Tag: california

Nurse standing in front of a backdrop that shows a blank map of California and a blank map of Mexico.
Cross-Border Healthcare: A Complex Problem Meets a Bipartisan Solution
While healthcare in California has seen massive investments in coverage and access, these gains often mean little to border residents who split time, family, or even residency across two countries
30 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
I voted stickers
In Oakland, Barbara Lee's RCV Strategy Seen as Critical to Mayoral Victory
In a dramatic shift following the April 15 special mayoral election in Oakland, former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee has been declared the winner, pulling into a commanding lead over former Councilmember Loren Taylor, as vote counting continues.
18 Apr, 2025
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2 min read
Oakland and San Francisco
Analysis: Popular Oakland Ranked Choice Voting System Used to Decide City's Next Mayor
On Tuesday, Oakland, CA used ranked choice voting (RCV) in special elections for mayor and City Council District 2 – marking Oakland’s 5th mayoral election using RCV. A 2024 poll found that 77% of Oakland voters are satisfied with the election method. 
16 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
Person holding up a cannabis plant.
On Top of New Tariffs and Proposed Vape Ban, Calif. Cannabis Retailers Also Face an Excise Tax Hike
As California’s legal cannabis industry heads into the second half of 2025, store owners are facing a combination of rising costs that could further disadvantage them against the state’s still-thriving illicit market.
16 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
Oakland, CA
Oakland Votes in Pivotal Mayoral Election with Ranked Choice Voting at the Center
In a critical special election, Oakland voters are casting their ballots on April 15 to replace recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. The election will be decided using ranked choice voting (RCV) and determine who leads the city through 2027, as Oakland faces mounting challenges.
15 Apr, 2025
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5 min read
Barbara Lee
Barbara Lee Embraces Ranked Choice Strategy as Oakland’s Mayoral Race Enters Final Stretch
With Oakland’s high-stakes special mayoral election coming up on April 15, former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has released a video outlining a ranked choice voting (RCV) strategy — officially urging her supporters to rank multiple names on their ballots.
14 Apr, 2025
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2 min read
cannabis plant
Tariffs and Vape Ban Could Push California’s Cannabis Market Further Underground
California’s legal cannabis industry, long weighed down by high taxes and regulation, is facing new threats: steep federal tariffs on key imports and a proposed statewide ban on disposable vapes.
11 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
A person cuffed.
With 10 Million Votes, Proposition 36 Takes Effect in California, Ushering in New Approach to Drug and Theft Crimes
In November 2024, California voters in all 58 counties approved Proposition 36, known as the "Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act," with approximately 68.4% in favor. ​ 
24 Mar, 2025
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3 min read
Color ballots going into ballot box
Redondo Beach Voters Say Ranked Choice Voting is Simple, Fair, and Easy
Redondo Beach used ranked choice voting (RCV) for the first time on March 4 during its municipal elections and according to new data from Lake Research Partners, voters liked it.
12 Mar, 2025
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1 min read
Marijuana plant being cultivated.