THE BUZZ: Sen. Dianne Feinstein might be the one facing calls to resign, but it’s Gov. Gavin Newsom in the hot seat. The awkward prospect of the state’s senior senator stepping down has renewed focus on a promise the governor made two years ago to appoint a Black woman in the event of another Senate vacancy. You might recall that he had the opportunity to do just that after Kamala Harris ascended to VEEPhood in 2020, but instead he chose Alex Padilla, a longtime friend who also made history as the first Latino to ever represent California in the upper chamber. Historic as Padilla’s appointment was, it also left the U.S. Senate without a Black woman, much to the ire of some Californians and national onlookers. It was a few months later, in an interview with MSNBC, that Newsom said he’d choose a Black woman if Feinstein does step down. “We have multiple names in mind — and the answer is yes,” he told MSNBC host Joy Reid. That opportunity could come any day as Feinstein continues to be absent from the Senate due to a shingles diagnosis. The senator said she intends to return when she recovers, but that hasn’t appeased some Democrats who say she needs to resign right now. Advocates are making it clear they remember Newsom’s unequivocal statement in March 2021 — and are floating names that include Rep. Barbara Lee, who is already running for the seat. There are certainly other formidable Black women in California politics — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell and San Francisco Mayor London Breed have all been floated as potential contenders. But Lee seems to be garnering the most support. “There's several amazing women who could potentially be in that role,” Aimee Allison, founder of the San Francisco-based group She The People, told POLITICO. “But right now, there's a coalescing around support for the congresswoman in that role.” Read Lara Korte and Rachel Bluth’s full story on who would consider taking the job — and who said “absolutely not.” BUENOS DÍAS, good Friday morning. Congratulations to all four of California’s NBA teams for making it into the playoffs this weekend. We at Playbook try to keep it impartial — but do have a fondness for giant purple lasers. Got a tip or story idea for California Playbook? Hit us up at jwhite@politico.com and lkorte@politico.com or follow us on Twitter @JeremyBWhite and @Lara_Korte. WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I know acts of violence like this shake our communities and I thank the San Francisco Police Department for their tireless efforts to solve this case. With this arrest, we will now work to bring justice and closure for Mr. Lee’s family, friends and our city that has been gripped by this case.” San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins following charges against Nima Momeni in connection to the murder of Robert Lee. TWEET OF THE DAY:
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