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Citizen Portal News California
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Santa Barbara's Planning Commission is set to simplify the design review process for single-family homes, aiming to accelerate permits while still preserving community aesthetics.

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#SantaBarbaraCitySantaBarbaraCounty #CA #SantaBarbaraPlanning #NeighborhoodProtection
Planning commission reviews broad package to streamline single‑family design review
City staff proposed ordinance and guideline changes aimed at exempting minor single‑family alterations from public design review, raising administrative thresholds, and consolidating hearings; the commission took comments and provided feedback but took no action and expects to return in early January.
citizenportal.ai
December 6, 2025 at 6:09 PM
California's Water Board just approved inflation adjustments to water-rights penalties, ensuring they remain effective deterrents in a changing economy.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryAdjustments #InflationIndexing #CivicAccountability
Board adopts AB 460 inflation adjustments for water‑rights civil penalties
Following implementation guidance under AB 460 (2024), the board adopted regulation adjusting civil penalty amounts in Division 2 of the Water Code by June CPI ratios with specified rounding rules; staff provided tables and example calculations and will file with the Secretary of State.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:04 PM
A former mayor exposes shocking fatalities among Latino waste workers, calling for urgent action on systemic safety failures and water contamination linked to hazardous conditions.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #WorkerSafety #PublicHealth
Latino waste‑worker fatalities and water‑quality concerns raised in public forum
A public commenter urged the State Water Board to examine multiple Latino waste‑worker fatalities, Cal/OSHA failures, and links between waste‑site fires/contamination and water‑quality impacts. He asked for comprehensive, transparent review and a complaint portal because he said some employee concerns were not captured by existing processes.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:57 PM
California's Cahuilla Subbasin is officially back under the Department of Water Resources, marking a new chapter in sustainable groundwater management after significant improvements!

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#CA #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #SustainableManagement #WaterQuality
Board returns Cahuilla (Kaweah) Subbasin to DWR after GSAs address key SGMA deficiencies
After a multi‑year intervention and revised 2024 Groundwater Sustainability Plans, the board unanimously voted to return the Cahuilla (Kaweah) Subbasin to Department of Water Resources jurisdiction, while listing follow‑up recommendations on monitoring, subsidence, groundwater quality, and mitigation.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Auburn welcomes a new era as Kelly Davis is sworn in as mayor, promising to preserve the city's character while embracing growth and community connection.

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#AuburnPlacerCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #AuburnCityCouncil #CommunityEngagement #SustainableInitiatives
Kelly Davis sworn in as Auburn mayor; Rachel Riddell Harris chosen as vice mayor
At a city council meeting, Kelly Davis was elected and sworn in as mayor of Auburn and Rachel Riddell Harris was selected as vice mayor. The outgoing mayor reviewed recent accomplishments — including Measure F and city solar projects — before the ceremonial handover.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:47 PM
San Ramon’s Planning Commission greenlit the Annabelle at Bishop Ranch project, paving the way for 64 new homes, including 10 affordable units, and innovative design solutions to enhance community living.

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#SanRamonCityContraCostaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityPlanning
San Ramon planning commission approves Annabelle at Bishop Ranch 12 with on‑site affordable for‑sale units
The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve Annabelle at Bishop Ranch 12, a 64-unit for‑sale development at 2 Annabelle Lane that includes 10 on‑site affordable units and requests state density bonus concessions and parking waivers. Commissioners added conditions to memorialize acoustical and air‑quality recommendations.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A new training video from the State Water Board reveals how to designate a legally responsible official for your sanitary sewer system—essential for compliance and effective management!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #WaterManagement #PublicHealth
State Water Board training explains how to designate a legally responsible official under General Order 2022-0103
A State Water Resources Control Board training video explains who qualifies as a legally responsible official (LRO) under General Order No. 2022-0103, lists the LRO's certification duties under Section 5.9, and provides step‑by‑step instructions for creating a CIWQS account and submitting the signed authorization form.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:37 PM
California's State Water Board has just clarified critical diversion measurement rules, setting the stage for a smoother transition in water management by 2026.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #WaterRegulations #PublicOutreach #EnvironmentalPolicy
State Water Board adopts clarified diversion measurement rules, delays some implementation to 2026–27
The State Water Resources Control Board adopted revised diversion measurement and reporting regulations (chapter 2.8, “SB 88” updates) on Dec. 2, 2025, after Office of Administrative Law feedback prompted clarifying edits. Most substantive measurement changes take effect Oct. 2026 with phased implementation through Jan. 2028.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:36 PM
California's State Water Board just unveiled a groundbreaking 2025 Safe Drinking Water Plan, packed with over 70 actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing water safety and community support.

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#CA #WaterSafety #CitizenPortal #EmergencyPreparedness #PublicHealth
State Water Board adopts 2025 Safe Drinking Water Plan, highlights consolidation and funding progress
The board unanimously approved the 2025 Safe Drinking Water Plan and authorized staff to submit it to the legislature under Health & Safety Code §116355. The plan lists 70+ recommendations spanning capacity building, technology, financing, and emergency preparedness and reports progress since 2020 including SAFER investments and MCL adoptions.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Redondo Beach is set to transform its public safety infrastructure with a groundbreaking $93M plan to replace fire stations and renovate police facilities using a progressive design-build approach.

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#RedondoBeachCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Council backs progressive design‑build approach to deliver $93M Measure FP public‑safety projects
Staff and the city’s owner representative recommended a two‑package progressive design‑build procurement for Measure FP projects to replace two fire stations and update police facilities. Council approved the acquisition strategy and directed staff to refine RFQ/Ps and return with contract amendments and further milestones.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Nature Conservancy and UC researchers unveil surprising discrepancies in tailwater pump measurements, sparking a call for better calibration and quality control!

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#CA #CitizenPortal #WaterBudgets #EnvironmentalResearch #SustainableAgriculture
Nature Conservancy and UC teams present mixed but improving field measurements of tailwater pumps and ET across Delta sites
The Nature Conservancy and UC researchers presented pressure‑transducer, insertion‑mag, energy‑use and eddy‑covariance results showing both promising alignment and problematic outliers; teams emphasized cross‑checking methods, calibration, and further QA/QC before scaling conclusions.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Metropolitan Water District is unveiling a groundbreaking pilot project on Bolden/Bridal Island that aims to revolutionize our understanding of water usage and depletion in the Delta.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalMonitoring #WaterManagement #SustainableAgriculture
Metropolitan Water District outlines Bolden/Bridal Island sensor pilot, meters and costs to refine net channel depletion
Metropolitan Water District described a water‑balance pilot deploying low‑density sensors and additional discharge meters on islands, aiming to quantify net channel depletion and inform modeling; presenters noted capital and annual maintenance cost ranges and emphasized meters plus multiple evidence lines for validation.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
San Jose City Council's recent vote on historic-preservation amendments has sparked heated debates, balancing the future of the Levitt Pavilion against concerns for historic integrity.

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#SanJoseSantaClaraCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SanJoseHistoricPreservation #PublicDebate
San Jose council amends historic‑preservation code after months of litigation and a contentious public debate
After hours of public testimony for and against the Levitt Pavilion at Saint James Park, the City Council approved clarified amendments to the city's historic‑preservation ordinance to allow the council to make override findings similar to CEQA. The substitute motion passed 9–2 after debate over public‑vs‑private standards.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The Delta Watermaster just unveiled Cal Waters, a groundbreaking water-rights database that will reshape reporting regulations by 2027—are you ready for the changes?

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#CA #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryCompliance #SustainableDiversion #WaterManagement
Delta Watermaster group walks users through Cal Waters rollout, flags SB 88 timelines for 2027
Office of the Delta Watermaster and partners demoed Cal Waters, the Division of Water Rights’ new reporting platform, and reviewed revisions to SB 88 measurement regulations that shift key implementation dates to water year 2027 and clarify large‑diverter requirements.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Residents of Ione are demanding answers as alarming childhood cancer rates surface, urging the city council to investigate potential environmental causes linked to the cluster of cases.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency #EnvironmentalAccountability #PublicHealth
Residents press Ione council to investigate wastewater, link to cluster of childhood cancers
Multiple residents urged the Ione City Council to press regional agencies for environmental testing after five of six recent childhood cancer diagnoses in Amador County occurred in Ione; councilors discussed testing, a committee and regulatory avenues but took no formal action at the meeting.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Santa Rosa City Council has taken a significant step toward restoring the critical Jennings rail crossing after years of negotiations and community advocacy!

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#SantaRosaCitySonomaCounty #CA #SantaRosaCityCouncil #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #TransportationInnovation
Santa Rosa council authorizes staff to finalize Jennings rail crossing agreements with Smart
After years of negotiation and extensive public comment, the Santa Rosa City Council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a property license, construction and funding agreements with Smart, subject to City Attorney approval and return of executed documents to Smart’s board.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Mayor DeBart unveiled ambitious plans to boost Palm Springs' tourism economy, including a $125 million convention center renovation and a $2.9 billion airport modernization!

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#PalmSpringsRiversideCounty #CA #CommunityInvestment #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #PalmSpringsTourism
Palm Springs outlines $125 million convention center renovation, $2.9 billion airport modernization in State of the City
Mayor DeBart used the State of the City program to emphasize tourism‑led economic growth, report stronger revenues, and announce major capital projects: a $125 million renovation of the convention center and a $2.9 billion modernization plan for Palm Springs International Airport.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Mayor DeBart hailed the community's resilience and the heroic efforts of first responders after the shocking bombing at the American Reproductive Center, highlighting a $50,000 relief fund and an outpouring of support that raised $158,000 for recovery.

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Mayor praises first responders, outlines city support after intentional bombing at local IVF clinic
At the State of the City event Mayor DeBart recounted the city’s response to the intentional bombing at the American Reproductive Center, praised first responders for saving embryos and patients, and described a $50,000 city fund and community donations to support affected businesses and families.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Exciting news for El Paso de Robles! The city has secured $16 million in grants to enhance the 24th Street bridge with bikeways and beautification elements, while paving projects are underway despite the rain.

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#ElPasodeRoblesCitySanLuisObispoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal
Capital projects update: grants unlock $16 million for 24th Street bridge, $2.4 million for Niblick/13th Street work
City staff reported progress on several paving and drainage projects and said recent grant notices will provide about $16 million toward 24th Street bridge construction and about $2.4 million in funding toward the 13th Street/Niblick bridge PS&E; Creston Road work is preparing for bid with approximately $3.5 million in state and CT C funding noted.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Porterville residents are demanding transparency and prioritization of a long-awaited library rebuild over controversial downtown flag displays at the upcoming City Council meeting.

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#PortervilleTulareCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #CommunityTransparency
Residents press Porterville council on library delays, flag choices and council conduct
Dozens of residents urged clearer plans for a rebuilt library, criticized controversial downtown flag selections and questioned council professionalism and transparency. Speakers said the library remains the community’s priority and demanded more public engagement and financial clarity.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 2:32 PM