I hadn’t watched a Jimmy Kimmel monologue in maybe forever until last night. I think I’ll probably tune in again in the nights to come.

BettyMedsger knows something about the misuse and abuse of the FBI having broken the story for the Washington Post about CoIntelPro in 1971. Here, she writes about the 2025 FBI. No matter your politics, you should be alarmed: theconversation.com/trumps-use-o...

George Skelton, the best, writes about John Burton: We need more champions for the powerless like John Burton: www.latimes.com/california/n...

Sam Quinones, a journalist who does first-hand, shoe-leather reporting, has an excellent Substack and podcast, and is author of "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic." Check out his latest: youtu.be/z3nbJeS1Vys?... h/t @samquinones7 samquinones.substack.com

This is an important and unfortunate story about foreign aid, or lack of it, and about a California-based nonprofit organization trying to help: www.directrelief.org/2025/09/wher...

I have said many very stupid things and I am willing to forgive. But what is in the heart of a man who advocates giving lethal injections to human beings who, through no fault of their own, are ill and on the edge? And what of the editor who continues to give a platform to such a person?

Biden allies are "rallying" to his defense re Kamala Harris's book. "No one wants to hear your pity party,” one said. Great quote. Too bad its blind, as are others except for one by Ron Klain. Why reporters & editors in 2025 allow blind quotes is beyond me. www.thedailybeast.com/biden-aide-s...

This story caught my eye because my wife and I put down a deposit on an EV this past weekend in time to qualify for the expiring federal tax credit. We didn't consider Tesla, because more than anyone other than Trump, Musk's money got Trump elected. #EVPolitics www.latimes.com/business/sto...

This a great remembrance of John Burton by a great journalist, @jerryroberts.bsky.social, the target of many Burton yells. Read about the best correction ever anywhere. open.substack.com/pub/sbnewsma...

Glenn County in a red part of Calif could lose its only hospital. The nearest ER is 40 miles away. Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who voted for health care cuts, is trying to persuade Dr. Oz to intervene. It's the sort of issue that could cost a guy his seat. calmatters.org/health/2025/...

So long to a great man. www.latimes.com/california/s...

Sometime AI is correct: “Quisling" is a term … used to describe someone who collaborates with an enemy occupying force in their own country. The term originates from Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian politician who led a collaborationist government during the German occupation of Norway.

Well-yold story about a big problem in the mental health care system: An alleged killer is living near Golden Gate Park in a facility where patients go missing h/t @jonahowenlamb.bsky.social sfstandard.com/2025/08/12/a...

"Save me, San Francisco" Just because I needed a break. music.youtube.com/channel/UCWz...

Re CDC vax waffle: Dr. Sean O’Leary, of American Academy of Pediatrics: ““To sort of weaken the language or weaken the messaging that they’re sending is very concerning, because what they say does matter.” AP: kindergarten vaccination rates drop #maha??? apnews.com/article/vacc...

I love watching Mike Yastrzemski. So sorry to see him go. But I bet he will hit many more homeruns in KC.

Kamala Harris is not running for governor. But: "I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.” www.latimes.com/california/s...

George Skelton’s tribute y to the last of Giv. Reagan’s people left in Sacramento. There’s a lesson here: Straight-shooting advisor George Steffes always had Reagan’s ear

Decades ago, I covered a mob trial in which Jimmy “The Weasel” Frantianno testified about a shakedown he attempted of a Vegas casino owner. The Paramount shakedown would make him blush.

It’s gonna pass and in the months and years to come we’ll learn all that’s in it.

Read about the journalist behind the shocking video of the ICE assault on the IHOP landscapers/father of three sons who have served our country.. h/t Jerry Roberts Santa Barbara Newsmakers open.substack.com/pub/sbnewsma...

What’s that guy’s name again: James David Vance? James Donald Bowman?

Getting around to reading the State Bar decision to uphold the recommendation that John C. Eastman, Trump's lawyer, be disbarred. "Whether in the courts, to former Vice-President Pence and his staff, or to the public, Eastman consistently failed to be honest." Pg 95 horvitzlevy.com/R5FD3S351/as...

Lots of anti-ICE signs at No Kings rally in Woodland, California. Thing about police agencies is they need public support to carry out their jobs.

“No Kings” rally at Old Courthouse, Woodland, Calif.

Woodland, California.

Alex Padilla came to the SacBee editorial board seeking our endorsement for Sec of State in 2014. I asked him how many Californians he intended to add to voter register rolls. He asked me for a number. I said I didn’t know but how abt 1 mill. He added 4 million new voters during his time in office.

US Senator Alex Padilla’s father was a cook at DuPars. Padilla didn’t speak English when he started school. He grew up in Pacoima. He graduated from MIT. He is not a jerk.

Padilla getting cuffed while in the ground shocks some senators but not all of them: Sen. Lindsey Graham scoffed that Padilla “got what he wanted, he’s on TV.” What would John McCain say? www.politico.com/newsletters/...

California Sen. Alex Padilla forcibly removed, detained during Kristi Noem press conference. One federal agent turned to the staff member filming and said: “There’s no recording allowed out here, per FBI rights.” FBI rights? www.latimes.com/california/s...

SF Chronicle published real photos of troops sleeping on a floor in L.A. Right-wing critics called them fake Spoiler alert: The Chron was right. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...

‘Wildly underprepared’: National Guard troops seen sleeping on floors in exclusive photos … They have no provision for food, water or fuel. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...

The silence of “small government Republicans” is deafening. I guess that is so 1981.

Anyone remember Kent State?

I still won’t buy a Tesla but this is fun to watch.

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: #CaliforniaInsuranceCrisis: The Los Angeles Fires. With Sonoma County Sup. James Gore, Steve Hawks, IBHS, Kelsey Szamet, Eaton Fire Survivors Network; Nancy Wallace, @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social, Moderated by @danmorain.bsky.social capitolweekly.net/special-epis...

National Forest Service

Senate votes to overturn California's landmark ban on new gas-only car sales. ... I hear the Senate is going to pass legislation next that requires us all to start smoking again. www.latimes.com/environment/...

Nick Gerda of LAIST wins journalist of the year from Sac Press Club for his great stories about OC Supe Do. He shouts out to the great editor Megan Garvey.

LATimes’ Melody Gutierrez wins for impact journalism award from Sac Press Club for her great puppy mill stories and the failure of state regulators. Such great stories.

The fabulous Rob Gauthier won Sac Press Club awards for both feature and spot news awards. Such an amazing pro. H/t @latimes.com

The amazing Paige St John won a Sac Press Club award for her incredible story(ies) about weed. H/t @latimes.com Times

The great Teresa Watanabe (formerly) of the LATimes won the Sac Press Club award for her excellent education reporting.

So glad Melody Gutierrez won Sac Press Club award for her great enterprise reporting. H/t @latimes.com

Not surprising. Alas. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/17/u...

Insurance Commish Ricardo Lara says Consumer Watchdog collects “millions illions of dollars in fees” and Californians get no coverage for it. Says “I might end up being most unelectable person in California” but he intends to fix the system. At insurance conference by @capitolweekly.bsky.social

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara throws elbows at former Insurance Commish Congressman John Garamendi saying he “plagiarizes my work” and he and former Commish Steve Poizner failed to update rules - and leave it to the “brown gay guy” to fix it while they fail upward. @capitolweekly.bsky.social

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara calls out Consumer Watchdog and insurance lobby: “System rewards gridlock.” @capitolweekly.bsky.social conference on insurance.

I’m looking forward to moderating a panel of smart people about what’s ahead for Los Angeles County residents as they rebuild. Note: LA County reports 8 permits to rebuild have been approved to date—8.

Yes, reporters covering courts should identify the presidents who appointed federal judges. Not even a close call these days. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/o...