California

California’s Newsom to launch 2nd term with contrast to GOP

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2023

California’s Newsom to launch 2nd term with contrast to GOP

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom will kick off his second and remaining time period on Friday by contrasting his management of the nation’s largest Democratic stronghold with Republican leaders he’s branded as threats to freedom and democracy — together with former President Donald Trump.

Newsom’s inaugural ceremonies will start with a morning march via downtown Sacramento to the state Capitol. The date — Jan. 6 — was chosen deliberately to mark the second anniversary of the violent assault by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol in an try and halt Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden as president.

The occasion is supposed to “stand in peaceable distinction to the violent revolt and assault on our democracy which occurred two years in the past,” Newsom’s marketing campaign stated.

His second time period formally started Monday. The deliberate outside ceremony Friday comes amid a collection of large storms that introduced heavy rain, snow and intense winds throughout the state. The deluge prompted Newsom to declare a state of emergency and provided a reminder of the bread-and-butter work of governing the nation’s most populous state.

As Newsom seeks to place California on the heart of the nationwide political dialog, he’ll even be challenged to put out a imaginative and prescient for his second time period. He’ll face headwinds within the type of a finances deficit, an unmitigated homeless disaster and drought which will persist regardless of the storms. And he’ll go to battle with the oil business as he pushes lawmakers to impose fines on firm income.

Newsom started his first time period in 2019 with Trump as a transparent foil in Washington. With Biden now within the White Home, Newsom has pivoted his fireplace towards fellow governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas, each Republicans. He’s chided fellow Democrats for not being aggressive sufficient in standing as much as Republicans and has taken the combat to GOP states himself — even launching adverts in different states that trash GOP insurance policies and promote California as a protected place for ladies to hunt abortion.

Each Newsom and DeSantis are extensively seen as future presidential contenders, although maybe not in opposition to one another. Newsom has dedicated to supporting Biden if the president seeks a second time period, as he at present plans to do. DeSantis, in the meantime, has not dominated out a 2024 run — whilst Trump seeks a return to the White Home.

Their competing visions of governance — together with how greatest to advertise “freedom” — showcase the political polarization that’s taken maintain throughout the nation. In his personal inaugural deal with Tuesday, DeSantis touched on nationwide points like immigration and inflation, and decried “wokeness.”

“They’ve two starkly completely different philosophies on find out how to run a state and that alternative shall be on the poll in some unspecified time in the future, whether or not its both a type of two or people of their events,” stated Invoice Burton, a California political marketing consultant who was a spokesman for former President Barack Obama.

The continued drama in Washington that has saved GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a fellow Californian, from securing the speakership within the U.S. Home additionally boosts Newsom’s argument that Democrats are higher at governing, stated Kim Nalder, a professor of political science on the California State College, Sacramento.

“His narrative that he’s attempting to create is: Look how significantly better issues might be if Democrats ran the political world,” she stated.

The California Republican Get together had a special interpretation, noting that extra individuals are leaving California than shifting to the state.

“Whereas we are able to solely hope that Newsom spends slightly extra time in his second time period coping with the issues he created within the Golden State, we count on he’ll be far too busy chasing laughable White Home fantasies and lashing out at pink states that numerous former Californians at the moment are calling dwelling,” Jessica Millan Patterson, chairwoman of the get together, stated in a press release.

However Californians have twice bolstered their assist for Newsom previously 15 months: first in a 2021 recall try that failed and once more final November, when he handily gained his second time period.

Newsom’s first time period was dominated by wildfires, a significant utility chapter and the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed greater than 100,000 Californians, and prompted monthslong shut downs of companies and colleges. However he was additionally handed a large finances surplus that allowed him to take a position tens of billions within the setting, schooling, youngster care and well being care.

However he enters his second time period with a projected $25 billion finances deficit, which limits what Newsom can spend on and should power finances cuts. He’ll provide his first glimpse at spending priorities subsequent week.

He’s additionally equipped for a significant combat with the oil business, convincing the Legislature to launch a particular session to think about a brand new effective on oil firm income. Gasoline costs climbed above $6 per gallon in California, which is effectively above the nationwide common.

California remains to be among the many prime oil-producing states and the business continues to carry some sway within the Legislature amongst lawmakers, together with Democrats, who characterize oil-rich elements of the state. Newsom, although, has made clear that he needs the state to section out oil and gasoline in favor of extra climate-friendly power sources.

The potential finances deficit specifically could power Newsom to show extra of his consideration again dwelling if he hopes to keep up the sturdy assist he’s up to now loved, stated Sarah Hill, a professor of political science on the California State College, Fullerton, who focuses on state politics.

“If he nonetheless is form of enjoying this nationwide stage whereas the state is hurting fiscally they usually’re having to make cuts, I don’t assume that can play effectively,” she stated.

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California

State of California confirms an increase in Social Security payments as of Dec. 30

Published

1 hour ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

State of California confirms an increase in Social Security payments as of Dec. 30

The State of California has confirmed that Social Security beneficiaries will receive an increase in their payments beginning December 30, 2024. This 2.5% increase is part of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) applied across the United States for 2025. The COLA is based on inflation rates to ensure beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power.

The December 30, 2024 Payment

The first payment reflecting this increase will be for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Normally scheduled for January 1, this payment has been moved to December 30 due to the New Year’s Day holiday. This adjustment benefits millions in California and across the country, particularly those who rely on these funds for basic needs.

Types of Social Security Benefits

The Social Security program encompasses several types of benefits, all of which will see the 2.5% increase:

Retirement Benefits: For individuals who have reached retirement age and contributed to the system during their working years.
Disability Insurance (SSDI): For individuals unable to work due to a long-term disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities.
Survivor Benefits: Payments made to family members of deceased workers.

January 2025 Payment Schedule

Social Security payments are distributed based on the beneficiary’s birthdate. Here is the schedule for January 2025:

January 3: Payments for those who receive benefits before May 1997 or who also receive SSI.
January 8: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
January 15: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
January 22: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month.

The COLA increase will be reflected in all these payments.

Impact in California and Nationwide

California, home to more than 6 million Social Security beneficiaries, will see a significant impact from this adjustment. However, the increase is a nationwide policy benefiting over 70 million recipients across the United States.

This adjustment aims to ease the financial burden on Americans as they face rising living costs, reinforcing the commitment to support the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

For more details about your payments, you can visit the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website.

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California

Scientists document carnivorous squirrels in California who hunt voles : Short Wave

Published

9 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Scientists document carnivorous squirrels in California who hunt voles : Short Wave

Squirrels are omnivores, eating nuts, fruit, small insects — and according to a study published in the Journal of Ethology — voles.

Sonja Wild, UC Davis

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Sonja Wild, UC Davis

Squirrels are omnivores, eating nuts, fruit, small insects — and according to a study published in the Journal of Ethology — voles.

Sonja Wild, UC Davis

Squirrels are on the hunt in the California Bay Area.

Their target: local voles.

In a study published in the Journal of Ethology, a group of California ground squirrels were found hunting, killing and eating a vole. Lead researcher and behavioral ecologist Jennifer Smith from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire says her team witnessed this behavior in the twelfth year of a long term study.

The local vole population boomed this year. It was five to six times bigger than normal, Smith says the squirrels took advantage of that.

But this behavior is not new. “There’s been accumulating evidence of one or two events within a species of a red squirrel taking a sparrow,” she says, also noting, “They tend to go, try to take chickens.”

But these accounts have been thought to be one-offs, generally.

With this study, the squirrels’ entire process was captured via video — and shown to be a regular part of these squirrels’ behavior.

Listen to Short Wave on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

This episode was produced by Rachel Carlson and Jordan-Marie Smith and edited by Rebecca Ramirez, Christopher Intagliata and Ashley Brown. Tyler Jones checked the facts.

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California

Top 25 California high school boys basketball rankings (12/26/2024)

Published

17 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

Top 25 California high school boys basketball rankings (12/26/2024)

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is always revealing for the best boys basketball teams in California and final days of the 2024 calendar year should be no different.

The Damien Classic and Torrey Pines Holiday Classic always present a window of what is in store for the rest of the season and separates the contenders and pretenders. Next weekend at the HoopHall Classic West in Gilbert (Ariz.), Jan. 2-4, will also give the elite teams time to strut their stuff.

There are nine teams among California’s Top 25 still unbeaten at Christmas, a pretty high number, including top-ranked St. John Bosco, No. 6 Riordan and No. 8 De La Salle and No. 9 Montgomery.

Note: Only teams that play for a CIF State California title were considered for this rankings, thus eliminating Prolific Prep of Napa Christian, which can and will play for a mythical national title. Notes and rankings below from Southern Section teams supplied by SBLive’s Tarek Fattal.

The Braves win their Trinity League opener over Orange Lutheran without Brandon McCoy and Elzie Harrington. Christian Collins and Max Ellis led the way. Next up: Platinum Division in Classic at Damien.

Eastvale Roosevelt wins the 2024 Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, beating Notre Dame Sherman Oaks in the final, 76-58. / Tarkanian Classic/X

Roosevelt wins the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, beating Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks in the final. Brayden Burries scored 26 points and Issac Williamson had 19.

Nik Khamenia notches 26 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a convincing win over JSerra, a team expected to earn an Open Division berth.

Notre Dame suffers its first loss in the Tarkanian Classic final to Roosevelt despite Tyran Stokes scoring 20 points. Lino Mark played just four minutes in an attempt to play while injured. (TYRAN STOKES DEBUT)

Four more wins started with 90-65 blowout of defending state D2 champion Oakland Tech behind 33 points and 10 points from Tounde Yessoufou, and a combined 45 from Julius and Malcolm Price along with Gunner Morinini. Yessoufou is averaging 29.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Riordan top recruit Jasir Rencher helped lead the Crusaders to a Central Coast Section Open Division title in 2024. After a strong showing at the Section 7 event last weekend, the Crusaders are a team to watch in the Cali Live 2024 in Roseville this weekend. / Photo: Greg Jungferman

Won the Gridley Classic with wins over Branson (68-27), Clovis North (54-52) and previous No. 6 Salesian (52-51) thanks in part to tournament MVP Andrew Hilman (19 points). Texas Tech-bound Jasir Rencher and Irvine signee Nex Emeneke was also All-Tourney.

Carlton Perrilliat also added 11 rebounds in limited minutes.

Carlton Perrilliat swoops in for two of his game-high 22 points in Salesian’s lopsided win over Windward last spring at the at Cali Live 24 in Roseville. / Photo: Gary Jones

Pride lost their first regular-season game since 2022, 52-51 to Riordan, in finals of the Gridley Classic. Salesian missed two free throws with 1.2 seconds to play.

Win over Santa Margarita (61-57) to win the Vountour Classic was team’s most impressive. David Balogun, a rapidly improving 6-6 post, scored 29 to lead the way. Since then breathers over Mountain House (67-35), La Salle (76-26) and Sacred Heart Cathedral (79-39).

The Aztecs from San Diego won five games last week, including four at the Tarkanian Classic to take the Nike Division championship behind division’s Most Outstanding Player J.J. Sanchez, who had 22 points in the finals.

Eagles’ only loss comes this week to unbeaten NorCal power De La Salle, but bounces back with a win over Murrieta Valley.

Trailblazers beat Millikan 87-33 this past week.

The Lions get a taste of Open Division-level hoops in a 65-50 loss to Harvard-Westlake.

Redondo Union is picking up Open Division playoff buzz.

La Mirada forward Gene Roebuck is one of the top 2027 prospects on the West Coast. / Tarek Fattal

La Mirada has been idle since Dec. 14.

Coach Paul Tait is enthused by the play of sophomore point guard Dominic Loehle.

After lopsided win over St. Augustine (77-54), recorded tough wins over Sage Creek (75-66), Mission Hills (67-59) and La Jolla Country Day (80-68).

Monarchs have won five of their last six.

Pius went 2-2 at the Tarkanian Classic.

Jasone Crowe Jr. is averaging 37 points per game.

Had won four straight before losing 63-54 to Brophy College Prep of Phoenix Ariz. (63-54).

Quality win over Pacifica Christian of Orange County without Jeremiah Hampton was impressive. JJ Harris and Louis Bond impressed.

Canyon has won five straight. Brandon Benjamin averaging 30+ points a game.

Damien without big man Nate Garcia (injured).

Twelve straight wins isn’t a bad way to start the season. Defense a big key, holding opponents under 50 seven times, including three straight games limiting opponents to 49 in wins over Riverside poly (61-49), Salesian Los Angeles (93-49) and Wiseburn-Da Vinci (61-49).

Cougars last win came against Long Beach Poly on Dec. 14.

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