California Congressman Brad Sherman to introduce impeachment measure
LA Times's JENNIFER HABERKORN: "Rep. Brad Sherman plans to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump on Thursday, the first day of Democratic control of the House."
"Sherman (D-Northridge) is reintroducing a measure that he first rolled out in 2017. But this year it carries more political significance: The decision of whether to act on it rests with Democrats — not Trump’s Republican allies."
"Sherman’s articles of impeachment accuse Trump of obstructing justice by firing former FBI Director James B. Comey, among other wrongdoing."
Gavin Newsom's first hires suggest the next California governor has big health care plans
Sacramento Bee's SOPHIA BOLLAG: "Gavin Newsom might not be able to accomplish his ambitious campaign goal of bringing government-funded universal health care to California, but his first hires suggest he’s planning something big."
"Incoming chief of staff Ann O’Leary helped develop the Children’s Health Insurance Program when she worked in the Bill Clinton White House."
"His cabinet secretary — typically the second-highest-ranking cabinet member — Ana Matosantos helped lead negotiations to expand health insurance access under former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."
From LIAM DILLON, LAT: "A new state law allowing the public disclosure of internal police shooting investigations has gone into effect after the California Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a bid by a police union to block it."
"The law opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty."
"The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Assn. challenged the law last month, asking state Supreme Court justices to decide that the law only apply to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. The court rejected that request Wednesday, allowing members of the public to seek all applicable records held by police departments. Union president Grant Ward said in a statement that his organization was disappointed with the decision and is now seeking other legal options."
Eureka group cancels annual women's march over concerns it's too white
LA Times's ALEJANDRA REYES-VELARDE: "An event organized to bring women together is proving to be much more divisive than intended."
"The annual women’s march in Eureka has been canceled after organizers decided the planning committee was too white."
"The move has prompted newfound criticism of the global gatherings that were launched two years ago in protest of the inauguration of President Trump. Many have said the marches are not diverse enough and have accused the organization of being anti-Semitic and homophobic."
It's not just trash -- money lost during shutdown could have long-term effects at Yosemite
Fresno Bee's RORY APPLETON: "As reports of trash and human waste flooding some of the country’s most beautiful land have trickled out since the U.S. government shut down, deeper problems – and a few volunteer-powered solutions – have also begun to surface."
"In the nearly two weeks since government funding to national parks including Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon was slashed, trash and infrastructure issues have forced overtaxed emergency workers to close more and more sections of the snow-dipped land."
"On Wednesday, Yosemite imposed a limited closure of its south entrance, allowing only those with existing resort or campground reservations within the park to enter. Visitors can access the park through Highway 140."
READ MORE related to Energy & Environment: Litter, human waste backing up in national parks as shutdown continues -- The Chronicle's KURTIS ALEXANDER/PETER FIMRITE; After the fires, solar power advocates seek greater role in California electric grid -- The Chronicle's J.D. MORRIS; China just landed on the far side of the moon. Could it become the first nation to have its own moon base? -- LA Times's ROBYN DIXON
As 2019 chimes in, LAUSD board members urge teachers to seek compromise and avoid strike
From the LA Daily News' ARIELLA PLACHTA: "Los Angeles Unified School District board members joined the chief of schools on Wednesday to usher in the new year with a plea to union teachers to get back to the bargaining table."
"In some of their first public comments on the issue since a Jan. 10 strike date was set, district trustees urged compromise and a settlement to a fierce contract dispute mired in back-and-forth public posturing over Twitter and through other public comments."
"If the parties fail to reach an agreement before next Thursday, the first week students return to school from winter break, the teachers union says its 30,000 members are prepared to strike."
Don't miss jury duty and thank your TSA agent. How the government shutdown affects you
Sacramento Bee's ANDREW SHEELER: "It’s been a week-and-a-half since the federal government shut down, leaving hundreds of thousands of government employees without pay — and millions of Americans bereft of services."
"President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats remain at a deadlock over funding for a proposed border wall, and it could be weeks before the U.S. government reopens."
"The longer the shutdown lasts, the more likely that it will touch on the lives of the average American."
50 people killed statewide in DUI crashes during New Year's Eve extended weekend
The Chronicle's GWENDOLYN WU: "Fifty people died in crashes involving drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol over the extended New Year’s weekend, a jump from 40 deaths reported the same time the previous year, authorities said Wednesday."
"No one was killed by an impaired driver in the Bay Area this year. John Fransen, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol’s Golden Gate Division, attributed that success to the division’s “proactive” approach."
"CHP officers arrested 1,140 people statewide for driving under the influence. Of the arrests, CHP’s Golden Gate Division, which oversees all nine Bay Area counties, arrested 222 drivers under the influence between 6:01 p.m. on Dec. 28 and 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 1."
The freshman class of House Democrats is already making waves
LA Times's JENNIFER HABERKORN: "Even before they are sworn in today, the 100 newly elected House members are promising to be one of the most independent — and difficult to control — freshman classes in years."
"They are far younger and more diverse than their predecessors. It’s the largest freshman class in nearly 50 years, with a record number of women, the youngest female House member ever elected and the first two Native American women and first two Muslim American women elected. They include the first single mothers with young children, more than 18 veterans, two NFL players and even a mixed martial arts fighter."
"But along with that generational shift and diversity has come a fresh outlook and willingness to buck party and cast aside time-honored Washington precedents. It is particularly true of House Democrats, many of whom as candidates last year distanced themselves from their party’s leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco)."
Dozens of LAX passengers try to sneak guns past security. Few face serious punishment
LA Times's HUGO MARTIN/BEN POSTON: "The 9-millimeter pistol was loaded when actor David Henrie tried to bring it onto a flight at Los Angeles International Airport."
"A Transportation Security Administration officer operating an X-ray machine at Terminal 2 spotted the handgun in the carry-on bag of the former Disney Channel star of “Wizards of Waverly Place.” Henrie was arrested Sept. 10 and charged with three misdemeanor violations, including carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a prohibited item in an airport."
"In a Twitter message, the 29-year-old actor apologized for the trouble caused by what he described as his “legally owned gun.”
Sanders allies contrite, defiant amid harassment allegations
AP's STEVE PEOPLES: "Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his chief lieutenants are offering contrition and defiance as they face allegations of sexual harassment that plagued his last presidential campaign and now threaten to derail a second White House bid before it begins."
"Hours after a New York Times report detailed allegations of unwanted sexual advances and pay inequity on his first campaign, Sanders apologized late Wednesday “to any woman who felt that she was not treated appropriately.”
“Of course, if I run again, we will do better next time,” Sanders told CNN."