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Presented by Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support: Jeremy B. White and Lara Korte’s must-read briefing on politics and government in the Golden State | | | | |  | | By Jeremy B. White, Lara Korte, Juhi Doshi and Chris Ramirez | Presented by Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support | THE BUZZ: The L.A. mayoral contest — unlike the Lakers’ lost season — is shaping up to be surprisingly close. Monday’s bombshell IGS Berkeley/LA Times poll distilled the dynamics of the race to lead California’s biggest city. Where it once appeared frontrunner Rep. Karen Bass might cruise to the finish line, bolstered by her name recognition and credibility with the Angeleno left, we now have a dead heat between Bass and affluent centrist Rick Caruso, who has deployed his effectively bottomless wealth to amplify a message focused on crime and homelessness. It’s looking overwhelmingly likely that Bass and Caruso will advance to the November runoff. The poll found Caruso rapidly rising and Bass losing ground, meeting in the middle and each winning just under a quarter of the electorate. That far eclipses the other contenders, who were still mired in single digits. But those numbers suggest neither Bass nor Caruso has consolidated enough support to win outright in the June primary.
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Rep. Barbara Lee speaks. | Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Unbendable Media |
Disentangling the money from the message is an inexact exercise. But Caruso has dominated in spending so far, and his message painting LA as an unmoored metropolis appears to be resonating. Crime-focused voters overwhelmingly backed him. Caruso has been able to appeal to them by channeling $10 million of his personal wealth into his campaign so far, helping him seize the law-and-order lane from Council Member Joe Buscaino.
Some of the poll movement undoubtedly reflects that unrivaled outlay — and the numbers could shift as his rivals respond. Bass, who ended 2021 with about $1.6 million on hand, has yet to launch television spots or paid advertising. That will change. Caruso’s opponents spy vulnerability in his Republican past and his chairmanship of the beleaguered University of Southern California’s board of trustees. The contrast-crystallizing attack ads are coming. A vital variable to consider: The biggest bloc within LA’s electorate isn’t the Caruso Crew or the Bass Backers. It’s the undecided Angelenos who comprise two-fifths of registered voters, according to IGS. That share has barely budged since a February poll that put Bass clearly on top. So even if this has narrowed to a two-horse race, we’re still a long way from the finish line. BUENOS DÍAS, good Tuesday morning. It should be Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis’ last day as acting governor, which means it’s your last chance to tell your friends “a woman is currently running California.” Got a tip or story idea for California Playbook? Hit us up jwhite@politico.com and lkorte@politico.com or follow us on Twitter @JeremyBWhite and @Lara_Korte . QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There are those who will say that PG&E bought its way out of a criminal prosecution. We hope those people will look at the potential outcome of a conviction and weigh it against this judgment. We also hope that the politicians in Sacramento pass meaningful legislation that gives us tools we need to hold large corporations accountable.” Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch on reaching a settlement with Pacific Gas & Electric over the devastating 2019 Kincaid fire. TWEET OF THE DAY: @SpeakerPelosi checks in days after a positive Covid test: “Today, happily I tested negative for COVID. Tomorrow, I will be exiting isolation at the direction of the Capitol’s Attending Physician and consistent with CDC guidelines for asymptomatic individuals. Many thanks to everyone for their good wishes, chocolates and chicken soup.” WHERE’S GAVIN? Returning from vacation with his family in Central and South America. | | | | A message from Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support: Our initiative is the only one on the November ballot that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars each year to fight homelessness and fund mental health and addiction treatment in California. Nearly half of the country has legalized online sports betting, proving states can do so safely and responsibly - and generate significant tax revenue. Add your name to support a permanent funding solution to address California’s homelessness crisis. | | | |  | Top Talkers | |
CHARGES DROPPED — Prosecutors drop charges against PG&E in new settlement, by POLITICO’s Colby Bermel: Pacific Gas & Electric and Northern California district attorneys announced settlements on Monday related to two destructive wildfires sparked by the utility's equipment, dropping charges against PG&E in exchange for financial penalties and increased oversight.
DECLINE IN ENROLLMENT — “California public school student enrollment drops to lowest in two decades, ” by Bay Area News Group’s Kayla Jimenez and Harriet Blair Rowan: “The state Department of Education’s new 2021-22 school year data show 110,000 fewer students signed up statewide than during the previous school year — a 1.8% decline — but less than the 161,000 decrease the year before when campuses closed and most public school kids were learning online.” | | | | DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world’s most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO’s special edition “Global Insider” so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | CALIFORNIA AND THE CAPITOL CORRIDOR | |
ZERO-EMISSIONS — “California moves closer toward phasing out gas cars,” by POLITICO’s Anne C. Mulkern: “The California Air Resources Board is slated tomorrow to release documents in support of its plan to require that, starting in 2035, all new cars sold in the state must be zero-emissions vehicles.
BURNING OIL — “California Refinery Work Delayed by Strike May Boost Fuel Prices ,” by Bloomberg’s Barbara J Powell and Chunzi Xu: “The timing of the turnaround … highlights California’s vulnerability to any hiccups in gasoline production.” — West Coast port labor talks carry high stakes for economy, midterms, by POLITICO’s Eleanor Mueller: “More than 22,000 unionized workers at nearly 30 ports along the West Coast are set to begin renegotiating their contract next month against the backdrop of an already imperiled supply chain, a historically tight labor market and looming midterm elections.” — “ Editorial: Truth is one of the casualties in Sacramento shooting,” by the LA Times editorial board: “Politicians, prosecutors and some news media often misuse the term “early release.” When people accused of crimes spend months in jail awaiting trial, that time is properly counted as part of their sentence. That’s the law and the Constitution. Martin was held in Sacramento County Jail for 508 days before his ‘no contest’ plea and his sentence was entered, so deduct those days from his 10 years.” A PLEA FROM REPUBLICANS — Red states ask court to torpedo special California authority over vehicle emissions, by POLITICO’s Alex Guillén: A coalition of Republican attorneys general say they have a “golden opportunity” to end California’s special regulatory authority over vehicle emissions — a program in place for over 50 years. — “ Duplex housing law met with fierce resistance by California cities,” by CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias: “Cities around the state are trying to circumvent California’s new law allowing duplexes to be built on properties previously zoned as single family. Their methods include everything from removing parking and forbidding vehicle ownership to requiring arbitrary amounts of mature vegetation.” EASING THE BURDEN — “A snapshot of new state government efforts to tackle California’s housing crisis,” by the LA Times’ Hannah Wiley: “A year after the creation of sweeping laws to increase the construction of duplexes and small apartment buildings, California lawmakers have turned their attention to money for affordable housing and easing the burdens of homeownership for first-time buyers.” FACTS FIRST — “Cal State sexual harassment scandal: Your questions answered ,” by CalMatters’ Michaella Huck, Zaeem Shaikh, Julia Woock, and Felicia Mello: “In the wake of Cal State Chancellor Joseph Castro’s resignation, here’s what you need to know about Title IX and what’s next for the university.” | | | | A message from Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support:   | | | | | HOLLYWOODLAND | |
— “Disney heir comes out publicly as transgender, condemns anti-LGBTQ bills,” by NBC’s Jo Yurcaba: Charlee Disney “announced that their family would match up to $250,000 in donations to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy group, during the organization's annual gala in Los Angeles last month.”
| | SILICON VALLEYLAND | | TWITTER IN TROUBLE — “Twitter Grapples With an Elon Musk Problem,” by the New York Times’ Mike Isaac and Kate Conger: “The filing encapsulated the treacherous situation that Twitter now finds itself in. Mr. Musk, 50, Twitter’s largest shareholder and one of its highest-profile users, could very well use the social media platform against itself and even buy enough shares to take over the company.” MILLIONS SPENT — “Keeping Mark Zuckerberg Safe Cost Meta Nearly $27 Million Last Year ,” by Bloomberg’s Jill R Shah: “The cost of keeping Mark Zuckerberg safe keeps going up for Meta Platforms Inc., far outstripping what similar technology companies with high-profile executives are spending.”— “Google sues alleged puppy scammer after tip from AARP ,” by Reuters’ Paresh Dave: “Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google on Monday sued an alleged puppy scammer who used its services to sell fake pets, the first of what the company said would be a growing number of lawsuits targeting apparent misuse by its users.” | | | | INTRODUCING DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED: Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | MIXTAPE | |
— “Boudin, Gascón accuse law firm of targeting immigrant-run businesses with fraudulent disability suits,” by SF Chronicle’s Bob Egelko.
— “Launch of condors on tribal land marks the species’ comeback, but a new threat looms large,” by the LA Times’ Louis Sahagun. YOU’RE FIRED — “ Lakers fire title-winning coach Frank Vogel after 3 seasons,” by the AP’s Greg Beacham. FUTURE OF MOCA — “After Upheaval, MOCA Bets on Johanna Burton to Bring Stability ,” by the New York Times’ Adam Nagourney and Robin Pogrebin.— “USC sues YouTubers over disruptive prank videos,” by the LA Times’ Hayley Smith.
| | TRANSITIONS | |
Jen Piekarz is now a press assistant for Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), replacing Claire Waggoner, now a government affairs associate at the Oregon Farm Bureau. Piekarz previously was an intern for Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).
| | BIRTHDAYS | | Nick Campbell … Shayna Englin of 42 Comms | | | | A message from Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support: Our initiative is the only one on the November ballot that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars each year to fight homelessness and fund mental health and addiction treatment in California. Nearly half of the country has legalized online sports betting, proving states can do so safely and responsibly - and generate significant tax revenue. Our initiative will also provide millions each year and new economic opportunities for California Tribal nations. Add your name to support a permanent funding solution to address California’s homelessness crisis. | | |
CALIFORNIA POLICY IS ALWAYS CHANGING: Know your next move. From Sacramento to Silicon Valley, POLITICO California Pro provides policy professionals with the in-depth reporting and tools they need to get ahead of policy trends and political developments shaping the Golden State. To learn more about the exclusive insight and analysis this -only service offers, click here.
Want to make an impact? POLITICO California has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Golden State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.
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