Policy Briefs

In a historic shift for California’s incarcerated workforce, Governor Gavin Newsom signed five bills on October 13, 2025, as part of a seven-bill package known as “Firefighting to Freedom.” The legislation expands pay, protections, and post-release opportunities for incarcerated people who serve as firefighters. It also marks the state’s most comprehensive overhaul of its incarcerated firefighting system.

As the federal government entered a shutdown on October 1st, a new controversy emerged over how federal agencies communicate during political standoffs. Pop-ups and banners appeared on agency websites blaming one side of Congress for the funding lapse, prompting questions about whether such messaging violated federal rules meant to keep government communications neutral.

On Sept. 20, 2025, two new immigration measures—Senate Bill 627 and Senate Bill 805—were signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Both were part of a broader package advanced in the final days of the legislative session aimed at redefining how California responds to federal immigration enforcement and public safety concerns.

The California Antisemitism and Civil Rights Bill, or A.B. 715, was introduced in the California state legislature in February 2025 by Assemblymember Rick Zbur amid claims of rising antisemitism. A.B. 715 prohibits the use of “discriminatory instructional material” in public schools.

IntroPresident Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14161 in January 2025, titled Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. This directive allows enhanced vetting and authorizes restrictions or bans on individuals who “threaten our national security”.

On January 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded a long-standing policy that protected “sensitive locations” from immigration enforcement actions. A new directive, titled 11072.3 Civil Immigration Enforcement Actions Inside Courthouses, permits ICE agents to conduct raids in previously protected areas, such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

Over the past decade, California has struggled with an alarming rise in climate disasters. We’ve experienced unprecedented wildfires, prolonged droughts, and extreme heat waves. Unfortunately, while major fossil fuel companies profit from their contribution to climate change, the financial burden of these disasters has fallen onto taxpayers.

On May 6, 2025, the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) will vote on a potential Parcel Tax Renewal that would increase funding for educational staff, the core curriculum, and student preparation for college.

In today’s politically charged, polarized climate, many individuals–from college students to working professionals–are expressing concerns about U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East.

In March 2025, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) faced a significant labor strike initiated by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265, representing more than 1,500 employees. The strike resulted in a complete shutdown of bus and light rail services, impacting approximately 100,000 daily riders.

Unincorporated Alameda County faces a growing housing crisis shaped by weak tenant
protections, limited enforcement systems, and the absence of municipal governments. Although
the county adopted a Just Cause for Eviction ordinance in February 2025, there is no
enforcement infrastructure to uphold it. Renters in unincorporated areas have no rent board,
hearing processes, or oversight body to review violations, which leaves many residents without
practical protection. Measure W was meant to support housing stability, yet its programs have
not reached the communities that most heavily rely on county governance. This memo
recommends two coordinated strategies to fill these structural gaps: establishing an Independent
Rent Board with elected commissioners and launching a Measure W-funded Community Land
Trust partnership for long-term affordability.