Ahead of the election, PPIC gathered voters’ thoughts on the direction of the state and there’s one theme that stands out: ballot measures that will improve our water storage have overwhelming support and a proposition that will boost affordable housing has decent odds as well. Read more about the poll below, but first:

🤫 Everything you should know

- The Alameda Food Bank is caught in a legal fight that could prevent it from moving to a new location to better serve the community. The lawsuit, filed by two residents, claims the city violated CEQA during the approval process. Supporters of the food bank rallied at a packed city council meeting, questioning why a parking lot’s “historic” status matters more than feeding 1,200 families a week. The food bank's new building aims to provide better shelter for those in need. Critics — ahem, NIMBY’s  insist the city “circumvented the law.” Claiming a parking lot is historic to block a food bank from expanding is a new low for our NIMBY friends. KRON 4

- Brace for rare early-season snow and rain, with up to four inches of snow expected in the Sierra Nevada and rainfall across northern California. While this precipitation offers a brief reprieve, it's a missed opportunity to capture and store much-needed water. If California had better water infrastructure, such as reservoirs or rainwater harvesting systems, this off-season rainfall could help mitigate the state's ongoing drought. With climate change making weather patterns more unpredictable, investing in water capture could ensure we're prepared for future rainfall events like this. Los Angeles Times

- Gov. Newsom is threatening legal action against the city of Norwalk for passing an ordinance banning homeless shelters and other supportive housing developments. Newsom called the ban “immoral” amid California’s homelessness crisis, urging the city to reverse course or face enforcement from the Attorney General. The city’s temporary ban also affects liquor stores and laundromats, citing potential community impacts. As California struggles with homelessness, cities like Norwalk must collaborate on statewide solutions rather than resisting critical housing projects that address the needs of the unhoused. Los Angeles Times

📣 NCC Partner Feature

We were pumped to speak with Genevieve Morrill, the President and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. West Hollywood is an international trailblazer and we wanted to hear from Genevieve about business, California and how she’s feeling about the state’s future.

What do you love most about California?

In California, you can access the mountains, urban environments and rural spaces. You have so much available to you in the state of California and I think that's what makes it such an attraction for most people. Now, specifically in West Hollywood where I’m at, our core values are based on being free to be yourself and it’s a place where people feel safe. The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was set up as a quasi government agency back in 1921 and has been instrumental in building the city into a business community and vibrant place you see today. It’s a community that has international recognition, a community where trends start. We have a saying, “What happens in West Hollywood does not stay in West Hollywood” - which is a good thing. I love that West Hollywood and California are trailblazers for the rest of the world.

What advice do you have for people who love California but are struggling to succeed here – and they’re thinking of moving out of state?

I'll speak from the business side of the struggle, which I know many small businesses have faced, especially since the pandemic. Many of us are here because California is a very progressive place. We value protecting the environment and really helping the globe. There becomes a point where it becomes a little too restrictive, especially financially restrictive for small businesses. I think weathering these regulations requires a two pronged approach: businesses being adaptive and us working with state officials to ensure the government reinvents and revises regulations that are too burdensome. We have opportunities with zone tax amendments and signage regulations that would really support and help California small businesses. Through it all, I encourage businesses to ride out the storm, things can change and California is the place to be.

Are you optimistic about California’s future?

I am optimistic about California’s future. I'm still here, so that's good. This is the longest I've lived anywhere in my entire life. My family moved every two years when I was growing up, and I’m so happy I landed in West Hollywood - I don’t know if I could live anywhere else. But I do understand the struggles many businesses face that cause them to look to move outside of the state, but California is always going to be an attraction, just like West Hollywood will always be an attraction. I argue that we can actually create a better, more thriving business economy in the future and that’s why I’m optimistic about California. Policies and our electeds change, and getting involved in shaping that future is why I’m betting on California.

🗳️ How will California vote?

The latest PPIC survey shows that Californians are increasingly engaged with key issues heading into November’s elections. Californians are overwhelmingly supportive of Proposition 36, which would increase penalties for certain theft and drug offenses, and many back a $10 billion climate bond Prop 4 to fund water and wildfire prevention projects. Enthusiasm for voting is high, with a majority of respondents feeling more energized than usual. So while Californians still have some concerns on the general direction of the state, voters are set to support multiple ballot measures that will help move the state forward.

Thanks Rep. Wicks

State Rep. Wicks with Gov. Newsom at the signing of two very important bills. The Builder’s Remedy closes loopholes and eliminates the murky, ‘free-for all’ approach to the policy, letting developers continue to build new housing projects under clearer guidelines.