Posts Tagged: david

Former California water lobbyist, Trump’s Interior Secretary, under investigation

David Bernardt testifies at a Senate hearing on March 28. (Photo: Roll Call, via Associated Press)

by CHUCK MCFADDEN posted 04.18.2019

The inspector general of the U.S. Interior Department has opened an investigation into Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s past work on behalf of California’s huge Westlands Water District and other organizations. Nancy DiPaolo, spokeswoman for the Office of the Inspector General in the Department of the Interior, told Capitol Weekly her office had received 12 letters asking for an investigation of Bernhardt’s role in some California fish and game issues, including protection of the delta smelt.

California stem cell agency eyes human gene editing

A digital illustration of DNA structure. (Image by Matha Graphics, via Shutterstock)

by DAVID JENSEN posted 01.28.2016

The $3 billion California stem cell agency next Thursday will convene a day-long examination of human gene editing, a field that could be a “gold mine for biotechnology” and perhaps alter the human race permanently. “Easy DNA Editing Will Remake the World. Buckle Up.” is the way Wired magazine put it in a headline on a lengthy overview article last July.

Drug-cost disclosure hits obstacle

Pharmaceuticals and money -- elements in the debate over a cost-disclosure bill. (Photo: O.S. Fisher, Shutterstock)

by ALVIN CHEN posted 06.10.2015

An attempt to force drug makers to disclose their costs and profits for drugs that sell wholesale for more than $10,000 annually was derailed in the Legislature, facing strong opposition from an industry targeting similar measures in other states. The forces battling over the bill include some of the most powerful in California.

Party animals await ‘the Bash’

Pop singer Coolio performs at last year's Back to Session Bash.

by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 01.12.2015

A decade ago, the first Back to Session Bash drew 270 people, mostly political junkies, who wanted to party and celebrate the beginning of the legislative year. Which they did, loudly. Thus, a tradition was born. Each year, the party lovers come into their own and this week, the 10th anniversary Bash will be held Thursday. It promises to be a real blowout.

Controller’s race a mystery wrapped in an enigma

Headquarters of the state controller, Sacramento. (Photo: Coolcaesar)

by MIA SHAW posted 06.17.2014

David Evans, a largely unknown Republican candidate in the race for state controller, emerged from obscurity and achieved stunning results on a $600 campaign budget against three established politicians, leaving analysts struggling to interpret the implications of the results.

OPINION: Nearly a year has passed since the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) asked you and the Legislature to address a pension deficit for which it seeks a 30-year $240 billion cash injection, starting with $4.5 billion per year.

(Ed’s Note: The following article originally appeared in California City News, a content partner of Capitol Weekly.)

Another off-reservation tribal casino has been approved in California, and there’s more to come: Three others are contemplated across the state from northern California to nearly the Mexican border.

Weeks ago the Legislature approved the governor’s compact with