| | | | | |  | | By Carla Marinucci, Jeremy B. White, Graph Massara and Richard Tzul | Presented by Californians for Energy Independence | THE BUZZ — WHERE'S DONALD? The embattled California Republican Party, once home to the Reagan Revolution, has enthusiastically embraced a longshot plan for its political comeback after years of declining voter registration. But pulling off the recall of a Democratic governor in a solidly blue state may well depend on something state Republicans themselves can't agree on: just how big a role Donald Trump should play in the drama. The state party met virtually this weekend, and 1,400 grassroots activists heard from a variety of state and national leaders — many of whom raised Gov. Gavin Newsom's potential ouster as a rallying cry. RECALL FEVER: "The recall effort is in full effect here,'' party chair Jessica Millan Patterson told New York Rep. Elise Stepanik, a GOP rising star, who charged that Newsom's "failed leadership" demanded his removal from office — even as she noted New York's laws don't allow for the recall of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Patterson's response: "Out in California, we are working hard. We've got until mid-March to get in all of those valid signatures and … we're headed down that path." The latest count from the California Secretary of State's office, as reported by Jeremy Friday, showed Republicans still have an upward climb, with recall proponents to date delivering less than half of the 1.5 million valid signatures needed to qualify the recall election. But the campaign's backers insist they are fully on track to meet their goal. This weekend's convention may have proved to party leaders that invoking the recall is a surefire move to pump up Republican enthusiasm and donations in a state where the party has been challenged — and has lost more than 33,000 registered voters since the Jan. 6 Capitol uprising alone. NEWSOM LAMBASTED: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem gave the California delegates a high-five for "holding [their] governor accountable." "He took some actions during Covid-19 that he had no right to do,'' she said. "He even had some of those decisions overturned in court. And your action as a party to recall him is appropriate. It's needed. And it is something that is inspiring the rest of this country to stand up and fight for our freedoms.'' PUTTING TRUMP BEHIND THEM? Still, the convention was largely devoid of any mention of the single biggest influence and driver of enthusiasm in the party's grassroots over the last four years. Republican strategist Karl Rove failed to even mention Trump's recent tenure in the White House — and suggested that the San Francisco School Board may be more on voters' minds this year. Reviving the "San Francisco values" GOP trope from the 1990s, Rove said the board is a prime example of "woke identity politics … and all the goofiness that's coming from the far left." He added: "You think that to people in the middle of the country, taking down the names of Washington and Jefferson [from schools] makes a lot of sense? Hell no." AND YET … Bloomberg TV reported last week that sources close to former President Donald Trump say "he is carefully eyeing and weighing whether or not to inject some of the Trump political machine'' into the Newsom recall effort. A Trump spokesperson didn't respond to POLITICO requests for comment. CAGOP spokesperson Hector Barajas said the state party hasn't reached out to Trump — nor has he reached out to them — regarding any future role in rallying California voters. "The organization is singularly focused on signature-gathering, to ensure the recall qualifies,'' he told POLITICO in an email. But Trump has said he will be emerging from his Mar-a-Lago shell next weekend to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Fla. Maybe it's the start of something bigger… or maybe not. NOTEWORTHY: The effort by some pro-Trump California Republicans to censure Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) for his vote in favor of Trump's impeachment was ruled out of order. But as the SF Chronicle's Joe Garofoli put it in a Sunday story, the question for the party looms: : " How much Trump is too much Trump?" Stay tuned. BUENOS DÍAS, good Monday morning. State lawmakers today could address an issue that's been hanging over them since now-Sen. Alex Padilla left the Secretary of State's office: the $34.7 million spent on voter outreach efforts owed to the firm SKDKnickerbocker — which State Controller Betty Yee balked at paying. The answer may come in a budget bill amended last week. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Gavin Newsom has fancy dinners when you cannot. Nancy Pelosi gets her hair done while you cannot. That's how liberal elites roll, my friends. They live in a world where they think they don't have to live by their own rules." — Patterson addresses her party Sunday — the same week Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) famously went to Cancun, Mexico while millions of his constituents suffered through freezing temperatures. TWEET OF THE DAY: Ann O'Leary @AnnO_Leary, on Neera Tanden's imperiled nomination to head the federal Office of Management and Budget: "For years, I've worked side-by-side with my dear friend @neeratanden fighting for more inclusive and equitable economic policies. Yes, she's a tough cookie, but it's because she's fighting so hard for the most vulnerable. @POTUS is going to get her confirmed and I'll be cheering!" (Worth mentioning: As POLITICO's Tyler Pager writes, O'Leary herself is now considered a candidate for the job, should Tanden fail to be confirmed.) WHERE'S GAVIN? Nothing official announced. | | | | A message from Californians for Energy Independence: California's local oil and gas production provides tens of thousands of jobs and vitally needed tax revenues for local communities. But now, at a time when Californians are struggling, some Sacramento politicians are pushing drastic proposals to shut down existing local oil and gas production. This would put more people out of work and force the state to import even more oil, resulting in higher gas and utility prices for already struggling Californians. Learn More | | | TOP TALKERS ROCK AND A HARD PLACE — California schools debate pins Newsom between allies and GOP recall backers, by POLITICO's Jeremy B. White: As Gov. Gavin Newsom keeps one eye on a potential recall election, California's school reopening standoff has him caught in a political pincer. Republicans seeking to replace Newsom are hammering him over the school issue, trying to make the Democratic governor the face of school shutdowns. On his other flank, the state's powerful teachers unions which have near-veto power at the local level are pushing back on Newsom's efforts to expedite reopening. HE'S NOT GOING ANYWHERE — " It looks like Elon Musk isn't moving Tesla out of California after all," by the LA Times' Russ Mitchell: "Musk's threats to leave California carried weight given Tesla's massive push to increase production elsewhere. It already operates another plant in Shanghai, and major new factories are currently under construction in Austin, Texas, and near Berlin." ANTI-ASIAN VIOLENCE CONCERNS — " 'Black and Asian unity': attacks on elders spark reckoning with racism's roots,'' by Guardian's Vivian Ho: "A 91-year-old man shoved to the ground in Oakland, California's Chinatown. A 50-something woman thrown into a set of newsstands in Flushing, Queens. An 84-year-old man fatally assaulted in San Francisco. A recent spate of violence against Asian elders has left many Asian Americans across the country feeling targeted, wondering whether these are random acts of crime – or fueled by anti-Asian bias." DEEP DIVE — "Companies donate to nonprofits that employ CA speaker's wife,'' by SacBee's Hannah Wiley and the Center for Investigative Reporting's Lance Williams: "In the years since Anthony Rendon rose to power as speaker of the California Assembly, nonprofits associated with his wife, Annie Lam, received more than $500,000 in donations and event sponsorships from dozens of companies with business before the Legislature. … Since 2016, when Rendon ascended to the speakership, five nonprofits where Lam is employed have received donations or sponsorships from more than 50 entities." ON HOLD — " S.F. school board is 'pausing' renaming process for 44 schools after coming under fire," by the SF Chronicle's Kelly Hwang and Jill Tucker: "Working to reopen schools will be the board's 'only focus,' and renaming committee meetings will be canceled in the meantime." |  | GAVINLAND | | BIG HEARING TODAY — "Newsom slams school reopening bill introduced by fellow Democrats," by POLITICO's Mackenzie Mays: "Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday roundly rejected a legislative Democratic proposal to open California schools, saying it actually would hamper momentum rather than bring students back." | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | BLUE SHIELD UP — "New Vaccine Delivery System Starts in Parts of California,'' by the AP's Janie Har, Amy Taxin and Kathleen Ronayne: "California's new system of delivering, tracking and scheduling coronavirus vaccines is being rolled out in select counties, a first step in Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to smooth out what has been a confusing and disjointed rollout hampered by limited national supply." HOLDING FIRM — "LAUSD teachers' union contemplating a refusal to return to in-person work," by LA Daily News' Linh Tat: "Vaccinating staff is just one element that [the union] is seeking before having its members return to campus. The union has repeatedly said that overall COVID-19 levels must come down in the communities they serve as well." SET ASIDE — "California will earmark 10% of weekly COVID-19 vaccine supply for teachers," by the LA Times' John Myers And Taryn Luna: "'It must be done much sooner than the current path that we're on,' Newsom said Friday about reopening schools. 'We believe this will help advance that cause.'" BACK ON TRACK — "California makes it easier for high school sports to return to competition," by OC Register's Dan Albano and Fred Robledo: "The state health agency adjusted its colored tier system to allow outdoor, high-contact sports such as football, water polo and soccer to be played in the less restrictive red (substantial risk) or purple (widespread risk) tiers in the state's COVID-19 monitoring system with conditions." PRIEST'S PASSING — "Priest at Bay Area Catholic church that flouted public health orders dies of COVID-19," by Yahoo! News Jennifer Lu: "Sts. Peter and Paul was one of several churches named in a cease-and-desist letter from San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera." — "California may not reach herd immunity for years. But vaccines will make the coronavirus more manageable," by the SF Chronicle's Erin Allday: "Between the emergence of new coronavirus variants, unreliable vaccine supplies and uneven access to the doses available, it may take months or even years longer than anyone would like to hit herd immunity. It's possible California, the nation and the world may never get there." | | | | NEW - "THE RECAST" NEWSLETTER: Power dynamics are changing. "Influence" is changing. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. "The Recast" is our new twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics, policy and power in America. And POLITICO is recasting how we report on this crucial intersection, bringing you fresh insights, scoops, dispatches from across the country and new voices that challenge "business as usual." Don't miss out on this important new newsletter, SUBSCRIBE NOW. Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | | | | THE 46TH | | GOP'S 3D CHESS, via POLITICO PRO — Republicans pressure 2022 Democrats over Becerra nomination, by POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein: " Conservatives know they likely don't have the votes to block President Joe Biden's pick to run HHS, Xavier Becerra. But they're launching new ad blitzes and pressure campaigns targeting Senate Democrats up for reelection and others they believe can be swayed, aiming to make a vote to confirm him a political liability." 'EXCEEDINGLY DEEP CONVICTIONS' — Inside Xavier Becerra's quest for health care for immigrants, by POLITICO's Maggie Severns: " With a stroke of his pen, he could issue first-of-their-kind waivers reversing the very policy that Obama torpedoed and allowing undocumented immigrants, roughly half of whom are currently uninsured, access to state health care exchanges. But even as Becerra readies himself for the start of his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, the toxic politics that Obama bowed to remain strongly in force." THE POLLS — "Biden's polling is steadier than Trump's ," by CNN's Harry Enten: "Biden's average approval rating is 55% and his average disapproval rating is 39%, which makes for an average net approval rating of +16 points." | | MADAM VP | | TARGETED — "Black, female and high-profile, Kamala Harris is a top target in online fever swamps," by the LA Times' Noah Bierman: "Research shows that Kamala Harris may be the most targeted American politician on the internet, one who checks every box for the haters of the fever swamps: She's a woman, she's a person of color and she holds power." SHE'S LEAVING HOME — "Kamala Harris selling condo in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood, report says," by the SF Chronicle's Tal Kopan: "The well-appointed, two-level apartment features 1½ bathrooms, a loft bedroom and private balcony. According to the listing, it's a top-level condo in a building built in 1998. It was listed for $799,000. Property records show it was purchased in 2004 for $489,000. It was listed for sale Feb. 8." | | | | A message from Californians for Energy Independence:   | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | DEVIN DENIED — "Judge tosses Nunes' $245 million libel suit against CNN," by POLITICO's Josh Gerstein: The judge "dismissed the suit against CNN on a technical ground: She found California law applied to the case and Nunes had failed to request a retraction as required under the laws of the Golden State." FACT CHECK — "Devin Nunes and top Republicans fault Nancy Pelosi for Capitol attack. Here are the facts," by the Fresno Bee's Kate Irby. | | CALIFORNIA AND THE CAPITOL CORRIDOR | | TWO WORLDS, SAME PROBLEM: Texas and California built different power grids, but neither stood up to climate change, by POLITICO's Eric Wolff, Debra Kahn and Zack Colman: " That presents both an opportunity and a challenge for President Joe Biden, potentially aiding his efforts to draw support from lawmakers and states for his multitrillion-dollar proposals to harden the nation's energy infrastructure to withstand climate change." COMMON THREAD — "'California and Texas are warnings': blackouts show US deeply unprepared for the climate crisis," by the Guardian's Maanvi Singh: "Last year, when the heat storm triggered blackouts, the outage caused a failure at a wastewater treatment plant – forcing working-class people of color in Oakland to choose between opening windows to cool their homes, and closing them to shut out the smell as 50,000 gallons of raw sewage flowed in the nearby bay." — "California wastes its extra solar, wind energy. Could hydrogen be the storage key?" by the SF Chronicle's Dustin Gardiner. GONE IN 60 SECONDS — "Entire Oakley school board resigns over embarrassing hot mic moment during public meeting," by the Mercury News' Nate Gartrell and Judith Prieve: "It started with profanity, jokes about parents just wanting a babysitter or to smoke pot in their homes, and then came the horrible realization by the elected officials making these remarks that they were on a live video stream being broadcast to the public." EL CORONEL HABLA — "The California roots of the fight over the term 'illegal alien,'" by the L.A. Times' Gustavo Arellano: "'Illegal alien' has existed in the legal realm for decades, and colloquially dates back in the United States to the 1880s, when it was Chinese, Jews and Italians we were trying to keep out." HALFWAY TO THE STARS — "San Francisco's cable cars are part of the city's identity. We need a plan to bring them back soon," by the SF Chronicle's Heather Knight. | | SILICON VALLEYLAND | | THE TESLA MAFIA: "Elon Musk's Ex-Employees Vie To Become His Top Rival," by Forbes' Alan Ohnsman: "Their companies already have a combined value of more than $30 billion. That's a fraction of Tesla's $780 billion market cap, but it's just the beginning." DOWN UNDER DRAMA — "Facebook just handed its critics in Washington a lot more ammunition," by POLITICO's Nancy Scola: "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said for years that governments should set rules for the internet. Now his Washington critics say the company's news blackout in Australia proves he didn't mean it." MORE FACEBOOK DRAMA — "'Mark Changed The Rules': How Facebook Went Easy On Alex Jones And Other Right-Wing Figures,'' by Buzzfeed's Ryan Mac and Craig Silverman: "Facebook's rules to combat misinformation and hate speech are subject to the whims and political considerations of its CEO and his policy team leader." ACROSS THE POND — " UK Supreme Court rules Uber drivers are workers," by POLITICO's Leonie Cater | | | | JOIN US TUESDAY TO MEET THE FRESHMEN: The freshman class of the 117th Congress took office just three days before an armed mob stormed Capitol Hill and in the middle of a once per century pandemic, making its first month in office just a bit different from any previous class. Join POLITICO for "Red, Fresh and Blue," featuring live interviews with newly elected members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. Huddle newsletter author Olivia Beavers will moderate back-to-back live interviews with Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) and Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-Ga.). REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | HOLLYWOODLAND | | CALABASAS CAULDRON —- "Kim Kardashian files for divorce from Kanye West," by TMZ: "Kim is asking for joint legal and physical custody of the couple's 4 kids.'' MAYHEM WITH MARILYN — " Marilyn Manson faces LA sheriff investigation after abuse allegations," by Reuters' Lisa Richwine. MONTECITO'S OWN … "Harry and Meghan won't return as working royals," by the AP's Jill Lawless: Buckingham Palace "said Queen Elizabeth II had spoken to 36-year-old Harry and confirmed 'that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.'" | | MEDIA MATTERS | | SHOT… "Los Angeles Times Owner Exploring Sale of Company," by the WSJ's Lukas I. Alpert: "The move marks an abrupt about-face for Mr. Soon-Shiong, who had vowed to restore stability to the West Coast news institution and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the paper in an effort to turn it around." AND CHASER… "Patrick Soon-Shiong affirms commitment to the Los Angeles Times," by the LA Times' Meg James: "When asked about the discrepancy, Wall Street Journal spokesman Steve Severinghaus said: 'We are aware of Dr. Soon-Shiong's tweet. We are confident in our reporting and will continue to follow this developing story.'" | | MIXTAPE | | — "Environmental deal protects swath of redwood forest in Mendocino County," by the SF Chronicle's Vanessa Arredondo. LA DA'S DAY — " District Attorney Investigating Metro CEO Washington and Other Top Executives, Search Warrants Issued," by Los Cerritos News' Brian Hews. NICE GUY — "Guy Fieri purchases historic 118-year-old Northern California meat company building," by SFGATE's Madeline Wells. TROUBLE IN PARADISE — "Two California residents arrested for Hawaii quarantine violation," via CNN. GATOR GRAB — "California's ban on alligator products challenged by Louisiana," via the AP. — "California wine companies are doing what hasn't been done in 20 years: go on the stock market," by the SF Chronicle's Esther Mobley. — "New video shows California officers fatally shooting Black man accused of jaywalking," by CBS News' Carter Evans. CRIME SPREE — "Rampant burglaries plague S.F. businesses, compounding hurt of pandemic," by the SF Chronicle's Shwanika Narayan and Megan Cassidy. | | BIRTHDAYS | | Saturday: Miguel Rodriguez of the Gates Foundation … Haley Morris Sunday: Anna Hubbard ... Ashley Etienne of the White House … LinkedIn's Jeff Weiner Monday: Becky Beland McNaught … Hugh Hewitt (65) … eBay's Elizabeth Oblinger | | | | A message from Californians for Energy Independence: Sacramento Politicians' drastic proposals to shut down California's existing oil and gas production wouldn't just threaten the livelihoods of tens of thousands of blue-collar workers and their families, it would also increase everyday costs for all Californians. An energy shutdown would cost the state thirty billion dollars a year in imported oil, meaning every resident would pay more to power, heat, and cool their home at a time when so many are already struggling.
Californians for Energy Independence is bringing these drastic energy proposals to light and calling on Sacramento politicians to stop the energy shutdown in CA and protect thousands of jobs and millions in vitally needed tax revenues.
Learn more | | | CALIFORNIA POLICY IS ALWAYS CHANGING: Know your next move. From Sacramento to Silicon Valley, POLITICO California Pro provides policy professionals with the in-depth reporting and tools they need to get ahead of policy trends and political developments shaping the Golden State. To learn more about the exclusive insight and analysis this subscriber-only service offers, click here. Want to make an impact? POLITICO California has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Golden State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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