San Jose Council Takes First Step Toward Ranked-Choice Voting for Special Elections

The budget totals $351.7 billion, making it the largest state spending plan in California's history, with about $251 billion from the state's general fund—also a record high. The governor said the state is working with billions more than expected due to wealthy residents, as voters will decide in November on a proposed 5% billionaire asset tax to fund healthcare programs. Newsom opposed the tax, noting capital gains trends would address claimed issues. The budget includes tax increases: an update on a health plan tax raising costs for private insurance, a new tax on digital software as a service, and preventing large corporations from using unlimited tax credits. It does not address California's COVID-era unemployment debt, leading to higher payroll taxes for businesses. The debt will be included in a November ballot measure to allow building rainy-day funds that could pay it off. The deal avoids closing a state prison in Riverside, provides $900 million in homelessness grants to large cities and counties, and overhauls the California Department of Education to be overseen by the governor's office instead of the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, opposed by current Superintendent Tony Thurmond. The state will have $28.8 billion in reserves. Lawmakers will vote Monday, and the budget takes effect July 1.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, announced a three-party agreement on the state's 2026-27 budget on Friday, June 28, 2026, in Sacramento. The balanced spending plan includes zero deficit for the current fiscal year and the next, marking a significant achievement amid ongoing economic uncertainty and political challenges from the Trump administration, which has withheld state funding.

The budget preserves California's strong fiscal foundation by maintaining reserves and responsible budgeting practices while continuing strategic investments in key areas.

The agreement funds small business tax cuts, free school meals, free summer school, universal pre-school, and childcare slots. It also includes historic investments in students with disabilities, healthcare affordability, cutting red tape to build more housing, a disaster rebuilding fund, and safeguarding and speeding up elections.

Governor Newsom emphasized that a balanced budget is not an end in itself but a means to deliver for Californians, supporting working families, creating more opportunity, and building safer, healthier communities. The budget protects vulnerable communities from what Newsom described as Trump's cruel assaults on the state, ensuring California remains the engine of America's economy and a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

The announcement was made in Sacramento, the state capital, highlighting the collaborative effort between the governor and legislative leaders to maintain fiscal stability while addressing critical needs. The budget's focus on education, healthcare, housing, and disaster preparedness reflects California's commitment to long-term growth and resilience, even as external pressures threaten to destabilize the state's finances.

The agreement demonstrates responsible choices that protect fiscal strength while continuing to invest in what matters most to Californians.

The Cheese Steak Shop at 995 Nord Ave. is donating its proceeds from sales today. Both Tbar locations — at 250 Vallombrosa Ave., Suite 200, and 555 Flying V St. — are donating profits from Monday and Tuesday’s sales. Donations can also be made directly through the North Valley Community Foundation.

The North Valley Community Foundation has opened two specific memorial funds: one for Robert Johnson, 74, of Orland, benefiting the Chico library at the family’s request, and one for Jacob “Cody” Hull, 46, of Chico, benefiting his family, including his injured niece. A GoFundMe page was opened by Kaygan Britt, mother of the injured child. Additional fundraisers are planned for July 1 at The ARC of Butte County thrift store, 2030 Park Ave., Chico.

The North Valley Community Foundation has opened memorial funds specifically for the victims of the June 22 Chico library shooting.

CHICO — The line wrapped around the building Saturday and extra tables and chairs were set up in the parking lot as people ate at Nobby’s to support the families of the two men killed and the girl injured in the Chico library shooting. For those who missed out on the Nobby’s fundraiser, the Cheese Steak Shop at 995 Nord Ave.

is donating its proceeds from sales today. In addition, both Tbar locations — at 250 Vallombrosa Ave., Suite 200, and 555 Flying V St.

— are donating profits from Monday and Tuesday’s sales. Donations can also be made directly through the North Valley Community Foundation.

Extra outdoor dining was set up in the parking lot on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Nobby's in Chico, California. The burger restaurant held a fundraiser with proceeds going to the families of the people killed and injured in the shooting at the Chico library on Monday.

The community response has been overwhelming, with residents turning out in large numbers to show their support and solidarity with the victims and their families.

The new article does not contain any unique facts beyond what is already in the existing article. The details about the stabbing, the arrest, the victim's age, the suspect's age, the time, location, and the relationship between the two are all identical. The only addition is the mention of the "Context district: San Joaquin County" and "Context city: Tracy," but these are metadata labels, not new factual information about the event itself. "

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred Friday evening outside a Target store in Tracy, according to police. The incident took place around 6:30 p.m.

in the 2800 block of Naglee Road, where multiple callers reported that someone had been stabbed in front of the retail store.

Officers responding to the scene were alerted that the suspect was attempting to flee, but bystanders intervened to prevent his escape. Upon arrival, police located an 18-year-old stabbing victim and the 15-year-old suspect.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

Authorities believe the two individuals knew each other. The investigation into the killing remains ongoing, and the 15-year-old suspect has been taken into custody.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's office will determine charges.

The stabbing has shaken the local community, as the incident occurred in a busy shopping area during the evening. Tracy police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

The attack occurred on Nov. 25, 2024, near the 300-block of Bollenbacher Drive in the Bolsa Knolls area of Salinas. When police arrived, they found three people with stab wounds and sent them all to the hospital; all three survived their injuries.

The Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni was quoted in the new article. The sheriff's statement was made in a social media post on Friday. The article is by Aaron Sousa of The Canadian Press.

The Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni was quoted in the new article. The sheriff's statement was made in a social media post on Friday. The article is by Aaron Sousa of The Canadian Press.

The female victim had told Vanderhoef she had cut off contact with him to focus on her relationship with her boyfriend, and the two were his intended targets. Vanderhoef will be eligible for parole in around 19 years. The boyfriend disarmed Vanderhoef and stabbed him repeatedly with a pair of scissors given to him by his girlfriend. Co-defendant Darius Avery Whyte was initially questioned at the scene and allowed to leave after telling investigators he did not know what was happening; he was later arrested on a tarmac in San Jose while preparing to fly back to Canada. Whyte was sentenced to probation, which was terminated that same day after he had spent the entire time in jail during court proceedings, and is now back in Canada. Whyte testified he had no idea Vanderhoef was planning the attack and had been told he was visiting California with an old friend from school; Vanderhoef paid for his expedited passport and plane ticket. The case was investigated by Detective Arras Wilson of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Darius Avery Whyte, who accompanied Vanderhoef, pleaded guilty to assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury and being an accessory after the fact to a felony, and was sentenced on April 3, 2026.

A Canadian man who traveled from British Columbia to Monterey County, California, with the intent to kill a woman he met through online gaming was sentenced Thursday to two consecutive life terms for attempted murder.

Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, 26, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, met a woman from Salinas, California, through online gaming. According to prosecutors, he became obsessed with her over the course of a year.

In November 2024, Vanderhoef flew to Monterey County, where he purchased knives, handcuffs, and duct tape, and surveilled the victim's home and workplace.

Posing as an Amazon delivery driver, Vanderhoef approached the victim's home on the night of the attack. When the female victim's boyfriend answered the door, Vanderhoef forced his way inside and stabbed the boyfriend.

Both victims managed to flee outside as the attack continued. The boyfriend was able to disarm Vanderhoef and stab him, but Vanderhoef then tackled the female victim and choked her until she could not breathe.

Vanderhoef confessed that he had been planning the attack for more than a month before flying to California, stating that his plan was to 'actually kill someone.' He traveled with a friend, Darius Avery White, who was arrested while sitting on a flight back to Canada. White testified against Vanderhoef, pleaded guilty to assault charges, and was sentenced in April.

In addition to the two consecutive life sentences, Vanderhoef was sentenced to five consecutive years for inflicting bodily injury and using a weapon during the commission of a crime. He was convicted after a jury trial in February.

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, 'We hope this case serves as a powerful reminder that online interactions can carry real world consequences, and we encourage parents and community members to remain engaged, informed, and proactive in protecting themselves and their children.'

The state dashboard reported 135 West Nile virus positive mosquito samples and 89 positive dead birds as of Friday, with Los Angeles County listed as the source of the single human case and 20 positive mosquito samples in the county to date. Mosquito traps in Long Beach and Pico Rivera tested positive for West Nile virus in May, an early sign of mosquito season.

The patient was over 55 years old. There was just one case of West Nile virus infection in Long Beach last year.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the case. The individual is the first symptomatic case reported in California for the 2026 season. There have been West Nile virus positive mosquito detections in Long Beach. Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada urged precautions. The Health Department’s Vector Control Program, along with partner agencies Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, treat areas with high mosquito populations daily. A Mosquito Hotline is available at 562.570.4132. Information is available at longbeach.gov/WNV and social media accounts @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and X. Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the case. The individual is the first symptomatic case reported in California for the 2026 season. There have been West Nile virus positive mosquito detections in Long Beach. Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada urged precautions. The Health Department’s Vector Control Program, along with partner agencies Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District, treat areas with high mosquito populations daily. A Mosquito Hotline is available at 562.570.4132. Information is available at longbeach.gov/WNV and social media accounts @LongBeachCity and @LBHealthDept on Instagram, Facebook and X. Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

The article was originally published by LAist on June 27, 2026. Additional prevention tips include installing or repairing door and window screens, dumping and draining standing water around the home, and reporting dead birds online or by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

The first human case of West Nile virus in California this year has been confirmed in Long Beach, according to an announcement by city officials on Friday. The individual was hospitalized with a neuroinvasive form of the illness and is now recovering at home, the city said in a statement.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. While most people infected with the virus experience no symptoms, less than 1% of patients develop neuroinvasive disease, which can manifest as meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid myelitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People over the age of 50 or those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. Health officials urge anyone experiencing severe symptoms to seek immediate medical care.

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus.

The risk of West Nile virus increases during hot weather, typically between June and October. Although mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus elsewhere in California, this is the first symptomatic case in the state this year.

Long Beach officials noted that no West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have been detected within the city limits.

To reduce the risk of infection, health officials recommend taking precautions against mosquito bites. These include applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus before going outdoors.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants during dawn and dusk, when West Nile-carrying mosquitoes are most active, is also advised.

Residents of Los Angeles County, particularly those in Long Beach, should remain vigilant as the summer heat increases mosquito activity and the potential for virus transmission.