California Leaders Mourn John Burton, Trailblazing Democratic Powerhouse Dead at 92
John Lowell Burton, an influential figure in California politics who served as State Assemblymember, U.S. Congressman, President pro Tempore of the State Senate, and Chair of the California Democratic Party, passed away of natural causes on Sept. 7. Burton was 92.
Gov. Gavin Newsom honored his legacy: “There was no greater champion for the poor, the bullied, the disabled, and forgotten Californians than John Burton. He was a towering figure—a legendary force whose decades of service shaped our state and our politics for the better.”
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a longtime friend, reflected on Burton’s determination. “His life’s work reminds us that authentic leadership means having the courage to speak truth to power and never forgetting where you came from,” Lee said.
California Payroll Report Highlights Top-Earning Public Workers as Controller Malia Cohen Publishes New Data
California State Controller Malia M. Cohen has released 2024 payroll data for special districts, spotlighting some of the state’s highest-paid government jobs. The report, published on the Government Compensation in California (GCC) website, offers a detailed look at wages and benefits for nearly 173,000 positions.
The self-reported data shows special district employees received more than $12.66 billion in wages last year, with an additional $3.38 billion in health and retirement benefits. A total of 3,100 special districts submitted reports, though 68 either failed to file or turned in noncompliant information.
A West Coast CDC? California Partners With Oregon, Washington and Hawaii to Form Regional Health Alliance
California, Oregon, and Washington have launched the West Coast Health Alliance, a regional initiative to provide unified, science-based guidance on immunizations and other public health policies. The alliance was created in response to federal actions that have undermined the independence of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and raised concerns about the politicization of science.
The alliance aims to ensure residents receive credible, evidence-based recommendations, free from political interference. “President Trump’s mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists — and his blatant politicization of the agency — is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk,” said Governors Gavin Newsom, Tina Kotek, and Bob Ferguson in a joint statement.
State health leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and evidence-based communication.
California GOP Candidate Steve Hilton Files Lawsuit Challenging Redistricting, Citing “Partisan Power Grab”
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has filed a federal lawsuit challenging California’s proposed congressional redistricting plan, known as Proposition 50, arguing that it violates the 14th Amendment and equal protection rights for voters. The suit was filed Sept. 4 in the U.S. Central District Court of California’s Southern Division.
Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and prominent contender in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, had warned last month he would take legal action if Democrats advanced redistricting plans that he claims would favor their party. The lawsuit names Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, whose office oversees elections in California.
“After Gavin Newsom’s Partisan Power Grab, a Democrat Vote in California will be worth eight times what a Republican vote is worth, a grotesque assault on our Democracy,” said Hilton in a campaign news release. He also described Proposition 50 as a “scheme” that ignores California’s constitutional requirement that redistricting occur only once every 10 years after a census.
“The Constitution does not say one person, one vote sometimes. It does not say one person, one vote, only for the majority party. It says one person, one vote for everyone. If this map is allowed to stand, millions of Californians will have their voices silenced and their votes devalued,” Hilton added. Please visit www.ourweekly.com to read more.
