By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MICHAEL R. BLOOD Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Former union leader and Democratic insider Laphonza Butler was sworn in as the newest member of the Senate on Tuesday, replacing California Sen. Dianne Feinstein after her death and becoming only the third Black female senator in history. Butler was appointed by
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By Kyung Lah and Kaanita Iyer, CNN (CNN) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom will appoint Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, to fill the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat, his office confirmed Sunday evening. Butler will become the first out Black lesbian to join Congress, according to Newsom. She will also be
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Boxer told News Channel 3’s Peter Daut when she heard the news Friday morning that 90-year-old Feinstein had died, she was stunned. “It’s hard for me to imagine politics without her in it. We came up to the Senate together in 1992. We made history together and worked together on so many things. It’s not
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California Governor Gavin Newsom was one of many political leaders who issued statements Friday morning shortly after the announcement of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s death at the age of 90. Feinstein’s office said she died Thursday night at her home in Washington. Her cause was not released. The Senator had voted on Senate business earlier that day. Newsom’s statement
Continue ReadingBy MICHAEL BLOOD and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, a centrist Democrat who was elected to the Senate in 1992 in the “Year of the Woman” and broke gender barriers throughout her long career in local and national politics, has died. She was 90. Three people
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There is growing outrage among Coachella Valley officials about the ouster of Desert Healthcare District CEO Dr. Conrado Bárzaga. Bárzaga had been in the role for four years before he was suddenly removed by the board Monday from his position. The DHCD is a local government agency. County Supervisor Manuel Perez says he is “shocked
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A bipartisan delegation of California leaders sent President Joe Biden a letter urging him to approve a major disaster declaration over Tropical Storm Hilary. Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom sent a request to Biden for a major disaster declaration, requesting public assistance for Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Siskiyou, and
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Governor Gavin Newsom sent a request to President Joe Biden for a major disaster declaration for the State of California as a result of Tropical Storm Hilary. Newsom is specifically requesting public assistance for Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Siskiyou, and Ventura continues and hazard mitigation statewide. “As counties and
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A bill introduced by Sen. Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, which aims to increase oversight and accountability in connection with in- custody deaths, was approved by state Senate today and is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. Senate Bill 519, which passed 31-4, was written in response to rising death rates among the incarcerated in
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New questions are being raised about Palm Desert city councilmember Gina Nestande’s role as a realtor in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and whether she is breaking any rules splitting time between the Sunshine State and the Golden State. A Facebook page created in April of this year identifies Gina Nestande as a “South Florida realtor” affiliated
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Valley Congressman Ken Calvert toured some of the damage from Tropical Storm Hilary on Thursday. He also met with several elected officials in Palm Springs, where they hope to build a permanent fix at N Indian Canyon, which remains shut down due to the damage from the storm. Calvert says there first needs to be
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Update 4:45 p.m. The bill passed in the State Senate on Thursday, just edging out the necessary votes. The bill heads to Governor Newsom’s desk for final passage. The Riverside County Sheriff is speaking out against proposed legislation that could decriminalize psychedelics like “magic mushrooms” in the state. Sheriff Chad Bianco posted on social media,
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After residents voted in favor of ‘Measure B’ in the November 2022 election, the City of Palm Desert is drafting a five district map. Now in a first of its kind opportunity, the city is asking residents to weigh in on the new city council district lines. Palm Desert City Clerk, Anthony Mejia said, “Under
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Family members of the 13 US service members killed two years ago during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan demanded accountability and answers from the Biden administration in emotional testimony about the withdrawal and their losses. On Tuesday, the parents of several of the 13 killed met with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The parents seated
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A Cathedral City council member is defending his actions and integrity after concerns were raised over a repaving project located just beside his restaurant. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez’s restaurant, Tortillas, sits adjacent to the alleyway in question near Ramon Road and Cathedral Canyon Drive, where the council approved a $128,012.50 repaving project. Gutierrez adamantly denies any
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Local Congressmen Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz each sent letters to President Joe Biden requesting federal disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Hilary’s aftermath Get Storm Updates Here Calvert along with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, Reps. Valadao, Steel, Obernolte, Garcia, Kiley, and Kim, led a letter asking President Joe Biden to quickly approve a
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A group of mayors throughout the Coachella Valley spoke with News Channel 3’s Peter Daut about the impact of Tropical Storm Hilary on their cities. Get Storm Updates Here Palm Springs, Indio, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Desert Hot Springs, Coachella, Indian Wells, and Cathedral City have all declared local emergencies from the storm. In addition,
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New developments surrounding a repaving project in Cathedral City have prompted inquiries into the process and transparency of the decision-making. The project, which was greenlit by the city council, has sparked concerns due to its proximity to a councilmember’s business. The public alleyway near Ramon Road and Cathedral Canyon Drive was earmarked for a $128,012.50
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An Inland Empire lawmaker announced today he’s proposing restrictions on state legislators’ use of taxpayer-funded vehicles if they’re charged or convicted of driving under the influence. Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Norco, introduced Resolution 51, which would mandate that any member of the Assembly who is arrested and charged with DUI lose — until his or her
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A Congressional candidate and city councilmember accused of abusing two children in San Jacinto was charged today with two misdemeanor counts of child endangerment. Brian Eugene Hawkins, 44, of San Jacinto, was arrested Sunday following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Hawkins, who is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail at the Robert
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