Citizen Portal News California
LightNews LightNews
banner
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Citizen Portal News California
@citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
210 followers 1 following 37K posts
Posts Replies Media Videos
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The California Appeals Board is set to revolutionize tax case hearings with the new CAMS rollout, making them more efficient and accessible across the state!

Learn more here

#CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EfficiencyImprovement
Appeals board: CAMS rollout will let tax cases be heard statewide as DOL metrics near compliance
At its Feb. 18 meeting the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board heard updated workload figures and was told migration of tax cases into the California Appeals Management System (CAMS) will improve portability and scheduling; leaders said Department of Labor timeliness targets are close but some measures remain short of guidelines.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 1:56 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Tulare City Council takes a bold step to consolidate police, fire, and ambulance dispatch services in-house, backed by federal funding!

Click to read more!

#TulareTulareCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyServices #TulareDispatch
Tulare council authorizes steps to bring dispatch in‑house after federal earmark award
The Tulare City Council authorized staff to proceed with consolidating police, fire and ambulance dispatch into a city‑run center and gave the city manager authority to issue a 90‑day termination notice to the county contractor once timing and federal funds permit; council approved the action unanimously (5‑0).
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 1:51 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The California Assembly just voted to advance two key Senate bills, SB 107 and SB 117, to the third reading, but not without some intense moments!

Learn more here

#CA #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #LegislativeProcess #GovernmentTransparency
Assembly votes to move two Senate bills to third reading after roll-call
After an objection to unanimous consent, the Assembly approved a motion by the majority leader to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Budget Committee for third reading; the roll call was aye 41, noes 13 and the motion carried.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 1:19 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
California is set to revolutionize tax appeals with a phased rollout into the new California appeals management system, promising streamlined processes and specialized training for judges.

Learn more here!

#CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #GovernmentInnovation
Board hears timeline to move tax appeals into CAMS; officials say training and phased rollout will limit disruption
Board members were briefed on plans to migrate the Office of Tax Petitions into the California appeals management system (CAMS), a phased rollout expected in the second quarter of 2026; management said specialized judges will handle complex tax hearings and training will be scheduled close to when judges start hearing those cases.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Vacaville is exceeding its high-end housing targets but falling short on affordable units, raising concerns among commissioners about the city's future plans for low-income housing.

Read the full story

#VacavilleCitySolanoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment
Vacaville planning commission warns of shortfalls for lower‑income RHNA targets; forwards APR to council
Staff told the commission the city exceeded above‑moderate RHNA targets but remains far behind for very low, low and moderate income units; commissioners pressed staff on financing, incentives and regional coordination and the commission voted to forward the annual progress report to City Council and HCD.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:47 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Exciting plans are underway to revive Salinas' Chinatown with affordable housing and a museum space at the historic Republic Cafe!

Learn more here

#SalinasMontereyCounty #CA #CulturalDevelopment #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #HistoricPreservation #SalinasChinatown
Salinas committee hears update on Chinatown redevelopment; city readies 34–40, 37–39 and 45 Soledad Street for affordable housing and museum space
City staff described predevelopment work on multiple Soledad Street parcels in Salinas’ Chinatown, including $1.5 million in planning funds, a planned partnership with the Asian Cultural Experience of Salinas for a first‑floor museum at the Republic Cafe, and next steps toward planning approvals and developer RFPs.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:40 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Monrovia residents are rallying for justice and protection in the wake of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez's tragic death, demanding an independent investigation and sanctuary city measures.

Get the details!

#MonroviaLosAngelesCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #ImmigrationReform #CitizenPortal
Monrovia residents press council for independent probe and sanctuary‑city measures after death of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez
Public speakers asked the council to demand an independent investigation into the death of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez, adopt a sanctuary‑city ordinance and require body cameras during federal immigration enforcement; city staff said CHP conducts the investigation and the city has sought updates from CHP and state offices but has received no report.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:26 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Hollister City Council just approved a 30% increase in water rates while offering a 25% discount for low-income customers—what does this mean for residents?

Click to read more!

#HollisterCitySanBenitoCounty #CA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #HollisterCityCouncil #CommunitySupport
Hollister council adopts 30% bridge water rate increase; 25% discount for PG&E CARE customers
The Hollister City Council voted 5-0 to adopt a 30% "bridge" increase to water rates, effective with the March billing cycle, and approved a 25% discount for customers verified in PG&E's CARE program; council directed staff to return in the fall with a five-year rate study and implementation plan.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:23 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The FJUHSD is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of 80% college and career readiness by 2027, with significant progress already made in just three years!

Learn more here

#CA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #CollegeReadiness
FJUHSD presents LCAP midyear update and progress toward an '80% moonshot' college/career goal
Newly assigned Ed Services director Steve Casares gave a midyear LCAP update, reporting a 2025 college‑and‑career indicator (CCI) of 60.1%, a district general fund budget of about $233 million for 2025–26 and about $188 million allocated within the LCAP, and described interventions, CTE expansions, and next steps toward a 2027 target.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:21 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The Assembly Budget Committee is pushing for a crucial exemption to expedite $20 million in climate bond funding, but are safeguards in place to ensure accountability?

Get the details!

#CA #CitizenPortal #VendorOversight #PublicInput #WildfirePrevention
Assembly committee backs narrow APA exemption to speed 2025 Prop 4 projects, moves $20 million transfer
The Assembly Budget Committee heard ABSB 107, which would exempt development of program guidelines for 2025 Proposition 4 climate bond appropriations from the Administrative Procedure Act and transfer $20 million from Visit California to Go-Biz; members pressed for vendor safeguards and protections for time‑sensitive rural projects.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:19 PM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
California's State Water Board has just greenlit a move that could save $16.3 million by refinancing outdated Clean Water bonds—what does this mean for future funding?

Click to read more!

#CA #FinancialSustainability #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalResilience #PublicInvestment
State Water Board approves refunding of 2016 Clean Water SRF bonds to free capital for new loans
The State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously on Feb. 18 to adopt a resolution authorizing sale of refunding bonds to redeem outstanding 2016 Clean Water SRF bonds (approx. $158M outstanding), with an early financial analysis showing estimated NPV savings of about $16.3M to be redirected to new Clean Water SRF financings.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 11:52 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board reports a notable drop in case inventory and improved metrics, but are they hitting all their deadlines?

Click to read more!

#CA #LaborCompliance #CitizenPortal #WorkforceDevelopment
Appeals board hears monthly workload numbers; managers say some DOL timeliness targets are close but others lag
Agency leaders reported that field offices closed just under 15,000 decisions in January, daily appeals intake averaged about 580 cases, and overall appeals inventory fell to 12,784; the board was told some Department of Labor timeliness measures are close to compliance while others remain short.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 11:37 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The Senate has advanced AB 107, a crucial budget-fix bill that promises to streamline climate bond spending and tackle administrative hurdles for California’s future.

Get the details!

#CA #CitizenPortal #TransparencyInGovernance #ClimateAction #EconomicDevelopment
Senate committee advances AB 107 to clear technical fixes and expedite climate bond spending
AB 107, described as a budget bill‑junior, passed out of committee after testimony that it makes technical corrections to prior budget acts, exempts certain Prop 4 program guideline development from the Administrative Procedure Act to speed grant implementation, and moves $20 million from Visit California to GoBiz.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 11:29 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
A bold new plan could see the Bay Area transit system receive a $590 million lifeline to address urgent cash-flow challenges—but is it a smart solution or a risky bailout?

Click to read more!

#CA #CitizenPortal #PublicTransit #InfrastructureFunding #RegionalEconomy
Assembly hears plan for regional loan of roughly $590 million to bridge Bay Area transit cash‑flow gaps
Committee members questioned a Finance‑negotiated plan (ABSB 117) to let CalSTA loan up to roughly $590 million to MTC for loans to four Bay Area transit operators, drawing on awarded-but-unallocated TIRCP funds; the proposal includes a 12‑year term, STA security and triggers to protect projects, but members pressed on repayment risk and protections for major legacy projects.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 11:13 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The California State Assembly just made history by adopting House Resolution 80 to officially recognize the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse!

Click to read more!

#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityUnity #CulturalRecognition #DiversityCelebration
Assembly adopts resolution recognizing Lunar New Year
The California State Assembly adopted House Resolution 80 on Feb. 17, 2026, recognizing Lunar New Year and its cultural significance; the resolution drew support from multiple caucuses and was adopted by voice after 62 members were listed as coauthors.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 11:01 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Residents are demanding Costa Mesa City Council take action against the controversial Flock Safety license-plate reader program, citing serious civil-liberties concerns and potential misuse of data.

Learn more here

#CostaMesaOrangeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CostaMesaCityCouncil #CivilLiberties
Residents urge Costa Mesa to audit or cancel Flock Safety ALPR network amid ICE concerns
Residents urged the City Council to audit or cancel its contract with Flock Safety automated license‑plate readers, citing alleged unauthorized federal access and civil‑liberties risks; council members acknowledged concerns and asked the police and city attorney to report back on current policies and the feasibility of an audit.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 10:48 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
California’s higher education leaders are pushing for increased funding to support a surge in enrollment and critical technology advancements—are lawmakers ready to respond?

Learn more here

#CA #CitizenPortal #EnrollmentGrowth #WorkforceAlignment #EquityInvestments
Higher‑education leaders ask California Assembly for targeted funding to meet enrollment and workforce needs
Chancellors of the California Community Colleges and CSU and the president of the University of California outlined funding requests and policy priorities — including enrollment growth funding, a common cloud data platform, expanded credit for prior learning, and action on transfer pathways — at an Assembly Subcommittee No. 3 hearing.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 10:09 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Residents and conservationists are sounding the alarm at the State Water Board, urging stronger protections for the Bay-Delta amid growing concerns over potential rollbacks of vital water regulations.

Learn more here

#CA #AquaticBiodiversity #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalJustice #WaterProtection
Public commenters tell State Water Board to reject voluntary agreements, guard Bay-Delta protections
At the State Water Resources Control Board’s Feb. 18 meeting in Sacramento, multiple public commenters urged stronger Bay-Delta flow protections, warned that recent letters seeking rollbacks of the D-1641 and X2 standards threaten the Delta, and urged the board to require firm funding and backstops before approving voluntary agreements.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 9:23 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
A recent state audit revealed that California's cannabis packaging rules are so vague that they're putting children at risk, with poison control calls skyrocketing!

Learn more here

#CA #YouthProtection #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryReform
State audit finds vague cannabis packaging rules; lawmakers press DCC for clearer standards to keep products from appealing to children
A state audit and lawmakers say the Department of Cannabis Control’s rules and enforcement are inconsistent, allowing some cannabis products with candy‑like packaging and high THC beverage formats to reach consumers; DCC says it is centralizing reviews, improving tools, and pursuing tougher penalties for repeat violators while urging work with the legislature on statutory clarity.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 9:11 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
A recent audit revealed that vague cannabis packaging rules are putting children at risk, leading to a shocking rise in poison-control calls.

Get the details!

#CA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #ChildSafety #RegulatoryReform
State audit finds unclear cannabis packaging rules; lawmakers and health experts push for clearer standards
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 9:03 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The Senate has just greenlit a groundbreaking $590 million loan to bolster Bay Area transit, but with strict safeguards in place to ensure accountability and repayment!

Learn more here!

#CA #CitizenPortal #PublicTransport #UrbanMobility
Senate committee advances $590 million Bay Area transit loan after lawmakers press for safeguards
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 8:41 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
California's AB 488 aimed to enhance donor protection and transparency, but implementation hiccups are leaving some charities struggling to fundraise effectively.

Click to read more!

#CA #CharityTransparency #CitizenPortal #FundraisingReform #DonorProtection
Assembly review finds AB 488 strengthened oversight of online fundraisers but implementation has disrupted some nonprofits
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 8:40 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
The Rolling Hills Estates Planning Commission just filed the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan, highlighting urgent wildfire risks and funding strategies—are you ready for the city council's adoption vote on February 23?

Click to read more!

#RollingHillsEstatesLosAngelesCounty #CA #CitizenPortal
Commission Receives Palos Verdes Peninsula Hazard Mitigation Plan Update; Council to Consider Adoption Feb. 23
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 7:46 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
California's High Road Construction Careers initiative is paving the way for a new generation of skilled workers through innovative partnerships and essential support services.

Learn more here!

#CA #ApprenticeshipSupport #ConstructionTraining #CitizenPortal
State leaders and labor outline HRCC apprenticeship pipeline, Caltrans partnership and barriers to scaling
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 7:36 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
A devastating avalanche near Castle Peak has claimed nine lives, leaving families and rescuers grappling with the aftermath in treacherous conditions.

Read the full story

#NevadaCounty #CA #AvalancheHazard #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety
Avalanche near Castle Peak in Nevada County: nine presumed dead, recovery limited by weather
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM