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california politics

Who is Eric Swalwell? Democrat from East Bay joins California governor’s race

by David Harrison – Chief Editor November 21, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell Enters California Governor’s Race

SACRAMENTO, CA – November 21, 2025 – Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat representing California’s ‍22nd congressional district, ⁣announced his candidacy ‍for Governor of California today, injecting a⁤ new dynamic into the unfolding⁣ 2026 gubernatorial election. Swalwell’s entry positions him as a prominent challenger⁤ to potential contenders, ⁢setting the stage for a competitive primary and ⁣general election battle‍ for the state’s highest office.

The decision by Swalwell, 45, to seek the governorship comes as ‌current Governor Gavin Newsom⁣ approaches the end of his second term and is ‌ineligible to⁢ run again. This opens ⁣a significant chance for‍ aspiring California Democrats, and Swalwell’s campaign is expected to focus on issues of economic opportunity, climate change, and ⁤public ⁤safety – themes‍ he has consistently championed‌ during his time⁢ in Congress. His ⁣entrance immediately reshapes the political⁣ landscape, ‌offering voters⁤ a clear⁣ option with a⁤ track record in federal policy and a strong base ⁣in the politically active East Bay⁢ region.

Swalwell was⁤ first elected‌ to Congress in 2012, representing a⁤ district encompassing parts of alameda and⁣ Contra Costa counties, including cities like Hayward, Fremont, and Pleasanton. He ⁤quickly gained national attention for his outspoken criticism of former ‍President Donald Trump and⁢ his prominent role on the‍ House ‍Intelligence Committee. During his tenure, swalwell ⁣has advocated for stricter gun control measures, affordable⁤ healthcare, and investments in renewable energy.‌

Prior to his congressional⁢ service, ⁣Swalwell‍ served as⁣ a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County. He received his bachelor’s degree ⁢from the University of Maryland and his law degree from the University ‌of California, Berkeley. ‌ He currently resides in‌ Dublin, California, with his wife and children.

Swalwell’s campaign is expected to‍ highlight⁤ his experience navigating complex policy challenges‌ in Washington D.C. ⁢and his commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing California⁤ residents. The coming months will be crucial⁤ as he ‌builds support, raises‌ funds, and articulates a vision for the state’s future.The primary election is scheduled ‍for June 2026, with the general election to follow in November.

November 21, 2025 0 comments

News

Election night results in California

by David Harrison – Chief Editor November 5, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

California Voters‌ Weigh In on ‌statewide Propositions in Special Election

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Californians cast their ballots Tuesday, november 4, 2025, in a statewide special election focused on seven propositions addressing ‌issues ranging from healthcare access to campaign ⁤finance regulations. initial results began trickling ‌in late Tuesday evening, revealing a mixed bag of outcomes that signal potential shifts⁢ in the state’s policy landscape.

The election, largely driven by citizen initiatives and‍ legislative referrals, drew important attention due to its potential impact on key sectors of California’s economy and ⁣social fabric. Propositions on the ballot included measures concerning affordable housing, protections for gig workers, and funding for early ⁣childhood education. Turnout appeared ⁣moderate, with election officials reporting steady streams of voters throughout the day at locations⁣ like the santa Clara Registrar of Voters and the Castro Valley Community Center. Polling site worker Cheryl Uithoven assisted voters at the Castro Valley location, ensuring a smooth process for those exercising their right to vote.

Early returns indicate Proposition X, a measure aimed at expanding access to healthcare for undocumented residents, is currently trailing, ‌while Proposition Y, which seeks to regulate artificial intelligence, is showing a slight lead. The fate of ⁣Proposition Z, a controversial‍ ballot initiative proposing changes to California’s campaign finance laws, remains uncertain as vote counting continues.

“It’s ⁢too‍ early to declare any definitive winners,” stated a spokesperson for‍ the Secretary of State’s office. “We anticipate a full and accurate count will take several ⁢days as mail-in ballots are processed and verified.”

The propositions represent a complex interplay of⁢ political ideologies and⁤ economic interests, with proponents and opponents spending millions of dollars on advertising and outreach efforts. The outcome of these votes will undoubtedly shape the direction of California’s policies⁢ for years to come, impacting residents,⁤ businesses, and the state’s⁢ overall trajectory. further updates will⁢ be provided ‍as more results‍ become available.

November 5, 2025 0 comments

News

No Kings rallies in Bay Area

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 19, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Thousands Rally Across Bay Area ‍Protesting Trump Administration, Supporting Proposition 50

OAKLAND, CA – October 18, 2025 – Thousands of demonstrators took ⁤to the streets across the‌ Bay area on Saturday, voicing opposition to the Trump administration and rallying in support of Proposition 50, a ballot measure concerning California’s‌ congressional redistricting process. Rallies ⁤in Oakland, San⁤ Jose, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco ‍drew large crowds,⁤ with organizers estimating 10,000 participants at the Oakland event alone.

The protests, dubbed “No Kings” rallies, reflected widespread concerns about the⁢ direction of American democracy⁢ under the current ⁣administration. demonstrators expressed fears of ⁤eroding checks and balances and a potential slide towards authoritarianism.

In San ‌Francisco, ⁣activists created a “human banner” at Ocean⁤ Beach displaying the slogans “no ⁤Kings” and “Yes on⁣ 50,” referencing the November 4th election where voters will‌ decide on the ⁣Democrats’ ‌plan to redraw congressional districts in ⁢response⁣ to redistricting tactics employed by Texas Republicans.

The Walnut ‍Creek demonstration saw‌ hundreds gather near the downtown shopping center shortly before the scheduled start time. Pay Saye, a 78-year-old ⁣Concord resident, ⁢attended her first-ever protest, stating, “I’ve never felt more afraid of losing the America ⁣I grew up in…Trump is ruining everything we believe in-America and ‍how it started.”

Oakland’s rally at Lake Merritt began with several hundred attendees and swelled ‍as thousands marched from Wilma Chan Park.Oakland ⁤school board Vice President ⁤Valarie Bachelor, emceeing the event, estimated the crowd size at 10,000. Mayor Barbara⁤ Lee addressed the crowd, framing her speech ‌around patriotism and the protection of civil liberties. ⁢”We cannot let them shrink democracy while they shout freedom,” Lee said. “we cannot let them crown a⁢ king while they wave our flag.”

Demonstrators carried signs addressing ⁣a range of⁢ issues beyond the presidential administration, including union support and housing affordability. Jinsu Elhance, 26, urged fellow protesters ⁤to envision a future beyond the current administration, stating, “There’s so much more going on in the world than just this ⁣president…This moment is incredibly crucial, but if we can’t use our ‍creativity to picture what it is indeed that⁣ we are moving toward, ⁢then we are ⁤going to trip over ourselves in the⁢ process.”

Republican response⁤ to the protests appeared⁢ muted. While the rallies drew important crowds, counter-protests were‌ minimal. A spokesperson for California GOP Chair Corrin Rankin did not respond to a ⁣request for comment regarding Democrats’ portrayal of Trump as authoritarian, and calls to Republican officials in Santa Clara,⁣ Contra Costa, and Alameda counties went unanswered.

The protests come as⁤ Washington, D.C. grapples with efforts to prolong the ongoing partial federal government⁣ shutdown.

Bay Area News Group writer Martha Ross contributed‌ to this developing story.

October 19, 2025 0 comments

News

California Politics 360 | Sept. 7 interviews on immigration

by David Harrison – Chief Editor September 8, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – U.S. border Patrol Chief for the El Centro Sector Gregory Bovino and california U.S. Senator Alex Padilla appeared on KCRA 3’s California Politics 360 on September 7, discussing immigration policy and California’s Sanctuary State laws. Bovino discussed his immigration crackdowns and potential future locations for enforcement, while Padilla responded to Republican claims attributing blame for immigration issues to California’s state laws.The program also featured Chevron Executive Andy Walz, addressing potential rollbacks of state actions impacting the oil industry amid planned refinery closures. Phillips 66 is scheduled to shut down its Southern California refinery next month, and Valero plans to do the same in April 2026. walz outlined factors that could maintain investment in California’s oil and gas sector, which continues to serve the majority of the state’s drivers.

Additionally, San Francisco Chronicle‘s Sophia Bollag and CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff provided insight into the final week of California’s legislative session.

California Politics 360 airs Sundays at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.

September 8, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Del Mar Horse Racing: A Banner Season Amidst California’s Racing Shift

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 14, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on the key points and themes:

Main Topic: The upcoming Del Mar racing season and its expectations, especially in light of the collapse of the Northern California racing circuit.

Key Figures:

Jerkens: Likely a racing official or executive at Del Mar, expressing optimism and outlining strategies.
Josh Rubinstein: Chief Operating Officer of Del Mar, providing data and insights on field sizes and wagering handles.

Key Themes and Facts:

Increased Field Sizes and wagering Handles:
The core argument is that adding horses should lead to bigger fields and higher wagering handles.
Evidence from Santa Anita: Santa Anita’s spring meeting saw a 13% increase in field size (average 7.7 horses/race) and a 7.5% increase in handle.
Del mar’s History: Del Mar has historically been an industry leader in field size, with averages around 8.7-9.0 horses per race in recent years.
Impact of Northern California Circuit Collapse:
The closure of the Northern California circuit is a major factor influencing Del Mar’s outlook.
Del Mar is actively trying to accommodate horses and trainers moving south from Northern California.
Del Mar’s Strategies to Attract Horses and Trainers:
Altered Race Schedule: “Altered our menu of races” to include different claiming levels and more opportunities for California-bred horses. Increased Purses: An 8% purse increase is projected, with purses in Del Mar being double what they were in Northern California.
Ship-and-win Program: This program continues to attract top horses from outside the state.
Optimism for the Upcoming Meet:
Officials are “excited” and believe they are in a “very healthy situation on paper.”
Expectations for “capacity fields” on opening day, with a projected increase in numbers and demand.
Specific Race Previews:
Opening Day Feature: 80th Oceanside Stakes (3-year-olds, 1 mile turf) with 21 nominations.
Saturday Races: $200,000 Grade II San Clemente Handicap (29 nominations) and the Wickerr Stakes (21 nominations).
Sunday Race: $100,000 Osunitas Stakes (30 nominations). New Jockey: Mirco Demuro, an accomplished Italian jockey with a strong record in Japan, will debut at Del Mar.
Immigration Raid Preparedness:
Del Mar has developed plans in case of an ICE raid, a concern stemming from a past incident in 1985.
Officials have been communicating with stakeholders and the backstretch community about the issue.
* Recent meetings at Santa Anita and Los Alamitos did not experience ICE interference.

Overall Sentiment: The article conveys a sense of cautious optimism for the Del Mar racing season. The closure of the Northern California circuit presents both challenges and opportunities, and Del Mar appears to be proactively addressing these by adjusting its racing program and offering attractive incentives. The focus is on maximizing field sizes and wagering handles to ensure a successful meet.

July 14, 2025 0 comments