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Presented by The Nature Conservancy: Jeremy B. White and Lara Korte’s must-read briefing on politics and government in the Golden State | | | | |  | | By Lara Korte, Juhi Doshi, Chris Ramirez and Graph Massara | Presented by The Nature Conservancy | THE BUZZ—ROE ‘MUST BE OVERRULED’: The Supreme Court has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito circulated inside the court, POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein and Alexander Ward reported last night. In response, California lawmakers said they plan to propose an amendment to the state constitution and build a “firewall” around abortion access in California. Late Monday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendonreleased a joint statement calling for an amendment that would guarantee abortion as a right in the Golden State. Such a measure would require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers and voter approval at the ballot box — something that may well be within reach, as a survey last year found almost four in five Californians want Roe to stay on the books. For months, legal scholars and political watchers in California and eastward have speculated that the court would strike down the ruling, which guaranteed federal protection of abortion rights. In anticipation, California lawmakers have said they’re preparing to make the state a “sanctuary” for abortion, as red-state legislatures prepare to roll back access. The number of patients coming here could be substantial. After Texas passed a law effectively banning abortions after six weeks gestation, one report found that nearly 1,400 Texans were seeking out-of-state abortion care each month, traveling to states like New Mexico and Oklahoma to terminate their pregnancies. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California recently told CalMatters that it has treated at least 80 out-of-state patients per month on average since the Texas law passed in September. And some abortion providers have expressed concern that, as a result of other states outlawing abortion, California clinics could see a surge of demand. | 
Demonstrators hold a vigil outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on May 2, 2022 in Washington, D.C. | Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images |
Deliberations on controversial cases have in the past been fluid, as Josh and Alexander write. The court’s holding will not be final until it is published, likely in the next two months.
But Democrats in the Legislature have already introduced a slate of bills meant to protect and increase access to abortion in California. Among them is Senate Bill 1142, by Sens. Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) and Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), which would create a state-controlled fund to help pay for abortions for those with financial barriers. Another one, Assembly Bill 2134, by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego), would provide grants to providers who service low-income individuals whose insurance doesn’t cover abortion or contraception. State Democratic leaders voiced swift repudiations of the draft majority opinion on Monday night. Shortly after the news broke, Newsom tweeted, “Our daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers will not be silenced. The world is about to hear their fury. California will not sit back. We are going to fight like hell.” Jodi Hicks, president and CEO of Planned Parent Affiliates of California, issued a lengthy statement on Twitter, calling the news a “nightmare scenario.” “To Californians, and people who may seek care here due to hostile bans in their home state, know this: Planned Parenthood health centers across California will remain open. They will remain willing to help,” she said. BUENOS DÍAS, good Tuesday morning. Newsom has declared this “Wildfire Preparedness Week,” so prepare accordingly. 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 — “The decision is ultimately hers. We will all be there to support her in whatever decision she makes. The whole family feels this way.” Annette Blum, stepdaughter of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, in an interview with the New York Times about ongoing concerns that Feinstein should step down. TWEET OF THE DAY — Assemblymember Richard Pan @DrPanMD makes an appearance during protests in front of the Supreme Court: “Abortion is health care. #CAleads @PPActionCA @ProChoiceCA” WHERE’S GAVIN? In West Sacramento, where he will deliver remarks at the California Highway Patrol Memorial Ceremony this morning. | | A message from The Nature Conservancy: GOVERNOR & LEGISLATORS: Fund Nature or Lose It.
Last year California made a historic commitment to protect 30% of its natural lands by 2030, but we must dedicate resources now in order to deliver on that commitment. Unless the Governor and Legislature build on last year’s commitments to nature, we will fall short of protecting our state’s biodiversity. A meaningful 30x30 conservation budget means $1B for programs that actually protect nature. | | | |  | Top Talkers | |
SHRINKING STATE — “California’s population fell again amid pandemic’s 2nd year,” by the AP’s Adam Beam: “After years of strong growth brought California tantalizingly close to the 40 million milestone, the state’s population is now roughly back to where it was in 2016 after declining by 117,552 people this year.”
TURN OF EVENTS — “ Activists Helped Create the Bay Area’s Most Diverse Congressional District. Now They’re Probably Getting John Garamendi,” by KQED’s Guy Mazoradi: “But a shining example of the redistricting commission’s ability to uplift community input has been followed by a textbook case of political machinations. The day the commission approved the new 8th District, John Garamendi, a 77-year-old white congressman who lives in the Sacramento County town of Walnut Grove, outside the district, announced he would run for the seat.” OP-ED —“No, Ron DeSantis’ battle with Disney isn’t just political grandstanding,” opine Bret Neuborne and Erwin Chemerinksy in the SF Chronicle: “If DeSantis gets away with punishing Disney for its speech, any corporation, indeed any person receiving a benefit from a government will risk losing it unless they toe the party line. The potential for government manipulation of corporate — and other — speech is enormous.” CASES ON THE RISE — “Here we go again: California coronavirus cases rising. Is a new wave coming soon? ” by the LA Times’ Rong-Gong Lin II and Luke Money: “After months of declining numbers, California has recorded a nearly 30% increase in coronavirus cases over the last week along with smaller rises in hospitalizations, causing some health officials to suspect that the state is headed into a new pandemic wave.” | | | | HAPPENING NOW - MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: Go inside the 25th annual Milken Institute Global Conference with our special edition Global Insider newsletter, featuring exclusive coverage and insights from one of the world’s most influential gatherings. Stay up to speed with the latest from #MIGlobal, which brings together 3,000 of the world’s most powerful leaders and features 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. Don’t miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | |
HERE WE GO: Newsom on Monday published the first ad of what his team said will be a multimillion-dollar digital and TV campaign for reelection. In it, the governor reflects on Californians’ resilience while walking through a redwood grove, and promises to always lead the “California way — based on compassion, commonsense, telling the truth, following science, treasuring our diversity, defending our democracy, protecting our planet and always planting seeds for the future.”
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK : Democratic candidate for controller Malia Cohen’s first campaign ad also drops today. The 30-second campaign spot, titled “Some Call Me,” is part of a seven-figure TV ad campaign, and touts her reputation as a “budget hawk,” “corporate watchdog” and “mama.” Cohen, a member of the Board of Equalization and former president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, is endorsed by the state Democratic party, but will still need to beat out fellow Democrats Ron Galperin, Steve Glazer and Yvonne Yiu to make it pass the primary. ELDER FACTOR: He isn’t running for office, but recall frontrunner Larry Elder is still keeping up in Republican circles and will host a fundraiser for GOP attorney general candidate Eric Early later this month at an Anaheim golf course. — Joe Sanberg, the entrepreneur turned anti-poverty advocate, kicked in another$5 millioninto a campaign backing a ballot measure to raise California’s minimum wage to $18 an hour. — “ Newsom takes stance on prickly enviro issues,” by CalMatters’ Emily Hoeven: “Though Newsom said he supports eventually closing Diablo Canyon, his partial about-face — as lieutenant governor he backed plans to shutter the plant — puts him in a sort of uneasy alliance with Michael Shellenberger, a longtime nuclear energy advocate and no-party-preference gubernatorial candidate.” | | | | A message from The Nature Conservancy:   | | | | | CALIFORNIA AND THE CAPITOL CORRIDOR | | CALLS TO INVESTIGATE— Cal State University’s sexual harassment problems draw state scrutiny, by POLITICO’s Chris Ramirez: A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is requesting a state audit investigation into a California State University system policy for former executives and its handling of sexual harassment claims. CARE COURTS — “Opposition mounts as Newsom’s mental health care overhaul clears first hurdles ,” by The Mercury News’ Marisa Kendall: “Newsom is backing a sweeping proposal to overhaul California’s mental health care system and end homelessness for the sickest people living on our streets. But his plan to make treatment mandatory is facing pushback from opponents who argue it’s an inhumane and ineffective solution that will do little to solve the state’s homelessness crisis.” SHOT — “ New California program could help first-time homebuyers,” by the Mercury News’ Louis Hansen. CHASER — “How some Bay Area home buyers are saving thousands a year in property taxes ,” by the SF Chronicle’s Kathleen Pender. NEW RULES — “Adults over 50 now qualify for Medi-Cal in California regardless of immigration status,” by the Sac Bee’s Andrew Sheeler: “California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that, beginning May 1, the state’s low-income health insurance would extend full coverage to all qualifying people who are 50 or older, regardless of immigration status.” — “California’s seniors lost an estimated $10.9 billion to fraud in 2020 ” by the OC Register’s Jesse Bedayn: “‘We are calling this the perfect storm,’ said Glen Fishman, who works for the Institute on Aging’s Elder Abuse Prevention Program in San Francisco, which has seen a ‘huge increase’ in scams against the elderly.” NO LONG WEEKENDS — “California Four-Day Workweek Bill Is Shelved for Now ,” by the WSJ’s Katherine Bindley: “The bill failed to advance after the California State Assembly’s Labor and Employment Committee declined to set it for a policy hearing, said Evan Low, the Democratic state assembly member who co-wrote the proposed legislation. That decision effectively ends the bill’s chances of progressing in the current legislative session, he said.” A ROCKY START — “ L.A.’s crackdown on homeless camping off to slow start with little enforcement,” by the LA Times’ Doug Smith, Benjamin Oreskes, David Zahniser, and Ruben Vives: “Simply put, there are not enough shelters, tiny homes or hotel rooms for people on the streets to go to and not enough people to help coordinate getting them there.” ICYMI — “ California 100 percent powered by renewables for first time,” by the Palm Springs Desert Sun’s Janet Wilson. GAS TAX —“ California’s gas tax will increase on July 1. Here’s how much it will cost,” by SF Chronicle’s Dustin Gardiner: “Drivers will now pay about 3 cents more per gallon when the inflationary increase takes effect, with the tax rate slated to increase from 51.1 cents per gallon to 53.9 cents per gallon. That tax is built into the price of gas in California, which is hovering around $5.74 per gallon on average.”
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | BIDEN, HARRIS AND THE HILL | | RETURN OF THE VP — “Harris to return to White House after testing negative for coronavirus,” by the LA Times’ Zeke Miller: Her spokesperson said Harris “would continue to wear a ‘well-fitting mask while around others’ in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines until through her 10th day after her positive test.” | | MIXTAPE | |
— “Oakland school board member who supported school closures slams teachers union in fiery resignation letter,” by the SF Chronicle’s Jill Tucker.
WOMEN EARNING MORE — “No more gender pay gap? Young women earn more than men in Sacramento. Here’s why,” by the Sac Bee’s Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks. FUNDING ISSUES — “ Some California school districts that grew during the pandemic feel shortchanged,” by CalMatters’ Joe Hong. DOLLY’S DREAM — “ Reading 9-5: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Is One Step Closer To Arriving In California,” by LAist’s Jessica P. Ogilvie. — “California’s grim drought situation is visible from the International Space Station ,” by KTLA’s Nouran Salahieh. — “For many Arab Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan, it’s not Eid without ma’amoul,” by NPR’s Wynne Davis. | | TRANSITIONS | |
Amanda Kirchner, longtime legislative director for Assemblymember Ken Cooley, has been named the director of legislative advocacy for the County Welfare Directors Association of California.
| | IN MEMORIAM | |
— “Ron Galella, Controversial Forefather of Paparazzi, Dies at 91,” by Variety’s Sasha Urban.
| | BIRTHDAYS | |
The App Association’s Chelsea Thomas … (was Monday): Twitter’s Lauren Devoll … (was Sunday):Anthony Cimino of Carta
| | A message from The Nature Conservancy: GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATORS: Is California really committed to protecting our biodiversity?
Biodiversity isn’t just a list of California’s species; it's the web of life that sustains us and makes California such an incredible place. But our web is falling apart, and nature needs our help NOW!
There is a clear path to achieving California’s goal to conserve 30% of our wildlife habitat by 2030. That path requires $1 billion a year for the next five years to close the nature funding gap.
The choice is clear. Either we meet this moment and protect California’s amazing biodiversity and unique landscapes – or we fail our children and future generations. Funding nature means investing in programs and partnerships at the Wildlife Conservation Board and the State’s regional conservancies that will do this work with urgency.
$1B FOR BIODIVERSITY: TNC urges the Governor and Legislature to increase funding for biodiversity to save California. | | |
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.
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