Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 10hGov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2222 to provide money to help journalism. That’s great and much appreciated. Some of those journalists will write critical pieces about Newsom’s policies. That’s how journalism works. Much as he gets annoyed by some coverage, he understands that. I wish all pols did. 091
Reposted by Dan MorainCapitol Weekly @capitolweekly.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Listeners to a discussion focused on Behavioral Health moderated by @danmorain.bsky.social last week might have missed the big news if they weren’t dialed into one important and complex facet of CA's mental illness crisis... danmorain.substack.com/p/settlement...danmorain.substack.comSettlement helps people with mental illness, to a pointJudge ends an 11-year-old lawsuit focused people deemed incompetent to state trial 001
Reposted by Dan MorainCapitol Weekly @capitolweekly.bsky.social · 27/09/2026An 11-year lawsuit that helped transform how California cares for people who have committed crimes and struggle with mental illness has come to a quiet conclusion. @danmorain.bsky.social in CW capitolweekly.net/lawsuit-that...capitolweekly.netLawsuit that prompted better care for mentally ill inmates ends - Capitol WeeklyAn 11-year lawsuit that helped transform how California cares for people who have committed crimes and struggle with mental illness has come to a quiet conclusion. In a five-page order issued last Mon... 012
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 23/09/2026I love this story by @shawnhubler.bsky.social Laurel Canyon Wants Its Beloved Hippie Store Frozen in Time www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/u...nytimes.com‘You Can’t Buy Vibe’: Laurel Canyon Tries to Save a Beloved StoreThe country store that was a hub for rock musicians like Jim Morrison and Graham Nash faces challenges and change. Supporters are trying to make it a landmark. 011
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 22/09/2026There are many infuriating aspects to Tom Philp’s powerful column. Assemblywoman Mia Bonta and her committee gutted important legislation is one. Another is that Chatham Asset Management gutted the Bee’s opinion staff. Who will write such pieces next yesr? www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...sacbee.comLiberal Democrats gutted California’s CARE court, so homeless addicts just say ‘no’ | OpinionA Sacramento father petitioned CARE court seeking treatment for his homeless daughter. She refused to cooperate, and a weak law is on her side. 011
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 22/09/2026I was at the Sacramento Bee eight years ending in 2018. I wasn’t there during its heyday. But it was a damned good paper. Here’s an ode to it, as the hedge fund Chatham Asset Managment dismantles what remains. danmorain.substack.com/p/what-chath...danmorain.substack.comWhat Chatham Asset Management discardedPhotos on the walls of The Sacramento Bee’s editorial boardroom told a tale 040
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Cerebral and soft-spoken, Bryon Sher was the antithesis of politicians nowadays. www.latimes.com/california/s...latimes.comByron Sher, an uncomfortable politician who left an indelible mark on California's environment, dies at 98Byron Sher, a Stanford law professor-turned California legislator who wrote some of the state’s most far-reaching environmental laws, died Saturday. He was 98. 001
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 11/09/2026I didn’t always agree with the Bee’s opinion journalists’ takes but that’s not the point. Their opinion pieces and endorsements were informed, reported and honest, and they were a vital part of the civic discourse. The layoffs will weaken democracy in Sacramento and California. 032
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 08/09/2026Stephen Cloobeck initially toyed with running for governor as a Democrat, then backed Democrat Eric Swalwell before he flamed out. On Labor Day, Sept. 7, Cloobeck donated the maximum, $39,200 to Republican Steve Hilton for governor, a California Secretary of State campaign finance report shows. 011
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 08/09/2026Having downloaded Mapquest, I like it more than the other two. It’s very easy to use. 100
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 31/08/2026I just finished “Nerd Reich.” Helluva story on many levels. It’s scary and infuriating. Gil Duran, @gilduran.com, writes clearly and gets to the point. Thiel, Musk and the rest of them have fled California where they made their riches and live wherever they want, Argentina, Texas, New Zealand. 140
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 29/08/2026I wonder what Congressman Tom McClintock says about this deal. It’s in his district. Trump Administration Looks to Give a Swath of Yosemite to a Developer www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/u...nytimes.comTrump Administration Looks to Give a Swath of Yosemite Park to DeveloperThe proposed land swap would allow easy access to the crown jewel of the national park system. Democrats and former Park Service officials are incensed. 121
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 24/08/2026In California, the death penalty is not a front-burner issue. There hasn't been an execution in 20 years and probably won't be another one. But Gov. Gavin Newsom could have a final word on capital punishment in his final days in office: danmorain.substack.com/p/gov-newsom...danmorain.substack.comGov. Newsom’s life-or-death decisionGovernor could grant clemency in 565 death penalty cases. Or not 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 15/08/2026youtu.be/0md7zsUjPgY?...youtu.beNanci Griffith on Austin City Limits "It's A Hard Life Wherever You Go"YouTube video by Austin City Limits 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 11/08/2026A conservative Illinois billionaire has throw down $10.5 million to require Californians to prove they’re eligable to vote. Of course, he did. substack.com/@danielmorai...substack.comCalifornia's Voter ID initiative goes nationalIllinois billionaire Richard Uihlein's $6.5 million donation boosts Carl DeMaio's Prop. 39 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 09/08/2026Reading about Iran’s latest demands about opening the Strait of Hormuz, can you imagine if Vice President Kamala Harris had said such a thing: x.com/Acyn/status/...x.comAcyn (@Acyn) on XVance: The coolest thing about the progress we’ve made over the last few weeks is that you’re seeing people within the Iranian system—senior leadership, even IRGC officials—say, “You know what? We rec... 020
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 03/08/2026I remember when the California Republican Party all but printed money. Not so much these days: open.substack.com/pub/danmorai...open.substack.comCalifornia's GOP falls onto even harder timesOnce upon a time, the California Republican Party all but printed money 001
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Tom Philp of the SacBee writes about Carlos Reales Dominguez, the former UC Davis student who stabbed to death two people in Davis in 2023, and his medical marijuana card, which he obtained "thanks to the most dubious of authorizations from a doctor" www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...sacbee.comCalifornia should rethink teen access to cannabis after Davis stabbings | OpinionCarlos Dominguez started legally using cannabis at age 19. Four years later and with schizophrenia, he went on a stabbing spree in Davis. 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 30/07/2026In Kansas, Melinda Henneberger derails the ballot fight for the independence of the state supreme court. Vote is next week. open.substack.com/pub/kansasci...open.substack.comCurrent and "retired" KCK archbishops have different messages on Kansas Amendment 5But only one of them is in your mailbox. 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 22/07/2026In other news, four dozen elephant seals slept on the beach south of Cambria, California. 021
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 22/07/2026Former UC Davis student Carlos Reales Dominguez found guilty of invol manslaughter in stabbing deaths of a UC Davis honors student Karim Abou Najm and “Compassion Guy,” Davis Breaux and wounding a homeless woman. Originally faced 1st degree murder. He has schizophrenia and was a heavy weed smoker. 100
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 20/07/2026Alex Padilla had a personal story to tell when we met 20 years ago. I recall it as he attacks Trump’s bogus claims of voter fraud. An essay: danmorain.substack.com/p/alex-padil...danmorain.substack.comSen. Alex Padilla and our most fundamental rightPadilla had a personal story to tell when we met 20 years ago 021
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 13/07/2026@capitolweekly.bsky.social-Open California published another in its series of oral histories, this one with a pioneer in the mental health care field, Areta Crowell. Check it out on my Substack, or go to the source: danmorain.substack.com/p/a-pioneer-.... capitolweekly.net/oral-histori...danmorain.substack.comA pioneer details California's mental health care system origin story--and its flawsAreta Crowell and Open California's oral history series 010
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Reading this headline, “U.S. and Iran Edge Toward War Again,” I’m having a hard time understanding the definition of “war.” Maybe this is the editor in me, but if one country drops bombs and another shoots missiles, isn’t that a war? 020
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 09/07/2026I'm so sorry to read of the passing of George Cotliar. His name probably is not well known today. But he was one huge reason why the Los Angeles Times became great in the 1980s and '90s. Truly, a towering figure: www.latimes.com/entertainmen...latimes.comGeorge J. Cotliar, managing editor of the Los Angeles Times for 19 years, dies at 94George J. Cotliar, who served as managing editor of the Los Angeles Times for 19 years, died Monday at his home in Newport Beach. He was 94 years old. 010
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Amy Wallace, ghost writer of the must-read "Nobody's Girl," writes about another important book, "Careless People," and how Facebook's effort to silence its author--Sarah Wynn-Williams--is backfiring spectacularly. www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...latimes.comContributor: Facebook's effort to silence a critic is backfiring spectacularlyRecent tactics of the social media site's parent company, Meta, made at least 8 million people curious to read the very book that the company is trying to suppress. 065
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 30/06/2026California’s $351 billion budget includes $25 million to help fund journalism projects including reporting fellowships. It’s budget dust but a start. Thanks to legislators, Gov Newsom—and former Sen. Steve Glazer @senatorglazer.bsky.social Steve Glazer who led effort to support it. 100
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 25/06/2026I’m probably not going to have a beer in a bar where customers are packing, or watch a or watch a movie in a theater. I wonder if Alito would. Supreme Court Overturns Hawaii Gun Law www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/u...nytimes.comSupreme Court Overturns Hawaii Gun Law 010
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 25/06/2026@tomfilp.bsky.social breaks down housing politics in my town: eedition.sacbee.com/shortcode/LM...eedition.sacbee.comDavis just perfected NIMBY politics. Why the rest of the region should careThu Jun 25th 2026 - 1am Edition 020
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Such an important story: The Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and S.U.V.s www.nytimes.com/interactive/...nytimes.comThe Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and S.U.V.sThe vehicles on American roads have grown larger — and they are killing thousands more pedestrians, a Times investigation found. 030
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 19/06/2026Mariel Garza asks: Is Los Angeles trying to bait election deniers? Noncitizen voting is bad idea. Council expansion is a great one. Guess which the City Council decided to put on the November ballot? open.substack.com/pub/goldenst...open.substack.comIs Los Angeles trying to bait election deniers?Noncitizen voting is bad idea. Council expansion is a great one. Guess which the City Council decided to put on the November ballot? 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 12/06/2026A reminder: In June 1983, President Reagan hosted the Special Olympics on the South Lawn. Then, the big controversy was that the Beach Boys performed. His interior secretary had banned the band from July 4 festivities because the Boys attracted an unsavory element. www.youtube.com/watch?v=whmn...youtube.comPresident Reagan’s Remarks during the Ceremony for the Special Olympics on June 12, 1983YouTube video by Reagan Library 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 26/05/2026California’s next governor will need to decide whether to extend or rescind Gov. Gavin Newsom’s moratorium on executions. The LAT’s Phil Willon asked Xavier Becerra and Antonio Villaraigosa what they would do. Their answers start at Minute 32: www.c-span.org/program/camp...c-span.org 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 25/05/2026I’m in good company. When George Skelton struggles, it’s clearly a tough call. George’s column: My pick for California governor is ... I’m still working on it: www.latimes.com/california/n...latimes.comColumn: My pick for California governor is ... I'm still working on itLike millions of Californians, I haven’t voted yet in the primary election. 011
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 20/05/2026I’ve turned off SF Giants notifications. Too predictable and painful. I’ve been watching since 1962. McCovey’s liner still hurts. There have been great teams, and not great teams but at least they were fun to watch. This may be the most unwatchable team I’ve seen. 020
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 19/05/2026Who Should Be the Next Governor of California? www.nytimes.com/interactive/...nytimes.comOpinion | Who Should Be the Next Governor of California?Times Opinion convened a panel of state experts to weigh in on the primary. 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 16/05/2026So interesting that the San Francisco Chronicle and Sacramento Bee endorsed Katie Porter for governor. If only the LA Times were still in the business of endorsing. I'm still undecided. Here's the Chron's view: www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...sfchronicle.comEndorsement: Xavier Becerra isn’t the leader California needs now. Here’s who isOPINION: With Newsom’s presidential run sucking up the media oxygen, California needs a governor with ideas to solve problems. The editorial board says there are two candidates worth considering. 111
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 13/05/2026This is sad and maddening. www.sacbee.com/news/local/a...sacbee.comHomeless count in Sacramento County increases 13% from 2024, report showsThe homeless population rose in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County, the survey found. 021
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 06/05/2026CalMatters, Abridged/KVIE with the Steinberg Institute asked candidates for governor what they'd do about homelessness and the related issue of untreated mental illness. Villaraigosa, Mahan, Hilton & Bianco gave their takes. Becerra, Steyer, Porter, Thurmond ducked. calmatters.org/politics/202...calmatters.orgHow will California’s next governor handle homelessness?We asked candidates for California governor tough questions about homelessness and mental health. Here’s what they said. 020
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 03/05/2026The Sacramento Bee editorial board issued more than 20 endorsements in this primary, from local races to statewide and congressional contests. I don’t agree with them all but each is thoughtful, reasoned and civil, a true public service. Thanks @marcosbreton.bsky.social and your team. 120
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 02/05/2026Voters aren’t paying attention to the race for California lieutenant governor but here’s a very interesting endorsement of Josh Fryday by the Sacramento Bee: www.sacbee.com/opinion/elec...sacbee.comThe lieutenant governor is more than a backup. Here’s the best person for the job | OpinionElecting a lieutenant governor gives voters a chance to pick a second-in-command, along with an opportunity to add a member to influential boards and commissions 142
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Telling that Betty Yee didn’t hop aboard Becerra’s train or Porter but instead chosen Steyer. Becerra and Porter clearly would have wanted her endorsement. Thoughts on why? www.abc10.com/article/news...abc10.comBetty Yee backs Tom Steyer for governor after exiting raceFormer California State Controller Betty Yee endorses Tom Steyer for governor, citing his dedication to working families and the climate fight. 120
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 21/04/2026All kinds of surprising details in Matt Hamilton’s great piece on Trump’s man in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli. lamaterial.com/p/bill-essay... h/t @lamaterial.bsky.sociallamaterial.comTrump's Man in L.A.Bill Essayli is the face of Trump’s immigration and fraud crackdown in Southern California. Defending his own family’s fraud case, with the ACLU’s help, pitted him against the office he now leads. 010
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Gov. Newsom endorsed Josh Fryday for lieutenant governor over Michael Tubbs and Fiona Ma. The race has gotten no attention and the job has few responsibilities. But 2 of the past 4 governors have been lite guv. joshfryday.com/governor-new... No word on who Newsom will endorse in the race to succeed.joshfryday.comGovernor Newsom Endorses Fryday for California Lieutenant Governor | Josh Fryday for California Lieutenant Governor 2026Weeks before voting starts, Governor Gavin Newsom today weighed into the Lieutenant Governor’s race—announcing his endorsement of Josh Fryday. “Seven years ago, I asked Josh Fryday to serve in my admi... 110
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 18/04/2026This is a big deal for independent media. I hope it stands on appeal: Federal Court Temporarily Freezes Nexstar’s Merger With Tegna www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/b...nytimes.comFederal Court Temporarily Freezes Nexstar’s Merger With Tegna 141
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 13/04/2026What makes them think they're invisible? www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comEric Swalwell resigns from CongressRep. Eric Swalwell announced Monday that he would resign from Congress as he faces a mounting effort to expel him over allegations of sexual misconduct. 110
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 13/04/2026CBS-Los Angeles conducted very interesting interviews with candidates for California governor about what they'd do about chronic homelessness. Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Controller Betty Yee said locked institutions are among the answers. The pendulum swings: youtu.be/EHkU_NAZJZ4?...youtube.comThe California governor candidates discuss how they’ll address homelessness.YouTube video by CBS LA 000
Dan Morain @danmorain.bsky.social · 10/04/2026Well, now. It will be a very crowded field, with Californians. www.politico.com/news/2026/04...politico.com 000