The California Legislature has voted to extend the state's cap-and-trade program. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom says the program will help the state meet its climate goals in the face of the Trump administration's environmental rollbacks.

California has officially declared Diwali a state holiday, making it the third state in the U.S. to do so. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill, which passed the legislature in September, recognising the significance of Diwali for the state's large Indian American community.

“AB 715 codifies a complaint-driven speech regime that punishes good-faith educators, strips shelves, and tells students some truths are off-limits — especially when it comes to Palestine and human rights,” CAIR legislative and government affairs director Oussama Mokeddem said in a statement.

In the 1970s and 1990s, stalemates between the Democratic legislature and Republican governor threw the issue to the courts.

UNITED THEY BARGAIN: Legislative staffers’ hard-fought right to form a union kicks in next summer — and organizers are using a particularly grueling end-of-session to bolster their effort.

Assemblywoman Darshana Patel of San Diego coauthored the bill, which would recognize the holiday celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.

OPINION - We must continue advocating for a resilient energy system that is suitable for local resources while empowering community members and residents. California can lead—but leadership requires action.

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Ever since the Legislature narrowly passed Senate Bill 79 last month, legislation that will pave the way for more apartment buildings around major public transit stops in the state’s biggest metro areas,