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Citizen Portal News California
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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!

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#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
California's AB 488 aimed to enhance donor protection and transparency, but implementation hiccups are leaving some charities struggling to fundraise effectively.

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#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
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?

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#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
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.

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#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
A devastating avalanche near Castle Peak has claimed nine lives, leaving families and rescuers grappling with the aftermath in treacherous conditions.

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#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
The Bay Area is set to receive a $9 million boost aimed at creating sustainable jobs across key sectors, but will it be enough to bridge growing workforce gaps before funding expires in 2026?

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#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #SustainableEmployment #WorkforceDevelopment
Bay Area Jobs First collaborative outlines $9 million in catalyst awards, plans for post‑2026 sustainability
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 6:41 AM
Tulare County is taking bold steps to address homelessness with a new ordinance that promises funding and essential protections for vulnerable individuals—will it make a difference?

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#TulareCounty #CA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #HousingPolicy
Task force forms ad hoc committee to advance draft encampment ordinance tied to state HAP funding
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 6:19 AM
The draft budget for Carmel-by-the-Sea's Community Activities is set to elevate celebrations for the city’s 100th birthday, featuring a $30,000 allocation for the Car Week shuttle and exciting plans for signature events!

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#MontereyCounty #CA #CommunityBudgeting #CitizenPortal
Community Activities draft budget includes $30,000 line for Car Week shuttle; commission discusses 100th birthday plans
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Auburn's Planning Commission has greenlit a transformative project to build three modern residential units, sparking a debate over local design standards and neighborhood aesthetics.

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#AuburnPlacerCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #AuburnPlanning #CommunityDesign
Auburn planning commission approves three-unit design review at 160 Oak Street, 4-1
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 8:31 PM
In a heated meeting, the Cypress School District Board rejected preliminary layoff resolutions and decided to include administrators in the next draft, paving the way for potential changes ahead.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #AdministrativeAccountability #PublicPolicy
Trustees reject preliminary layoff resolutions as presented; direct staff to add administrators to RIF lists
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 8:02 PM
The Los Angeles City Council has just approved a groundbreaking indoor temperature standard for rental housing as part of a busy agenda packed with vital policy changes!

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#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #LosAngelesCityCouncil #CitizenPortal #HousingRegulations
Council approves indoor‑heat standard and passes a series of consent and policy items
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Westminster's City Council has just approved a bold 2026 legislative platform, backed by a staggering $9.1 million in funding successes aimed at transforming the community!

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#WestminsterOrangeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #WestminsterLegislative #EconomicDevelopment #PublicFunding
City adopts 2026 legislative platform after consultant reports $9.1 million in funding
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Los Angeles just set a bold standard to keep rental homes cool, adopting an 82°F maximum indoor temperature to protect renters from extreme heat!

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#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #ClimateAdaptation #LosAngelesHousing #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #HousingSafety
Los Angeles City Council adopts 82°F maximum indoor temperature for rentals, adds implementation steps
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Did you know the Los Angeles County Sanitation District has recycled over a trillion gallons of water since the 1960s, turning waste into valuable resources for communities?

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#GardenaLosAngelesCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #WaterRecycling #GardenaSanitation #RenewableEnergy
County sanitation district describes recycling, energy and planned water‑reuse demonstration at Warren facility
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.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 3:55 PM
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
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
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
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
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
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
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