Citizen Portal News California
banner
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Citizen Portal News California
@citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
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.

Read the full story!

#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
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!

Learn more here!

#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
California's SB 54 is facing major delays due to withdrawn regulations, and local governments could face hefty penalties of up to $50,000 a day for noncompliance!

Get the details

#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Speakers at statewide webinar say SB 54 implementation stalled by withdrawn regulations, warn of heavy penalties for noncompliance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
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!

Click to read more!

#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
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.

Learn more here!

#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
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.

Learn more here

#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
The Pomona Unified School District board unanimously denied Rhodes Academy's charter petition, citing significant gaps in operational details and special education plans, leaving the future of the proposed school in jeopardy.

Read the full story!

#CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal
Pomona Unified denies Rhodes Academy charter petition after staff finds operational, special-education and facilities gaps
The Pomona Unified School District board voted 5–0 to deny a charter petition from Rhodes Academy School of Business and Financial Literacy after staff concluded the proposal lacked sufficient operational detail, verifiable teacher signatures, facility plans and clear special-education arrangements. The petitioner disputed the findings and urged conditions rather than denial.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 5:15 PM
The Port of San Francisco's overwater structures are in a concerning state, averaging a rating of just 3.5—between 'fair' and 'poor'—with urgent repairs needed at Pier 54 after alarming inspection findings.

Click to read more!

#SanFranciscoCitySanFranciscoCounty #CA #AssetManagement
Port engineers report average 'fair-to-poor' condition for overwater structures; Pier 54 previously red-tagged
Acting chief harbor engineer Matt Bell reported the Rapid Structural Assessment program has inspected the port's overwater portfolio (about 7,000,000 sq ft), assigned systemwide ratings averaging about 3.5 (between 'fair' and 'poor'), and used inspections to vacate and relocate tenants from Pier 54 ahead of failure.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 7:24 AM
The Port of San Francisco is unveiling a bold budget plan for FY2026–28 that tackles $1.9 billion in unfunded needs while prioritizing critical projects like the $35 million Pier 45 West Apron upgrade.

Click to read more!

#SanFranciscoCitySanFranciscoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SanFranciscoBudget
Port unveils FY2026–28 operating and capital budget; biennial CIP relies heavily on fund balance and one-time sources
Finance staff presented a proposed biennial operating budget (approx. $131.2M and $134.6M) and a $123.6M capital budget for FY2026–28, noting a $1.9B long-term unfunded needs estimate in the 10-year plan and staff plans to explore debt financing and public–private partnerships to stretch resources.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 7:23 AM
The Port of San Francisco is setting the stage for a vibrant future with its ambitious 2026-2030 strategic plan, showcasing a stellar response during the Super Bowl and a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Click to read more!

#SanFranciscoCitySanFranciscoCounty #CA
Acting Port Director lays out 2026–2030 strategic plan, highlights Super Bowl readiness
Acting Executive Director Michael Martin presented a five-year strategic plan emphasizing partnership, resilience, and revenue generation while praising staff response during the Super Bowl and announcing operational pilots such as an overnight cleaning crew.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 7:22 AM
Arvin's council is taking a closer look at truck parking regulations as tensions rise between residents and truckers over noise, safety, and space.

Click to read more!

#ArvinCityKernCounty #CA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #ArvinCity #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety
Arvin council opens review of truck‑parking rules after residents and truckers raise competing concerns
Staff proposed updating Arvin Municipal Code chapter 12.16 to address truck parking that predates nearby residential development; council asked staff to study signage, enforcement, jurisdictional limits and potential off‑street parking options and return in March.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 1:36 AM
The City Administrative Officer has unveiled a strategy to potentially save up to $62 million in homelessness spending, but council members are demanding more data before making any cuts.

Get the details!

#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #HousingInitiatives #EquityInclusion #CitizenPortal
CAO outlines options to cut 10–15% of homelessness spending; council pauses to seek project-level data
The City Administrative Officer presented a menu of options to reduce homelessness spending by 10–15% (about $42–$62 million) across categories including demobilization, small sites, city-paid leases, InsightSafe motel leasing and safe parking; the committee continued the item and requested project-level analyses, utilization data and county participation before any decision.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 1:02 AM
California City residents and advocates are demanding action against CoreCivic's detention facility, citing shocking allegations of medical neglect and poor living conditions.

Click to read more!

#CaliforniaCityKernCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Residents, advocates press California City council to enforce codes and curb CoreCivic operations
Dozens of residents, legal advocates and local activists urged the council to enforce municipal codes, require CoreCivic to obtain a conditional use permit and pursue SB 29 processes; speakers alleged medical neglect and poor conditions at the detention facility and asked the city to pursue alternatives and state HEAL workforce funding.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 1:01 AM
The California State Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Click to read more!

#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityHonor #LegislativeAction #CivilRights
Assembly Adopts Consent Calendar, Including SCR 107 Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Jan. 20, 2026, the California State Assembly adopted the second-day consent calendar (including Senate Concurrent Resolution 107 honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) by a recorded tally of 63 yes, 0 no.
citizenportal.ai
February 17, 2026 at 12:47 AM
Los Angeles is taking bold steps to transform underutilized land into vibrant small-lot housing with the newly approved Small Lots Big Impact initiative!

Click to read more!

#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #LosAngelesHousing
Council Committee Approves Small Lots Big Impact RFQ After Public Support; RFQ Language Modified
After public testimony and proposed language changes, the committee voted 5–0 to initiate an RFQ for the Small Lots Big Impact initiative, a city‑UCLA lab effort to repurpose underused sites for housing. Supporters praised design competition outcomes and called for rapid implementation.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:04 PM
City staff are revolutionizing support for vulnerable communities by delivering multilingual training on immigration rights and emergency protocols to outreach workers.

Click to read more!

#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #EmergencyProtocols #CitizenPortal #MultilingualResources
City Staff Outline Provider Trainings on Immigration Rights, Multilingual Materials and Emergency Protocols
City departments described collaborative workshops, multi‑language materials and on‑site immigration‑response protocols for outreach workers and shelter providers; staff advised providers to seek site‑specific legal counsel and committed to further outreach and training.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:03 PM
A recent study reveals that some corporate owners in Los Angeles have increased their housing portfolios by over 60%, raising critical questions about the impact of corporate buying on local neighborhoods.

Click to read more!

#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #LosAngelesHousing #CitizenPortal
Housing Department Presents Study on Corporate Buying; Committee Votes to Expand Analysis
Department of Housing staff presented a study documenting rapid inventory growth by large owners (some >60% growth) and named firms with fast acquisitions; the committee voted 5–0 to pursue the study’s recommended options to better distinguish small landlords from large investors.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Los Angeles is exploring options to cut homeless-services spending by up to $62 million, but council members are raising alarms about potential bed losses and legal implications.

Get the details!

#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #HousingAccess #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
CAO Presents Options To Cut Homeless-Services Spending 10–15%; Council Members Warn of Bed Losses and Legal Limits
The city CAO presented options to reduce homeless-services spending by 10–15%—roughly $42–$62 million on a $417.8 million portfolio—by renegotiating hotel rents, targeting small sites and other program categories. Council members pressed for alternatives that preserve beds because of obligations under the Alliance settlement.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:02 PM
San Francisco's bold new on-demand shuttle plan is here, promising to enhance mobility for seniors and the disabled, but will it secure the funding it needs?

Click to read more!

#SanFranciscoCitySanFranciscoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicTransit #SanFranciscoDistrict4
SFCTA adopts District 4 on‑demand shuttle study; board approves pilot pursuit amid cost concerns
The Authority adopted the District 4 community shuttle study recommending a pilot on‑demand shuttle with estimated weekday demand of ~300 trips and operating costs of $2.5–3.0 million annually; one commissioner recorded a 'no' vote citing funding priorities and uncertainty about SFMTA finances.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Fallbrook High is on the brink of unlocking $8 million for modernization, thanks to new funding pathways established by Proposition 2!

Get the details!

#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #FacilitiesFunding
Consultants outline Prop 2 funding paths and pool project options; Fallbrook High has $8M unfunded approval
Gain Consulting briefed trustees on state facilities funding streams under Proposition 2, including small-district set-asides and facility-hardship fast-track options; consultants said Fallbrook High has an $8 million unfunded modernization approval and that pool repairs could qualify for facility-hardship processing.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Director Collins revealed that in 2025, the retirement system voted on a staggering 12,500 proposals, with significant shifts on the horizon that could reshape the proxy landscape for 2026.

Get the details!

#SanFranciscoCitySanFranciscoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CorporateGovernance
Board reviews 2025 proxy‑voting activity and industry shifts affecting shareholder proposals
Director Collins told the board staff voted on roughly 12,500 proposals in 2025, supported about 85% of management proposals and noted regulatory and market developments (SEC guidance, proxy‑advisor dynamics and institutional moves toward in‑house tools) that may affect 2026 proxy season.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 1:56 PM
A groundbreaking $299,091 grant aims to install heat-pump water heaters in 30 family child-care homes, paving the way for electrification and sustainability in underserved communities!

Learn more here

#SanFranciscoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityTraining #SustainabilityInitiatives
Environment Department to pilot heat‑pump water heaters in up to 30 family child‑care homes with $299,091 grant
A BFC committee recommended the Board approve a Tech Clean California grant (~$299,091) to install heat‑pump water heaters in up to 30 family child‑care provider facilities, provide contractor trainings, and complete installations by Dec. 31, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 1:41 PM