A California Republican senator says it is time to have a “serious discussion” about putting a measure on the ballot to potentially “reverse” legalization of marijuana in the state—also raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s move to reschedule cannabis at the federal level.

“I think it’s time to assess the effects, the significant unintended consequences of the legalization of marijuana, which has not just happened in California, but in other states too,” Sen. Roger Niello (R) said at a hearing of the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee last week.

“Now we can’t change it without going back to the people, but I think we should have a serious discussion, a serious analysis of the obvious…unintended negative consequences I don’t think that the writers of the proposition cared about,” he said as first reported by State Affairs, referring to the cannabis legalization ballot initiative that California voters approved in 2016. “I think these could have been predicted. They just wanted recreational use to be legalized.”

Niello raised concerns that “we’re even seeing our current president now advocating that by downplaying the classification of marijuana at the federal level.”

“We have seen significant negative consequences of this legalization, both here as well as in other states,” the senator, who was speaking at a hearing at which lawmakers approved a bill to legalize marijuana dispensary drive-thru windows in California, said. “I think it’s time for us to have a serious analysis of that, and whether or not we want to develop a proposition to go back to the voters and either reverse it or somehow reform it so that we don’t continually deal with the problems that we do.”

“I oppose the legalization of marijuana,” he said, citing data about cannabis use by young people and an alleged link to mental health problems and claiming that the 2016 reform was “written to please everybody” which resulted in a “dysfunctional policy that is bound for unintended consequences.”

Elsewhere in the U.S., marijuana legalization opponents are currently collecting signatures to put measures to roll back the reform in Maine and Massachusetts—though those anti-cannabis campaigns have faced accusations of misleading petitioning tactics.

A separate anti-marijuana effort in Arizona for a similar measure was dropped after its lead organizer said his initial concerns about the legal cannabis industry were misplaced.

—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—

Back in California, regulators recently adopted emergency rules changes for the state’s marijuana licensing process that are intended to make it easier for businesses to qualify for benefits in line with the Trump administration’s recent move to federally reschedule medical cannabis.

They also separately launched a new AI tool to help businesses identify marijuana product packaging may appeal to kids in violation of state rules.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), meanwhile, recently took credit for helping to lead the push for the state to legalize marijuana and discussed his own limited experience with using cannabis.

In October, however, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed certain marijuana microbusinesses to ship medical cannabis products directly to patients via common carriers like FedEx and UPS, stating that the proposal “would be burdensome and overly complex to administer.”

Newsom did sign a bill earlier that month aimed at streamlining research on marijuana and psychedelics.

In September, the governor also signed a measure into law to put a pause on a recently enacted tax hike on marijuana products.

Separately, the state attorney general says Indian tribes cannot independently engage in marijuana commerce with licensed cannabis businesses without first obtaining their own commercial license from state officials.

California officials recently awarded nearly $30 million in grants for marijuana-focused academic research projects.

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — After a four-year absence, the Miss California competition is returning to Fresno, bringing dozens of contestants back to the city that long served as the pageant’s home.

Contestants gathered at River Park on Sunday afternoon to kick off competition week.

Organizers said 63 contestants for Miss California and Miss California Teen took part in the event.

They emphasized the competition is about more than what happens on stage, saying contestants spend months developing leadership skills, advocating for causes they care about and earning scholarships.

“And when you hear that pageants are just girly stuff, no. No, these are intelligent, bright, beautiful women,” said Sandy Johnson who volunteers for the event.

Another speaker highlighted the focus on service and advocacy: “They’re all here with their passions and their community service initiatives to go forward and change the world as one of them becomes the next Miss California and another becomes the next Miss California teen.”

Reigning Miss California Rachel Axt of Clovis said her experience has helped her share her community initiative, advocating for children on the spectrum.

“It’s also helped me in my career as a special education teacher be able to get the word out and to show people what it’s really like to live life on the spectrum,” Axt said.

This year’s competition also marks a homecoming for the pageant. From 1994 to 2022, Fresno served as the host city. Now, after four years, the competition has returned.

“It’s special to me because I was born and raised in Fresno County, but it’s very special to the community because in many ways, this is the historical home of Miss California,” said Axt.

Volunteer Sandy Johnson said events like the pageant provide an economic boost to the area.

“They’re bringing their parents, their guests, and they’re in the city and eating and shopping and doing all those things,” Johnson said.

The Miss California competition is scheduled for June 15-20, 2026, at the Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno.

Warnings for dangerous coastal conditions on Sunday, June 14 were extended until late Wednesday at Los Angeles County beaches, and until Friday at Orange County beaches.

Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet on south-facing Los Angeles County beaches are expected, in addition to “high astronomical tides of 7.5 to 7.9 feet” each evening, according to the National Weather Service.

“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning,” the NWS said. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. Minor coastal flooding is possible in low-lying areas near the times of high tides.”

The NWS advised people to remain out of the water or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, to beachgoers were also advised to stay off the rocks.

In Orange County, a beach hazards statement is in effect through Friday evening. King tides are expected to affect the Orange County coastline, bringing the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas.

See also: Body of girl swept into ocean in Laguna Beach found near Christmas Cove

“Areas most susceptible to flooding include Newport Island, Balboa Island, Finley Tract, Lido Village, Balboa Village, LaFayette Avenue, the Peninsula and portions of the Marcus River and Lake Avenue area,” according to a dispatch last week from the Newport Beach City Manager’s Office.

“Residents with properties adjacent to Newport Harbor should take precautions, including installing seawall plugs and placing sandbags in vulnerable areas,” the dispatch stated.

The warning advised that localized street “ponding” is expected and drivers were urged to proceed slowly through any flooded areas to avoid creating wakes that can worsen the impact to nearby properties.

Parking in low-lying areas should be avoided.

“City crews are installing flood-protection gap boards on Balboa Island and will deploy throughout the king tide event to operate pumps, place sandbags, install flood-protection measures and post traffic-control signs where needed,” the dispatch stated.

Newport Beach residents can pick up pre-filled sandbags at the City Corporation Yard at 592 Superior Ave. Sandbags were also available for filling at all Newport Beach fire stations.

Anyone in the Newport Beach area seeking more information can call 949-644-3055.

King tides are typically the highest tides of the year, caused by the combined gravitational pull of the moon and sun during full and new moons.