The Trump administration sued two California cities on Monday, seeking to block local laws that restrict natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction. The lawsuit is the administration's latest attack on energy policies that seek to rein in the use of fossil fuels to combat climate change. California, a Democratic stronghold, has among the most aggressive climate change policies in the world.

The state’s highest court has rejected San Diego’s plea to keep intact the 2022 voter-approved ballot measure that removed the 30-foot height limit from the Midway District. Last week, the justices of the Supreme Court of California formally denied the city of San Diego’s petition for review of the appellate court’s ruling, which found that the city illegally put the ordinance before voters without adequately informing them about the environmental impacts associated with taller builders, as required by California’s Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA.

(Subscription required) Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alexander P. Sario, a former DJ, brings lessons in tone, awareness and responsiveness from music to the misdemeanor bench, where he emphasizes fairness, courtroom atmosphere and judicial diversion as key tools.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday affirmed a District Court decision dismissing a challenge to a Sacramento ordinance that limits issuance of cannabis dispensary licenses to current or former residents of the city, rejecting the contention that the Dormant Commerce Clause prohibits such legislation.