Melody Gutierrez is a former investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Previously, she covered state government and politics for The Times, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Sacramento Bee. Gutierrez has written award-winning government accountability stories on California’s underground puppy market, the state’s failed pension plan for professional boxers, the impact of rape kit backlogs and how political donations can be hidden in plain sight.
Latest From This Author
Democrat Shirley Weber, the incumbent, faces Republican Don Wagner in the race for California secretary of state. Here is your election guide.
Lonna Drewes alleges Rep. Eric Swalwell drugged her drink and sexually assaulted her in 2018. ‘I lost consciousness and I thought I died,’ she says.
The big-money backers and Democratic heavyweights who tried to crown Rep. Eric Swalwell as California’s next governor are now scrambling to find a new favorite.
Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor but denied accusations of sexual assault and misconduct. He faces calls to step down.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, the Democratic front-runner for California governor, faces calls to drop out after assault claims.
State payroll records show Dana Williamson used about $30,000 in unused vacation time to remain on California’s payroll through Jan. 31 — seven weeks after Newsom’s office indicated she had departed — before collecting an additional $22,000 lump-sum payout for the hours she had left.
Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to spend $19 million promoting California and dispelling “myths driven by misinformation and political rhetoric” in a marketing campaign that would run through the final months of his administration as he weighs a potential run for president.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s international travel is paid for by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit that is funded primarily by corporate donations and run by a board Newsom appoints.
Fraud allegations are increasingly being deployed as a political weapon against Newsom, a leading Trump critic and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday morning said he was not surprised the Trump administration blocked his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland the day before, saying it was another example of an unhinged president trying to stifle dissent.