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Citizen Portal News California
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Over 80% of coastal residents support smoke-free multiunit housing, but will Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Encinitas take action to protect their communities from harmful secondhand smoke?

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#EncinitasSanDiegoCounty #CA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafety
Advocates push for smoke‑free multiunit housing ordinances including Encinitas
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 12:13 PM
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Local advocates are rallying to ensure the vital State Route 123 repaving project stays on track, citing urgent safety concerns and recent tragic incidents.

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#CA #TransportationReform #CitizenPortal #CommunitySafety #MultimodalInvestments
El Cerrito officials and safety advocates urge CTC to keep State Route 123 repaving on schedule
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 10:45 AM
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Dozens of dedicated county employees are fighting to prevent layoffs in the Enhanced Care Management program, warning that replacing experienced nurses could jeopardize patient safety and increase emergency visits.

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#ContraCostaCounty #CA #PatientSafety #ContraCostaCounty
County workers urge board to delay ECM layoffs, warn of patient‑safety and homelessness risks
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 10:43 AM
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Western Placer Unified is set to save an astonishing $29 million over 30 years with major upgrades in HVAC, solar energy, and EV charging stations!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableInnovation #PublicFunding
District updates solar, HVAC and EV charging projects; presenter cites $29 million projected savings over 30 years
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 10:31 AM
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The Western Placer Unified School District has taken a bold step in shaping the future of education by adopting new TK–8 specifications that prioritize safety, collaboration, and innovative learning environments.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #SafetySecurity #CommunityCollaboration
Board adopts TK–8 educational specifications to guide new campus design
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM
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Hinkley residents are demanding action as their well water remains tainted with nitrates, posing a serious health risk for over a decade.

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#CA #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalAction #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal
Hinkley residents press Lahontan board for action on nitrates; board offers informational follow-up
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 10:26 AM
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An independent audit reveals a clean financial slate for the district but uncovers state compliance issues, including a potential $49,000 penalty tied to Transitional Kindergarten ratios.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #FinancialTransparency #ComplianceAudit
Independent audit gives clean financial opinion but flags state compliance items, including a potential $49,000 TK ratio penalty
External auditors issued unmodified opinions on the district’s financial statements and federal compliance but reported state compliance findings including attendance and a Transitional Kindergarten adult‑to‑pupil ratio error that could generate a $49,000 penalty; auditors said most findings were site‑level and management is addressing them.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 9:37 AM
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New legislation will reshape how out-of-state psychologists practice in California, introducing a swift application process and upcoming changes in licensing trends!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #LicensingReform #ProfessionalDevelopment
Licensing staff outline SB 2912 changes, processing trends and CPD webinar
Board staff described a new temporary out-of-state psychologist application and processing timelines after state legislative change (SB 2912); staff also reported application workload trends and announced a CPD webinar on March 27, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 9:27 AM
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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