AGP Executive Report

Food Waste & Consumer Protection: California’s new standardized “sell by” ban is now in effect, requiring “BEST if Used by” for peak quality and “USE by” for safety, aiming to cut confusion and waste. Privacy & Business Regulation: A CIPA reform effort tied to SB 690 is back in focus after a committee vote, with businesses pushing to rein in demand-letter-driven privacy claims. Housing & Disaster Rebuilding: Altadena lawmakers advanced a temporary hold on two major housing laws through 2030, giving Eaton Fire survivors more time to rebuild without “predatory” development pressure. Public Health & Local Control: Los Angeles approved an interim pause on new smoke and vape shops in Council District 15 while the city evaluates longer-term rules. Courts & Federal Power: A federal judge blocked Philadelphia’s “ICE Out” mask ban for federal officers, underscoring limits on cities regulating federal operations. Public Safety & Substance Policy: California and national officials continue pushing to restrict 7-OH, as the DEA moves toward scheduling it.

DOJ vs. California Gun Laws: The Trump administration sued in federal court to block California’s Glock-style handgun sales ban and the state handgun roster, arguing Second Amendment violations as AB 1127 takes effect. Courts & Due Process: A California judge set aside a landmark $6.5 million default judgment against Jermaine Jackson after a service/name error raised due process concerns. Sex Offender Politics: A California Senate committee killed a bill that would have barred registered sex offenders from running for office, with Democrats split over scope. Trans Athletes: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in school sports; California groups say it deepens discrimination fears. New Laws July 1: Californians saw higher local minimum wages and new consumer rules, including a ban on “sell by” food labels and clearer added-sugar icons for chain restaurants. Food Waste Fix: The “sell by” change aims to reduce confusion and waste by standardizing “Best if Used By” vs. “Use By” labels. AI & Safety: A California man sued OpenAI, claiming ChatGPT worsened bipolar delusions and led to self-harm, while a separate NLRB guidance update signals shifting federal labor enforcement. Public Safety Tech: West Hollywood’s drone-as-first-responder program is set to launch later this month. World Cup in the Bay: USA advanced to the Round of 16 in San Francisco, but Folarin Balogun’s straight red could complicate the next match. Humanitarian Relief: LA’s Catholic archdiocese announced emergency collections for earthquake victims in Venezuela.

AI & Mental Health Lawsuit: A California man sued OpenAI and Sam Altman, saying ChatGPT worsened his bipolar disorder and drove him to attempt suicide, pushing for safeguards and an order to end self-harm related conversations. Public Safety & Human Trafficking: Federal agents and local partners launched “Operation Broken Blade” with raids along the Figueroa corridor, leading to at least six arrests and charges tied to a violent sex trafficking operation targeting juveniles. Gun Policy Clash: The U.S. Justice Department sued California over its new “Glock Ban,” arguing it violates the Second Amendment, as it also challenged Virginia’s gun restrictions. State Government Tech: California struck a deal to provide Anthropic’s Claude to state agencies at half price, with cities and counties able to join through a statewide purchasing portal. Immigration & Detention Costs: Immigrants detained in California facilities began a boycott over commissary prices, alleging profiteering on basic items. Housing & Zoning: A new state transit-adjacent housing law is taking effect, with San Diego mapping where it applies and where it may be delayed. Fireworks Enforcement: Ahead of July 4, California cities are using drones and rewards to crack down on illegal fireworks, while urging “Safe and Sane” use where allowed.

Supreme Court & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court term ended with major rulings that keep California’s vote-by-mail system intact while expanding how late-arriving ballots can be counted, a shift that national commentators say could reshape election strategy. AI & Tech Governance: San Francisco-based Anthropic says the federal government lifted export controls on its Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, and California is also moving to expand state agencies’ access to Claude through a new deal. Consumer Protection: California starts banning “sell by” labels on food packaging, replacing them with standardized “Best if Used By” and “Use By” warnings aimed at cutting waste and confusion. Local Government & Public Safety: Willows’ contract with the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office expires at midnight, leaving residents without patrol law enforcement unless the city secures new arrangements. Courts & Accountability: A federal judge in Oakland denied Meta’s bid to dismiss a multistate AG lawsuit accusing Facebook and Instagram of addicting children and concealing harm. Housing & Campaigns: LA City Council pulled a noncitizen voting proposal from the November ballot. Business & Litigation: Airbnb faces an LA lawsuit alleging price gouging during the 2025 wildfires. Sports & Culture: Mexico fans packed parts of Southern California to celebrate a World Cup Round of 16 berth.

Supreme Court Shockwaves: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s executive order targeting birthright citizenship, a major win California leaders are already framing as a defense of the 14th Amendment. Voting Rules: In a separate election case, the Court upheld states’ ability to count mail ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked on time—good news for California’s vote-by-mail system. Trans Sports: The Court also upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in school sports, a ruling expected to affect many states with similar laws. State Budget: Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats reached a $351.7 billion budget deal that keeps the state balanced for two years while delaying or softening some cuts. Mental Health Diversion: Newsom signed AB 46, expanding judges’ discretion in California’s mental health diversion program. Church Accountability: San Francisco’s Catholic archdiocese agreed to a $395 million settlement over clergy sex abuse claims, paired with transparency and child-protection reforms. Local Governance: Turlock’s incoming city manager, Dr. John Murphy, defended his record after residents raised questions tied to prior lawsuits and settlements. Wildfire Tech: CA lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to modernize wildfire response by expanding FireGuard’s ability to use wildfire data. Public Safety: Tuolumne County reported a homicide arrest after a fatal shooting in Sonora.

Budget & Governance: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a nearly $352B 2026-27 budget, delaying some healthcare cuts, boosting childcare, and setting aside money to speed up vote counting ahead of November. Courts & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld grace periods for mail ballots—states can count ballots received after Election Day if postmarked on time—prompting relief in California and other late-receipt states. Homelessness & Federal Funding: LAHSA sued the Trump administration to block a cutoff of federal homelessness funds, warning thousands could lose housing or services. AI, Fraud & Public Safety: An AP/Frontline investigation says American tech is powering large-scale scam operations worldwide, while California also faces growing scrutiny over AI’s role in fraud and governance. Energy & Consumer Costs: Trump demanded gas retailers cut prices to about $2.50, blaming California taxes; meanwhile California drivers sued major fuel chains over alleged AI-fueled price manipulation. Church Abuse Settlement: San Francisco’s archdiocese agreed in principle to a $395M settlement with clergy abuse survivors, including apology letters and reforms. Local Justice & Environment: Humboldt County investigators say 117 dogs at a Northern California “no-kill” rescue were likely buried between January and April, with gunshot wounds and microchips found. Military: A missing U.S. Marine off Southern California was declared dead after a recovery operation.

Supreme Court Mail-Ballot Win for California: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mail ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then, a decision that leaves California’s seven-day ballot-receipt rule intact and drew praise from Secretary of State Shirley Weber, AG Rob Bonta, and Gov. Newsom. Local Election Administration: Los Angeles County Registrar Dean Logan said the ruling requires no changes to how L.A. County counts ballots for November. San Francisco Pride Politics: State Sen. Scott Wiener was heckled and chased from a Trans March event by anti-Israel demonstrators, underscoring how Gaza tensions are colliding with California’s LGBTQ politics. Public Safety & Community: Investigators recovered 117 intact dogs and additional skulls and bones at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Humboldt County, expanding a cruelty-and-fraud probe. State Policy Watch: Newsom signed an executive order to speed up and modernize California transit systems statewide. Tech & Government: California signed a deal to bring Claude AI tools to government workers. Local Tax: Los Angeles County voters passed Measure ER, raising the sales tax to 10.25% to fund health care and low-income coverage.

Streaming & Consumer Protection: California’s ban on loud streaming ads kicks in July 1, extending TV-style volume limits to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more. Elections & Voting Access: A federal judge blocked key pillars of Trump’s mail-voting restrictions, while California’s top election officials keep pushing back against unlawful federal election control. Public Safety & Justice: Authorities say 117 dogs were found dead at a Northern California “no-kill” shelter, with gunshot wounds suspected and a cruelty/fraud probe underway. Local Governance & Accountability: Los Angeles County Registrar certified the June 2 primary results, confirming a Pasadena council sweep and Measure ER passage. Higher Ed Under Federal Scrutiny: The Justice Department is stepping up investigations into universities’ admissions and antisemitism claims, with UCLA and other schools facing pressure over policies and programs. Military & Emergency Response: A U.S. Marine missing off Southern California remains under search/recovery, while LA County firefighters continue supporting Venezuela earthquake response. Culture & Politics: LA Mayor Karen Bass addressed the Spencer Pratt mayoral race after the primary, and the BET Awards spotlighted rising international talent in Los Angeles.

Education Governance: Newsom’s budget deal shifts control of the California Department of Education away from the state superintendent, with a new director reporting to the governor under AB 181—aimed at fixing TK-12 program “inefficiency and ineffectiveness.” Elections & Ballot Measures: California’s Secretary of State certified 14 November propositions, including voter ID, a billionaire wealth tax, and measures tied to taxes, borrowing, and election/campaign rules. Healthcare Tax Fight: SEIU-UHW is backing the billionaire tax for healthcare funding, while the California Medical Association and other business/anti-tax groups line up against it—setting up a major fall campaign. Consumer Costs & Enforcement: A new “Wartime Price Gouging Prevention Act” would let the AG investigate price gouging during war-related emergencies, responding to rising gas prices. Housing & Local Taxes: The transfer-tax fight is in flux after a Howard Jarvis-led initiative was pulled following a deal, while lawmakers push alternative caps that could reshape city budgets and development. Public Safety & Courts: A Sacramento cannabis dispensary shooting case saw a security guard released after a fatality charge tied to an alleged break-in; the state’s education and legal systems keep colliding with real-world consequences. Military Search: Multiple agencies continue searching for a missing U.S. Marine off the coast near San Diego after training-related disappearance. World Cup Politics in LA: MLB faces DOJ scrutiny after warning Giants players against Bible verses during Pride Night, reigniting debates over religious accommodation and civil rights.

Pride Politics: San Francisco Pride weekend kicked off with a sharper focus on transgender visibility and support, as organizers framed the events as “Resistance In Action” amid rising national backlash. Local Government Integrity: A San Francisco audit found a former top tax official allegedly steered a $10 million contract to a friend’s firm, raising pay-to-play concerns and undermining procurement trust. AI + Water Clash: California paused what could be its biggest AI data center push in Imperial County after a county moratorium and a separate legal fight over Colorado River water access. Animal Cruelty Probe: Humboldt County investigators uncovered a mass grave tied to a “no-kill” sanctuary, finding 117 dead dogs and tracing hundreds more missing animals. Healthcare Debt Relief: Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr erased $550 million in medical debt for more than 261,000 Californians through a nonprofit partnership. Speech vs. Power: California AG Rob Bonta is seeking steep fines against pro-life nonprofits over their free speech about abortion alternatives, setting up a major First Amendment fight. Elections Under Fire: Rep. Mike Levin warned Trump is pressuring federal prosecutors to investigate elections he dislikes, while California officials say there’s no fraud in the state’s primary process.

Billionaire Tax Showdown: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s national billionaire tax pitch landed right after California’s one-time wealth tax measure qualified for the November ballot, setting up a confusing contrast for voters as supporters accuse him of “flip-flopping” and opponents brace for a costly fight. State Budget & AI Windfall: Newsom and lawmakers struck a $351.7B budget deal buoyed by higher-than-expected tax revenue tied to AI stock gains, helping avoid projected deficits while the billionaire-tax debate heats up. Housing After Wildfires: Altadena groups are rallying behind SB 1090, seeking a moratorium on state housing-density rules (SB 9 and SB 1123) as the community rebuilds from the Eaton Fire. Public Safety & Courts: Humboldt County investigators found 117 dogs buried at a “no-kill” sanctuary, with bullet fragments reported, as an animal cruelty and fraud probe continues. Education Rules: A new California law will restrict smartphone use in schools starting July 1, pushing districts toward phone lockups or bans during class time. Local Governance: Los Angeles approved $120,000 for outside lawyers to fight an ethics fine challenge by Councilmember John Lee.

Immigration & Courts: A California man pleaded guilty to a Mexico ransom scheme targeting would-be migrants, with at least two victims still missing and presumed dead after families paid thousands. Wildfire Justice: A mistrial was declared in the federal Palisades Fire arson case after jurors deadlocked; a retrial is set for October, keeping the defendant jailed. Animal Cruelty: Humboldt County investigators say they found 117 dead dogs, skulls, and bones at a Northern California “no-kill” sanctuary tied to a cruelty and fraud probe. Venezuela Disaster Response: As Venezuela’s quake death toll nears 1,000, Los Angeles County and other international teams are deploying search-and-rescue and aid. LA Energy Policy: Los Angeles City Council approved a first step to phase out oil drilling citywide, with a second vote needed to lock it in. Wealth Tax Politics: California’s billionaire wealth tax is headed to the November ballot, setting up a major campaign and likely legal fights as Newsom opposes it. AI & Federal Oversight: Anthropic says the U.S. authorized limited access to its Mythos model for select cybersecurity firms, after earlier restrictions. Elections & Federal Power: Michigan AG Dana Nessel won a court ruling blocking a Trump election executive order aimed at federal control over election administration. Public Safety: CAL FIRE warned Californians against illegal fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July, citing online and out-of-state sales risks.

Palisades Fire Trial: A federal judge declared a mistrial after jurors deadlocked in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, setting up a retrial and raising major questions about who can be held liable for the 2025 blaze. Billionaire Tax Fight: Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing a national “minimum tax on billionaires” and an AI-linked federal “public equity” fund, while opposing California’s already-certified November billionaire tax measure—turning the ballot into a high-stakes fight over who pays and where the money goes. Local Governance & Elections: A Tempe Democrat sued to block Arizona’s Secure Elections Act from reaching voters, as California election-watchers keep a close eye on how states handle ballot rules and federal overreach. LAUSD Leadership: A new profile of LAUSD’s recent superintendent lineup spotlights Andrés Chait’s internal rise to permanent superintendent as the district faces long-running deficits and enrollment pressures. Inglewood vs Hollywood Park: In a legal dispute tied to SoFi Stadium’s surrounding development, a judge ruled for Inglewood in a billboard and infrastructure fight. Homelessness Policy: Lawmakers are advancing homelessness bills, including efforts around sober housing, as the state tries to turn modest progress into real reductions. Wildfire Recovery: Los Angeles County launched an Altadena Commercial Concierge Program to speed permitting and help businesses rebuild after the Eaton Fire. Supreme Court Impact: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Roundup cancer lawsuits by shielding manufacturers from certain state failure-to-warn claims. Elections Courtroom Stakes: Attorney General Raoul scored court wins permanently blocking key Trump election executive-order provisions.

Plastics Act in Court: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers, sued California over the state’s single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide and overreach state authority. Auto Emissions Fight: California AG Rob Bonta filed suit challenging the Trump administration’s move to roll back California’s vehicle emissions standards, setting up another major clash over federal waivers. Billionaire Tax on Track: A one-time 5% tax on Californians worth over $1 billion is headed to the November ballot after SEIU-UHW said it won’t pull the measure, even as Gov. Newsom and allies oppose it. Healthcare Ballot Deal: CalMatters reports SEIU-UHW and California hospitals reached an agreement to remove two competing healthcare initiatives from the ballot, but the billionaire tax remains. Gun Law Face-Off: DOJ says it will sue over California’s Glock-style handgun restrictions taking effect July 1, warning the rules violate Second Amendment rights. Venezuela Earthquake Response: LA County Fire’s USAR team is mobilizing to help after deadly quakes in Venezuela, as the death toll climbs and rescue efforts intensify. Local Governance & Safety: UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute says tens of thousands of workers and residents were inside the smoke advisory zone after the Boyle Heights warehouse fire, raising environmental justice concerns. World Cup Politics in SoCal: US and Turkey played in Los Angeles as the US advanced to the Round of 32, keeping the spotlight on major sports events tied to California venues.

Abandoned Orchard Law Stalls: Counties say California’s new abandoned orchard enforcement tool (AB 732) isn’t moving the needle yet, with advocates frustrated that fines aren’t being used in practice. Gun Rights Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s limits on where concealed-carry permit holders can bring guns, a decision that also hits California’s similar approach. Wildfire Recovery Aid Extended: FEMA extended housing assistance for Eaton and Palisades fire survivors—helping homeowners through July 9, 2027 and renters through Oct. 9, 2027. AI Workforce Tracking: California launched an AI-Unemployment Tracker to spot whether job losses are rising in roles most exposed to AI, with early results showing no statewide surge. AI Transparency Pushback: Open-source groups urged lawmakers to rewrite a clause in California’s AI Transparency Act, warning it conflicts with open-source licensing rules. Election Administration Watch: San Joaquin County is wrapping up ballot curing after the June 2 primary, while election delays remain a flashpoint for fraud claims. Porch Pirate Crackdown: Southern California agencies are using license plate readers and drones to target residential package theft. Child Abuse Settlement Scrutiny: L.A. County DA says up to 81% of claims in a child sex abuse settlement may be fraudulent, seeking payment delays.

Election & Courts: A federal judge blocked nationwide courthouse immigration arrests, while California election integrity fights continue in court as Trump’s DOJ pushes policies that judges keep striking back. Housing & Budget: Trump refused to sign a bipartisan housing bill, and California lawmakers are also moving a ballot measure to boost the state’s rainy-day fund capacity. LAUSD Shake-Up: Los Angeles Unified named longtime insider Andrés Chait superintendent after Alberto Carvalho’s resignation amid an FBI corruption probe, as the district faces a major budget gap and layoffs. Public Safety & Accountability: Prosecutors sought higher bail for two men in a Hollywood fatal stabbing case, and a new lawsuit update targets Los Angeles County over the death of ex-NFL player Stanley Wilson Jr. in jail custody. Tech, Consumer Costs & Antitrust: A gas-station AI pricing class action alleges algorithmic price-fixing across more than 1,700 sites; separate disputes keep heating up around AI and state rules. Civil Rights & Identity: California lawmakers advanced bills to recognize Jewish identity as an ethnicity and expand nonprofit security grants for offsite events. Environment & Infrastructure: California’s earthquake warning system reportedly reached over a million people ahead of a Northern California quake, and the state continues legal battles over plastics packaging and offshore wind.