Bill Would End Taxes on Free Medical Cannabis

California’s new adult use cannabis laws are having an unintended side effect, putting a squeeze on compassionate care programs that serve low income medical marijuana patients. San Francisco state senator Scott Wiener is introducing a bill he says will exempt those programs from commercial cannabis taxes.
Christopher Martinez reports.

House Democrats Choose Leaders

California Democrat Nancy Pelosi is poised to become Speaker of the House of Representatives next year, after the house Democratic Caucus vote for its slate of new leaders. African Americans will hold two leadership positions for the first time in history. But Oakland representative Barbara Lee narrowly lost her bid to become caucus chair, losing to fellow Congressional Black Caucus member Hakim Jeffries of New York.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Democrat TJ Cox Declares Victory in California’s 21st District Congressional Race

Democrat TJ Cox declared victory in California’s 21st District election. The declaration came after Kings County released its final vote totals where Cox gained a net of 70 votes extending his lead over three term incumbent David Valadao [pronounced VA-LA-DAY-O] to 506 votes. The victory declaration came after the he final tally of ballots in Kings County was announced showing Cox winning most of the remaining votes. Cox said his campaign was fueled by the passion of his staff and volunteers, who never gave up even when the outlook may have seemed dim. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Harvey Milk Legacy Celebrated on Anniversary of Assassination

November 27th marks the 40th anniversary of the assassinations of gay rights icon Harvey Milk and progressive San Francisco mayor George Moscone. City leaders and activists marked the occasion at a memorial in San Francisco city hall, where they looked back at the legacy of Harvey Milk and his relevance today.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Mississippi Senate Race Triggers Giants Boycott

Civil rights leaders are calling for a boycott of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. They’re acting after a co-owner of the team made the maximum allowable donation to a Mississippi senate candidate in Tuesday’s runoff election. Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith said she would be willing to take a front-row seat at a public hanging, raising specters of Mississippi’s grim history of lynching of African Americans.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Pelosi On Track to Become House Speaker Again

The lone challenger to Nancy Pelosi’s bid for House Speaker has withdrawn, making it seem likely the California Democrat will become Speaker when the Democrats become the House majority. Pelosi was the first woman to become House Speaker. She’s won support from many progressives who like her work on issues like Obamacare and blocking Republican efforts to privatize social security. She’s also been a fundraising power-house for Democratic candidates. But some Democrats have been calling for newer and younger leadership.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Judge Blocks Trump's Asylum Rule

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to reject asylum applications from migrants who enter the country illegally. Many migrants apply after entering between the 48 border crossing checkpoints known as “ports of entry”. Trump is blasting the 9th Circuit Court that has overturned several other Trump proposals, and he’s vowing to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Lawsuit Challenges Trump Asylum Rule Change

The Trump administration is trying to limit how people can file for asylum. A new rule and presidential proclamation aim to bar asylum applications from people who apply without having entered at a designated Port of Entry. Opponents say that violates the federal Immigration and Naturalization Act and international law. Both sides met in a federal court in San Francisco Monday, where immigration rights activists are seeking a restraining order blocking the new rule.
Christopher Martinez reports.

CNN Lawsuit Seeks Return of Press Pass

CNN is suing the Trump administration over its decision to pull the press credentials of Jim Acosta, the network’s chief White House correspondent. The administration revoked the credentials on November 7th, saying Acosta failed to treat the White House with respect. Journalism advocates call it an attack on free press.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Jerry Brown, Emergency Officials Give Wildfire Update

Wildfires continue to burn in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but emergency officials say they’re working together to help survivors and begin the process of rebuilding the devastated communities. Governor Jerry Brown and emergency officials gave an update on the wildfires and the emergency response, but they dodged burning questions about who is responsible, and who will pay for the damages.
Christopher Martinez reports.

California House Races Up For Grabs

Democrats have already claimed victory with their newly-elected majority in the House of Representatives. That margin could be growing as ballots are counted in some hotly contested races in California, including several races in the long-time Republican stronghold of Orange County.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Housing Activists Have Wins and Losses in Elections

Voters rejected Proposition 10, the initiative to repeal the Costa Hawkins amendment and give cities more power to enact rent control laws. But housing rights activists are celebrating some victories with the passage of a number of housing measures at the local level.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Citizenship Question on Census Goes to Trial

A federal judge in Manhattan is hearing testimony in a lawsuit over whether the census should include a question about citizenship. Opponents of the citizenship question say it is intended to “weaponize” the census in order to under-count and under-fund services for immigrants, communities of color, and the poor.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Feinstein Outlines Agenda in Sacramento

Senator Dianne Feinstein traveled to Sacramento Thursday, where she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by “Women Democrats of Sacramento County.” Feinstein answered questions about her legislative priorities, along with some advice for women who are considering running for office.
Christopher Martinez reports.