OAKLAND, Calif. – With the new year comes new laws in California. Specifically, there are at least three related to cars. 

Let’s take a look at what takes effect on Jan. 1. 

Parking near a crosswalk

AB 413 is also known as the “daylighting law.”  Drivers will no longer be able to park within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk. The goal is to improve visibility for pedestrians and potentially reduce the number of accidents. More than 40 other states have some kind of daylighting law like this. In November, San Francisco tried to get a jumpstart on this law, and began issuing warning letters to drivers parked in those spaces. 

There is a 60-day grace period, but by March, drivers will face a fine, which will vary from city to city. Fines will range from $40 to $100. 

Locked door loophole

The locked door loophole, SB 905, requires prosecutors to prove car doors were locked when someone broke in. This makes it easier for prosecutors to address auto burglary and thefts. 

Driver’s license discrimination 

SB 1100 makes it illegal for a job posting to require applicants to have a valid driver’s license.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has set social media ablaze after voicing support for President-elect Donald Trump’s softened stance on H-1B visas, aligning himself with DOGE co-head Elon Musk. Newsom’s unexpected endorsement has left MAGA supporters in turmoil, with some accusing him of attempting to fracture the Republican base.
Newsom’s post on X (formerly Twitter) featured a screenshot of an article with the headline: “Trump supports immigration visas backed by Musk: ‘I have many H-1B visas on my properties.’” Alongside it, the Democratic governor wrote, “Good to see Trump embrace Elon’s position. Hardworking immigrants should continue to be part of our great nation.”
He elaborated, “From Silicon Valley to the Central Valley, we are better off when we have competition and top talent – from farmworkers, construction workers, CEOs, and beyond.”

The reaction from MAGA supporters was swift and furious. Some claimed the movement was unraveling, with one commenter writing, “The most radical Democrats are now shilling for Trump. MAGA has been cooked for some time, but now it’s burnt to a crisp.”
Others accused Newsom of exploiting the ongoing civil war within the MAGA ranks, urging supporters not to fall for his tactics. “This piece of [expletive] is just trying to stir up some [expletive]. Don’t fall for it,” one user cautioned.

A new rift in the MAGA base
The controversy follows a broader debate within Trump’s inner circle, fueled by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s advocacy for immigration visas. Musk recently liked a post suggesting Americans lack the skills for tech roles, while Ramaswamy called out “mediocrity” in American culture.
Newsom doubled down on his pro-immigration stance, posting hours earlier, “@ElonMusk is right when he said: ‘you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.’” He added, “The same principle should apply to supporting our farmworkers, construction, and trades workers who build and feed our country. Top talent is top talent.”
As MAGA supporters debate their movement’s future, Newsom’s comments have exposed deep divisions, raising questions about Trump’s evolving positions and the ideological fault lines in American politics.

Politicians, voters, and residents across California were remembering the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter on Sunday, after news of the 39th president’s death spread across the world.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement Sunday on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

“Jennifer and I join the country and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless champion for human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place.

“President Carter was a man of rare character – whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered.

“Service was more than a career for President Carter, it was a way of life. After leaving the White House, the Carters made it their mission to advance global peace and health through the Carter Center, improving countless lives over four decades of humanitarian efforts.

“President Carter’s candor and compassion, moral leadership, and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to. His enduring example reminds us that we can still find common ground despite our differences.

“Our hearts are with the Carter family, their loved ones and friends, and everyone grieving this great loss.”

Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement on social media giving a nod to Carter’s dedication to public service and recalling her own memories of the former president.

Senator Alex Padilla also issued a statement via X, honoring Carter’s philanthropy and commitment to peace. He also referred to Carter’s work to protect the environment and defend democratic values, saying in part, “Jimmy Carter was a clean energy champion, a staunch defender of democracy, and a fundamentally decent person. His lifelong commitment to service led us through turbulent moments, and he leaves behind a shining example of how to better treat one another.”

In 2013, Carter visited the Bay Area to help Habitat for Humanity build homes in Oakland. Carter, who was 89-years-old at the time, was joined by his wife Rosalynn as they helped crews build 12 new homes in the Brookfield Court development. The CEO of East Bay Habitat for Humanity remembered Carter on Sunday after hearing about his death. She was there during Carter’s visit in 2013, and she knew him as a great man.

“We knew this was coming, but that doesn’t make it any less sad,” said Janice Jensen. “There’s nothing he left undone.”

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi remembered Carter in a lengthy social media post on Sunday, saying she and her husband Paul were mourning the loss of “a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness.” She also honored “his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history” and offered prayers to his family.
 

Everyday people across California are also remembering the former president and what kind of impact he left on them personally.

“We really highly respected him. He was a great president. We supported the work he did with habitat for humanity and respect the work he and Roslyn did there,” Lee and Alice Cyr from Lafayette, Calif. said. “As a president, he really showed a lot of personal integrity and honesty and he lived his life the same way.”