Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, calling for the party to support an arms embargo against Israel and acknowledge Palestinian loss of land. While the convention focused on passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, some delegates, including Joseph Salas from California, pushed for a stronger stance on the Gaza issue. A letter circulating among delegates asked Harris to shift away from President Biden’s policy on Gaza.
The ongoing Gaza war has sparked division among California Democrats, with protests growing louder and pressure mounting on party leaders to support a ceasefire resolution. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged delegates to help secure more congressional seats for Harris. Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered California’s votes to put Harris over the top in the ceremonial roll call.
Meanwhile, in San Bernardino County, real estate developer Jeff Burum’s efforts to study whether the region receives its fair share of resources have led to criticism of a recent report, which found the county actually receives more state funding per person than the statewide average. Burum remains undeterred in his advocacy for the county.
In legislative news, bills on America’s semiquincentennial, daylight saving time, and homework policies in schools are progressing at the state Capitol. Gov. Newsom signed several new laws, including measures to support students’ emotional skills and extend a recycling pilot program. However, he vetoed a bill that would have expanded air monitoring standards for oil refineries, citing budget concerns. Senate Democratic leader Mike McGuire took charge in Sacramento while the governor and lieutenant governor were away at the convention.
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Photo credit calmatters.org