| | | | |  | | By Jeremy B. White, Lara Korte, Chris Ramirez and Juhi Doshi | Presented by Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support | THE BUZZ: California may not be the happiest place on earth for conservatives, but California Republicans gathering in Anaheim this weekend nevertheless have reasons for optimism. The CAGOP faithful will gather for a pre-midterm planning session and pep rally in Orange County for the next few days. They'll hear from the man who is a political minority in his home state but poised to lead the House: current Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who has been piling up cash to convert his speakership dreams into reality. The Bakersfield Republican was in the news on Thursday because of a report that he'd disavowed former President Donald Trump, to which McCarthy replied by eagerly embracing the former president. Upcoming elections offer a mixed bag for California Republicans. Targeted House seats offer some pickup potential, but frontline Republicans like Reps. David Valadao and Mike Garcia have been redistricted into seats that will be challenging to defend despite the anti-Democratic headwinds. The GOP will not be breaking Democrats' two-thirds majorities in the state Legislature. But Republicans could benefit as California voters express disillusionment with their leaders and concern about crime, homelessness and inflation. Some statewide races could open pathways to GOP power. Endorsements are on the agenda, although there's relatively little drama there. State Sen. Brian Dahle is the prohibitive favorite to win the gubernatorial blessing in a race no one expects Gov. Gavin Newsom to lose. Republican Controller candidate Lanhee Chen's bid for the party nod is uncontested, which means he'll add the California Republican Party's support to Thursday's surprise embrace from the LA Times editorial board. The party also won't be making picks in some crowded and competitive multi-Republican legislator contests, like House races for CA-9 (where Republicans are challenging Rep. Josh Harder) and the open CA-13; for the open state Senate District 4; or for Assembly District 34, in which GOP Assemblymember Tom Lackey has been drawn in with Assembly GOP colleague Thurston Smith; the competitive and open AD-70; or between two GOP challengers to Assemblymember Brian Maienschein in AD-76. The party may or may not take positions on ballot initiatives, the full lineup of which is still in flux, with more measures on the signature-gathering bubblethan over the hump. But the attorney general endorsement fight could be one to watch. Sacramento District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert is not eligible because she's unaffiliated, which means it's between Republicans Nathan Hochman and Eric Early. But while Hochman has outpaced Early in major GOP endorsements, they come into this weekend with roughly the same number of CAGOP nominations — demonstrating that Early commands some support among the base, like another conservative radio host you may remember. Still, the CAGOP was eager last cycle to trumpet its success rate in endorsing for or against measures dealing with taxation, labor laws and affirmative action. And the party hopes to again lay claim to having its fingers on the electorate's pulse. BUENOS DÍAS, good Friday morning. Lara will be on the scene in Anaheim this weekend, so if you see her, say hey — Jeremy will be on another continent (nothing personal, California Republicans). 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: "I've had it with this guy. … What he did is unacceptable. Nobody can defend that and nobody should defend it." House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Donald Trump post-Jan. 6, according to an NYT story that McCarthy called false. TWEET OF THE DAY: Assemblymember-elect @MattHaneySF subtweets his opponents: "The precincts with the highest percentages of renters, working people & low income voters voted for us overwhelmingly, based on our message, track record & vision. Put some respect on their ability to think, act and choose for themselves or they'll continue to vote against you." WHERE'S GAVIN? Nothing official announced.
| | | | 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 | | READY TO MINGLE — "He's terminally single and getting old. What's next for P-22, L.A's favorite wild bachelor?" by the LA Times' Laura J. Nelson: "Most male cougars tracked in the Santa Monica Mountains— facing a triple threat of freeway traffic, rat poison and other big cats — have not lived past the age of 2, roughly P-22's age when he appeared in Griffith Park, Sikich said. His dramatic journey may have saved his life." NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD — "California's radical plan to defend homes from sea level rise: move them, " by the SF Chronicle's Lindsey J. Smith: "This concept, called 'managed retreat,' represents a radical departure from decades of coastal development philosophy, and runs counter to our proclivity to build houses and cities up against the ocean." | | | | 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. | | | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | AFTERMATH — "Progressives ignore the lessons of Haney-Campos at their own peril," by Mission Local's Joe Eskenazi: "Progressive solutions will have to be that — solutions. It's not enough anymore to deflect." — "Elections 2022: Get to know Rep. Katie Porter, four more candidates in 47th District race," by the OC Register's Brooke Staggs. — "Can a conservative break through for California attorney general?" by CalMatters' Ben Christopher: "The last time a Republican was elected California attorney general was 1994." — " Redistricting: Final map selected – Tenderloin split from SoMa," by Mission Local's Will Jarrett: "This map will very likely be approved by the task force on Thursday, April 28, to avoid missing a Department of Elections mandate of May 2." — " Column: If Rick Caruso wants to buy L.A.'s mayoral election, that's OK with the Supreme Court," by the LA Times' Nicholas Goldberg.
| | CALIFORNIA AND THE CAPITOL CORRIDOR | |
— California will require $40 internet plan option in broadband expansion, by POLITICO's Susannah Luthi: Commissioners also voted to freeze current internet rates for the next five years — another industry sticking point — down from the original proposal of 10 years.
JUST IN CASE — "California will keep workplace pandemic rules through 2022," by the AP's Don Thompson: "In another sign of California's changing response to the pandemic, public health officials are canceling the state's contract with diagnostics company PerkinElmer Health Sciences Inc. as of May 15, ahead of schedule." WATER WOES — "Bay Area's biggest water agency may start capping household water use, " by the SF Chronicle's Kurtis Alexander: "Under the ordinance, residential customers would be allowed to use 49,368 gallons of water per month, which is about 1,646 gallons per day, before penalties kick in." — "Southern California water district uses unfair hiring practices, state audit finds, " by POLITICO's Chris Ramirez: "Thursday's report noted that Metropolitan failed to implement fair hiring practices recommended in a 2004 report, suggesting an "unwillingness" from its leadership to adjust as needed." YEAH, RIGHT — "L.A. says it can't take care of its sickest and most vulnerable. The county isn't buying it, " by the LA Times' Benjamin Oreskes and Doug Smith: "The current rift marks a move away from the cooperation displayed five years ago, when both city and county voters had approved ballot measures to provide billions of dollars in housing and services, with the city building housing and the county funding counseling services to accompany that housing." CALL TO ACTION — " S.F. political group calls on Legislature to reform sex misconduct unit after Chronicle investigation," by the SF Chronicle's Sophia Bollag: "In an open letter made public Thursday morning, the San Francisco Women's Political Committee asks Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins to open an independent investigation into the unit." — " Fixing the Crisis in California's Nursing Homes," by Capital & Main's Mark Kreidler: "On a macro level, workers and legislators say, the issues amount to the same two things over and over: inadequate compensation and staffing." | | | | A message from Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support:   | | | | | BIDEN, HARRIS AND THE HILL | |
ANOTHER ONE — "Harris selects new chief of staff as top aide departs White House," by the WaPo's Tyler Pager: "[Tina Flournoy's] departure is likely to revive career-long questions about Harris's management style and the high frequency of staff turnover in her offices and on her campaigns."
| | SILICON VALLEYLAND | |
UNDER PRESSURE — "Meta's Sheryl Sandberg Pressured Daily Mail to Drop Bobby Kotick Reporting," by the Wall Street Journal's Ben Fritz, Keach Hagey, Kirsten Grind and Emily Glazer: "In 2016 and 2019, Ms. Sandberg contacted the digital edition of the Daily Mail, which was reporting on a story that would have revealed the existence of a temporary restraining order against Mr. Kotick that had been obtained by a former girlfriend in 2014, according to people involved in the article and the campaigns to stop its publication."
SECURE THE BAG — " Elon Musk says he has secured the money to buy Twitter," by NPR's Shannon Bond: "Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and several other banks have promised to lend $25.5 billion, backed in part by some of Musk's Tesla shares, according to the filing."
| | | | JOIN US ON 4/29 FOR A WOMEN RULE DISCUSSION ON WOMEN IN TECH : Women, particularly women of color and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have historically been locked out of the tech world. But this new tech revolution could be an opportunity for women to get in on the ground floor of a new chapter. Join POLITICO for an in-depth panel discussion on the future of women in tech and how to make sure women are both participating in this fast-moving era and have access to all it offers. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | MIXTAPE | |
— "Vallejo police to weaken drone policy amid potential violations," by Open Vallejo's Brian Howey.
— "Member of campus community made threats prompting lockdown, UC says," by the Berkeleyside's Supriya Yelimeli, Nico Savidge and Ally Markovich. — " 'Beyond outrageous': L.A. company faked COVID test results, authorities allege," by the LA Times' Emily Alpert Reyes. — "Tahoe homeowner discovers mama bear, four cubs hibernating under house, " by the SF Chronicle's Jessica Flores. — "78,000 low-income Sacramentans can't find an affordable home to rent, report finds," by the Sac Bee's Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks. | | TRANSITIONS | |
— Elizabeth Ashford is joining Upland Workshop, the firm founded by fellow Schwarzenegger alum Adam Mendelsohn, as managing director of strategic communications. She most recently worked for Eaze Technologies. Katie Levinson is also joining the firm, coming over from the Emerson Collective.
| | | | 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 subscriber-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. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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