The latest California water data showed the state's largest reservoirs are nearly 20% higher than normal. The San Pablo Reservoir in the East Bay is nearly full, currently at 75% capacity, and will likely reach capacity as it collects more water from the melting Sierra snowpack.

Shasta County Superior Court Executive Officer Melissa Fowler-Bradley retired after 17 years in the position and 50 years in public service. She led the court through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires and the construction of a new courthouse. Fowler-Bradley's successor, chosen after a nationwide search, starts on May 5.

(Subscription required) In a brief order, the state Supreme Court justices said they remain concerned about the bar's use of AI to write test questions and will await the results of investigations into how the exam was prepared and administered.

For the second time in seven days, the Supreme Court this week held a contractual damages limitation violated Civil Code section 1668, which provides, “All contracts which have for their object, directly or indirectly, to exempt any one from responsibility for his own fraud, or willful injury to the person or property of another, or violation of law, whether willful or negligent, are against the policy of the law.”