize transportation funding with its new CSIS metrics, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and equity in project scoring.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #ClimateResiliency #TransportationInfrastructure
Caltrans’ CSIS metrics to shape TIRCP scoring; staff will score CAPTI alignment
Caltrans staff said the Caltrans System Investment Strategy (CSIS) will be used as a secondary criterion for TIRCP. CSIS applies CAPTI alignment metrics—11 measures (9 quantitative, 2 qualitative)—to assess safety, VMT, access to destinations, mode shift, land use, freight, ZEV infrastructure, public engagement and climate resiliency.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 6:48 AM
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Contra Costa County is set to vote on a crucial 0.625% sales tax to help offset significant federal funding cuts impacting essential services—will voters support this lifeline?

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#ContraCostaCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #ContraCostaCounty #CitizenPortal #TaxReform
Contra Costa supervisors introduce 0.625% sales tax measure to offset federal cuts; place measure on June ballot
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Feb. 10 to introduce a proposed 0.625% (5/8‑cent) countywide sales tax for five years and set March 3 as the adoption date to allow placement on a June 2, 2026 ballot. County officials said the measure would help "bridge" revenue losses from federal HR1 changes but would not fully close projected healthcare funding gaps.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 6:14 AM
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Caltrans has unveiled significant updates to the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, including a $900 million funding baseline and new metrics to prioritize climate-focused projects.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #PublicTransportation
Caltrans outlines TIRCP Cycle 8 changes, adds CSIS metrics and estimates $900 million baseline
Caltrans staff detailed Cycle 8 updates to the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, including the addition of Caltrans’ CSIS/CAPTI alignment metrics, revised CARB guidance and an estimated $900 million funding baseline; staff also clarified reimbursement rules and eligibility in extended Q&A.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 5:56 AM
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The California Board is revisiting the potential impact of PSYPACT, exploring new eligibility pathways that could redefine telepsychology across the state.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #InterstateCompact #PsychologyStandards
Board reopens PSYPACT review; will reconstitute telepsychology committee to examine eligibility and enforcement
After reviewing changes to PSYPACT1s eligibility pathways (including a new pathway that could allow some non-APA graduates to qualify), the board agreed to re-establish a telepsychology committee to examine compact implications for California, and requested a future presentation from PSYPACT leadership.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 5:31 AM
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The Lahontan Water Board has taken a significant step by adopting new waste discharge requirements for the Mojave Rosamond landfill, ensuring enhanced safety and monitoring for groundwater contamination.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #WasteManagement #WaterQuality #GroundwaterProtection
Lahontan board adopts revised waste discharge requirements for Mojave Rosamond landfill
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board voted unanimously to adopt revised waste discharge requirements and a corrective action program for the Mojave Rosamond Recycling and Sanitary Landfill, approving engineered-liner requirements and monitoring for a proposed Phase 2 expansion and documenting past groundwater impacts by volatile organic compounds.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 5:13 AM
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Caltrans has unveiled a staggering $17 billion plan for California's highways, but with storm damage costs exceeding $1 billion, can they truly fix it all?

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#CA #SustainableTransit #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse
Caltrans presents rebalance of proposed 2026 SHOP, cites storm costs and capacity constraints
Caltrans told the California Transportation Commission that the draft 2026 State Highway Operation and Protection Program was rebalanced because allocation capacity is limited and recent storm/emergency costs exceeded $1 billion; the department emphasized asset preservation and an interactive project dashboard. The commission will consider adoption in March.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 4:53 AM
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The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is making waves with significant staffing changes, a heartfelt tribute to a longtime member, and a troubling spike in enforcement violations—what does this mean for the future of water quality in California?

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#CA #PublicHealth
Lahontan executive officer highlights enforcement settlements, staffing changes and violations spike
Executive Officer Ben Letten presented the Lahontan executive officer report covering Oct'Dec 2025, recognized longtime board member Keith Dias, announced promotions and hires, and staff reported a spike in third-quarter violations tied to statewide permit re-enrollment deadlines and two sizeable administrative civil liability settlements.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 4:37 AM
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The San Jacinto School District faces a troubling budget crisis with potential layoffs on the horizon and a $4.8 million reduction plan in the works.

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#CA #JobProtection #CitizenPortal #SanJacintoSchools
San Jacinto board hears midyear budget reality, files negative interim and schedules layoffs; FCMAT-style fiscal review launched
The San Jacinto School District presented a midyear budget update showing enrollment-driven revenue loss and rising special-education costs, filed a negative interim certification, approved a $4.8 million reduction plan and moved forward with staff layoff notifications while a state fiscal health analysis proceeds.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 4:07 AM
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The Board of Psychology Licensure Committee is facing mounting pressure over disheartening EPPP pass rates, with test takers calling for urgent reform and alternative exam formats.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #ProfessionalLicensure #ExamReform
Licensure committee hears urgent public concern over national EPPP as staff outline timeline for new integrated exam
The Board of Psychology Licensure Committee heard widespread public concern about low EPPP pass rates and potential cultural and accessibility barriers; Executive Officer Jonathan Burke said a blueprint for ASPPB's integrated exam will be public around Feb. 1, 2026, with item writing in 2026 and beta testing and launch targeted for 2027.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:09 AM
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Los Angeles just took a major step to protect renters from extreme heat by adopting a new indoor maximum-temperature policy—ensuring no one has to live in a "sweaty box."

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#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #ExtremeHeat #LosAngelesTenants
Los Angeles Council adopts indoor maximum-temperature standard for rental housing
The Los Angeles City Council on Feb. 17 voted to adopt an indoor maximum-temperature policy for rental housing (agenda item 12), instructing city departments to align building-code updates with county action and Senate Bill 130; supporters said the move protects tenant health during extreme heat.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:03 AM
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A groundbreaking change is coming to California's psychology licensure exam in 2027, merging knowledge and skills into a single, innovative test format with new question types.

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#CA #CivicAccountability #ExamAccessibility #CitizenPortal
ASPPB unveils integrated EPPP; California board presses for data, access and a transition plan
ASPPB presented an integrated version of the EPPP to be operational in April 2027 that combines knowledge and skills in a single computer-based exam. California board members pressed for clarity on pass-rate impacts, accommodations, fees, sample exams and how non-APA graduates might be affected; ASPPB committed to sample exams, beta testing, and publishing fee decisions soon.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 1:50 AM
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California's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program is set to unlock nearly $900 million for rail and transit projects, with application deadlines fast approaching!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #EquityInTransportation #TransportationFunding #GreenhouseGasReduction
CalSTA previews TIRCP draft guidelines, sets funding estimate and application timeline
California State Transportation Agency staff outlined draft updates to the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program guidelines, said they expect about $900 million for the next cycle, and set public-comment and application deadlines while noting the cap-and-invest appropriation is now capped at $400 million per year under staff assumptions.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 1:37 AM
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California's Board of Psychology just voted to support a groundbreaking bill that mandates client consent before therapists can use AI to record or transcribe sessions, ensuring your privacy in the age of technology.

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#CA #AIEthics #CitizenPortal #HealthPrivacy #ClientConsent
Board votes to support SB 903, which would require client consent before AI transcription/recording in therapy
The Board voted to support SB 903 (Padilla), a bill requiring client consent before licensed mental-health professionals use artificial intelligence to record or transcribe therapy sessions. Members asked staff to monitor amendments on retention, privacy and enforcement and to revisit the position if language changes.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 12:15 AM
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The Circular Action Alliance is set to change the recycling game in California with retroactive reimbursements and a massive $5 billion fund aimed at promoting responsible end markets and sustainable practices!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #RecyclingInfrastructure #EnvironmentalJustice
Producer responsibility group says reimbursements, end‑market investments and reuse will be central once CAA plan is approved
CAA and advisory‑board members told webinar attendees the producer responsibility organization will collect fees, reimburse jurisdictions retroactively to 2023, invest in end‑markets and reuse/refill programs, and run education and outreach once the program plan is approved.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 12:14 AM
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California's SB 54 is facing major delays due to withdrawn regulations, and local governments could face hefty penalties of up to $50,000 a day for noncompliance!

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#CA #ProducerResponsibility #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryReform
Speakers at statewide webinar say SB 54 implementation stalled by withdrawn regulations, warn of heavy penalties for noncompliance
Authors, local officials and the producer responsibility organization told a statewide webinar that delayed CalRecycle regulations have postponed SB 54 implementation, outlined enforcement risks (civil penalties up to $50,000 per day per uncovered category), and urged local governments to begin planning for collection and reimbursement now.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 12:04 AM
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FEMA's recent ruling has thrown a wrench in crucial flood-risk projects in Ross, leaving residents and officials scrambling for solutions and clarity.

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#RossMarinCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalTransparency #PublicSafety #RossFloodManagement #CommunityPlanning
Flood Zone 9 liaison warns FEMA ruling delays removal of fish ladder and other projects; county pledges more transparency
Flood Zone 9 liaison Chris Martin told the council FEMA will not approve removal of Building Bridge 2 or the Ross fish ladder until downstream mitigation measures are completed; the county had known about the ruling before the advisory board meeting, prompting calls for better transparency.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 6:01 PM
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Pomona Unified is reshaping its Career Technical Education pathways based on insights from over 400 student surveys, spotlighting booming fields like health sciences and construction!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #StudentEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment
Pomona Unified outlines CTE priorities, student survey results and plans for dual enrollment
District staff presented CTE/ROP pathway data — more than 400 student survey responses — showing top interest in health sciences, arts/media, fashion and construction. Staff described current labs, dual-enrollment options with Mt. SAC, and an April career/job fair; the board requested a June follow-up with school-level breakdowns and success metrics.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:56 PM
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The Town of Ross is taking a bold step forward by seeking architectural and engineering expertise to bring their Facilities Master Plan to life, all while incorporating fresh ideas from a newly formed citizen advisory group.

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#RossMarinCounty #CA #CommunityEngagement
Ross council authorizes RFQ for architects and engineers to advance Civic Center planning, with expanded scope to reflect new citizen input
Council authorized release of an RFQ for architectural and engineering services to move the Facilities Master Plan toward implementation, and amended the RFQ language to require firms to be prepared to assist with master‑plan evaluation and possible revisions suggested by the new citizens advisory group.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:55 PM
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The Ross Town Council is taking a bold step towards affordable housing by authorizing a request for qualifications to develop nine units at the Civic Center, sparking debate and excitement in the community.

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#RossMarinCounty #CA #RossAffordableHousing #CitizenPortal
Ross council authorizes RFQ seeking partners for nine affordable units at Civic Center, 3‑2 vote
Council authorized release of an RFQ to solicit developers or nonprofit partners to deliver nine affordable housing units at the Ross Civic Center (target ≤80% AMI). Supporters cited HCD obligations and long funding timelines; opponents said the town lacks a credible site financing plan and urged more committee work first.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:50 PM