It would appear that the Democratic Party, once the party of youth and protest, is having trouble holding on to younger voters in California.
Cathleen Decker with The L.A. Times reports: "The state Democratic Party convention held here over the weekend presented an occasionally jarring contrast: Democrats gathered at what seemed like a 50th college reunion for veteran politicians, and at the same time one of the biggest rounds of applause came at the mention of Bernie Sanders, the presidential candidate few of those politicians support."
"The split, largely generational given the youthful tilt of the Vermont senator’s supporters, underscored a hard truth for California Democrats that was barely discussed during the celebratory convention:"
"Numbers-wise, the party's heading for trouble."
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris picked up support for her U.S. Senate campaign.
Christopher Cadelago and David Siders reporting in The Sacramento Bee: "The Democrats campaigning in California’s U.S. Senate race came into the weekend with clear, albeit opposite, objectives."
"Kamala Harris, the state attorney general supported by a swarm of elected leaders, was seeking her party’s coveted support. Loretta Sanchez, a veteran congresswoman, merely needed to block the endorsement, an exercise that proved too onerous given Harris’ immense popularity with activists. Harris received nearly 80 percent of the vote."
"The outpouring of approbation, which exceeded most expectations, deals a potentially harrowing blow to Sanchez and allows the California Democratic Party to spend on Harris’ behalf in traditional ways such as mailers, phone-banking and precinct walks."
Four bills related to firearms are headed to the Assembly Public Safety Committee in Sacramento today.
From KQED's Katie Orr: "Guns are once again a hot topic in Sacramento. Tuesday the Assembly Public Safety Committee will consider four bills regulating guns. Among the measures is one by Democrat Marc Levine that would expand the state’s assault weapons ban to include firearms with a button that allows magazines to be easily detached."
“This makes it very easy to change magazines,” says the San Rafael legislator. “Literally in a second (you can) go from one ten-clip magazine to another one, so that shooters can fire more bullets.”
"The committee will also take up a measure that would more broadly expand the definition of an assault weapon. Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill in 2013. Levine says he believes the political climate is different in the wake of mass shootings like the one in San Bernardino. But Claremont McKenna government professor Jack Pitney is not convinced."
Lawmakers also are battling a tax package that would help repair a $1.1 billion loophole affecting lower-income residents.
Alison Noon and Jonathon J. Cooper reporting with The A.P.: "California lawmakers are expected to take action Monday on a tax package aimed at appeasing federal regulators and preventing a $1.1 billion funding hole in the state's health insurance program for low-income Californians."
"The state Senate and Assembly were expected to consider three bills that are the culmination of a special legislative session Gov. Jerry Brown called last year to adjust taxes on health insurance plans."
"President Barack Obama's administration has said it will discontinue certain contributions to Medi-Cal unless a tax on managed care organizations that take part in the program is extended to all health insurance companies."
Politics also hit the Oscars this yuear, big time: The Rev. Al Sharpton is now using the #OscarsSoWhite movement as a new platform for his anti-Hollywood campaign.
From Derek J. Lang in the O.C. Register: "Rev. Al Sharpton on Sunday threatened larger protests against Hollywood and the Academy Awards if the ceremony doesn't improve diversity among its top nominees.
Sharpton led dozens of protesters who marched and chanted for diversity in the film industry just blocks away from the venue where the Oscars will be handed out Sunday."
"This will be the last night of an all-white Oscars," Sharpton said, promising larger protests that will encompass several days if Hollywood and future Oscars ceremonies don't recognize diverse actors and filmmakers."
"The 88th annual Academy Awards have been criticized for nominating an all-white slate of acting nominees for the second year in a row, and also failing to nominate the directors or black cast members of "Straight Outta Compton" and "Creed.""
And now, from the lesser known corners of the internet, comes a tale about a delivery driver who was simply following directions.
"There's nothing more frustrating than realizing you're going to be out of the house when your important package arrives."
"In these situations, it's wise to leave instructions for the delivery person -- leave it with the next door neighbour or put it behind the plant pot."
"One delivery driver responded to his customer's instructions with amazing precision, doing exactly what he was told."
See for yourself...