California Policy and Politics Sunday

Forest Service kidnapping dredges up legacy of violence toward federal land employees -- To those familiar with the often isolated work of federal land management employees, the scene was nightmarish – two U.S. Forest Service biologists went out to survey frogs only to find themselves bound and held captive in a small backwoods trailer by a bearded man who, according to charging documents, emerged from the trees with an assault rifle. Andrew Graham in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 8/9/26

As AI ‘therapists’ dish out advice, California lawmakers try to set some limits -- In a matter of a few clicks and keystrokes, anyone can find themselves deep in conversation with “Psychologist,” a chatbot character that describes itself as an expert in “empathy” and “active listening.” Ana B. Ibarra Calmatters in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 8/9/26

Bass’ Inside Safe teams went to these places again and again. But so did the homeless -- Over a three-year period, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ homelessness team went to nearly two dozen locations five or more times. Bass defended her program, saying the vast majority of Inside Safe locations have been clear of tents in recent weeks. Some neighbors voiced frustration that their streets keep repopulating with homeless encampments. David Zahniser, Genaro Molina in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 8/9/26

Insurance commissioner candidates split key endorsements -- State Sen. Ben Allen and former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim have split major party and labor endorsements, setting up a razor-thin contest for California’s next insurance commissioner. Laurence Darmiento in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 8/9/26

Spencer Pratt spent big on luxury hotels and security, campaign reports show -- During the Los Angeles mayoral primary, Spencer Pratt put out a video saying he was living in a trailer on the burned-out lot where his Pacific Palisades home once stood — a claim that was soon debunked by TMZ, which reported that he was actually staying at the Hotel Bel-Air. Noah Goldberg in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 8/9/26

Stanford ditches Flock cameras, hires new license plate reader firm -- Stanford University has ditched its Flock camera system and hired a new license plate reader firm following controversy over who can access the images captured. George Avalos in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 8/9/26

After deadly Fire, Rick Caruso said hope needed an address: Palisades Village -- One-third of the Village’s original tenants are returning. Rick Caruso’s team also focused on recruiting a new generation of retailers, restaurateurs and local entrepreneurs who could help define the next chapter. Michelle Edgar in the Orange County Register$ -- 8/9/26

Sen. Adam Schiff proposes bill to help communities rebuild faster after wildfires and other disasters -- The Reducing Red Tape for Rebuilding Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa. Linh Tat in the Orange County Register$ -- 8/9/26

Education

Broken trust: San Jose Unified parents say district fell short after closing campuses -- When San Jose Unified School District decided to shutter five elementary schools earlier this year, officials made several promises to ensure a smooth transition for families with students set to attend new campuses. Molly Gibbs in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 8/9/26

POTUS 47

Trump Thought Opening the Strait of Hormuz Was Imminent. Iran Had Other Plans -- For weeks, President Trump had been laying the groundwork to declare victory in the Iran war should Tehran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even floating the idea privately to senior aides that he’s willing to walk away without a nuclear deal, U.S. officials said. Alexander Ward in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 8/9/26

Israel Rejects Trump Plan for Hamas Disarmament -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected President Trump’s plan for disarming Hamas, a key plank of the Gaza peace process that also requires Israel to withdraw from the enclave. Anat Peled in the Wall Street Journal$ Aaron Boxerman in the New York Times$ Lior Soroka and Sammy Westfall in the Washington Post$ -- 8/9/26

In Confirming Blanche, Senators Endorse a Justice Dept. Under Trump’s Sway -- Time and again, Todd Blanche has made it clear that he believes President Trump possesses a nearly limitless right to directly control the actions of the Justice Department. Glenn Thrush in the New York Times$ -- 8/9/26

After Supreme Court loss, Trump again targets birthright citizenship with new orders -- President Trump signed new executive orders to crack down on so-called birth tourism and restrict which children of immigrants qualify for U.S. citizenship. Constitutional scholars, civil rights groups and California officials argue the orders defy the 14th Amendment and the court’s ruling. Kevin Rector in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 8/9/26

Senate Bows to Reality, Leaving Trump’s Voting Bill Undone -- The summer exit confirmed what had been apparent for weeks: that Republicans lacked the votes to pass the voting restrictions the president has made a top priority. Michael Gold in the New York Times$ -- 8/9/26