Jerry Brown

CalPERS achieved a 14.8% investment return in the 2025-26 financial year, surpassing its 6.8% target and marking its best performance since 2014. The improved returns reduced its underfunded status to 85% of liabilities, easing pressure on government agencies and taxpayers to cover shortfalls.

California lawmakers are advancing bills to increase pay and retirement benefits for police and firefighters, supported by unions and bipartisan majorities. However, the proposals face financial concerns due to potential hundreds of millions in annual costs and billions in long-term liabilities amid state budget deficits.

From the late 1970s to the 2000s, crime was a dominant political issue in California, driven by high-profile cases like the 1993 kidnapping and murder of Polly Klaas. Anti-crime legislation such as the three strikes measure and prison expansion under Republican governors like George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson reflected public demand for stricter criminal justice policies, while crime rates peaked in the 1980s and 1990s before declining significantly by 2025.

Jerry Brown argues that the push to close Aspire Golden State Preparatory Academy in East Oakland, a charter school serving low-income students of color, relies on a narrow interpretation of performance data. The school, which has high graduation rates despite students starting three years behind, is criticized for using a single high-stakes math assessment to justify its closure, contradicting California's broader school accountability framework.

California unions supported Gray Davis's 1998 gubernatorial campaign, leading to pension and unemployment insurance benefit increases that became unaffordable during the 2008 recession. Jerry Brown later enacted pension reforms in 2012 to address financial shortfalls, but unions now seek to reverse those changes.

The Board of Equalization, a California tax commission with minimal responsibilities, received over $3.3 million in campaign donations from lobbying groups and individuals, despite its reduced role. Donors supported lawmakers running for the board to maintain legislative influence and reward past support, with major contributions coming from labor unions and professional groups.

Xavier Becerra is poised to become California's next governor, facing Republican Steve Hilton in the November election. The article contrasts Becerra's governance-focused approach with Gavin Newsom's national ambitions and highlights California's historical trend of governors balancing state governance with higher office aspirations.

Judge Robert Draper is running for reelection to his Los Angeles County Superior Court seat despite being accused of seven ethics violations by the California Commission on Judicial Performance. The commission has not yet decided on disciplinary action, and Draper faces a challenge from deputy district attorney Tal Valbuena in the primary election.

Voter turnout remains low in Los Angeles County ahead of the June 2 primary election, with less than 8% of registered voters returning mail-in ballots. Governor Gavin Newsom has not endorsed any of the 61 candidates running for California governor, echoing Jerry Brown's approach from 2018. Tensions escalate in the mayoral race as Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt exchange accusations over electioneering violations.

California's Board of Equalization, once stripped of governing power in 2017, is now a sought-after position for state lawmakers. Three current lawmakers are competing for seats in the board's four geographic districts, with candidates including state Sen. Shannon Grove and incumbent Sally Lieber. The board, established in 1879, now focuses on taxpayer appeals and property tax equalization after losing tax collection responsibilities.