Div. Five of this district’s Court of Appeal has held that union disciplinary hearings are “official proceedings” within the meaning of California’s anti-SLAPP law, rejecting the view that they are outside the ambit of “protected activities” under the scheme because of the private nature of labor groups and the absence of statutory authority for such procedures.

Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a measure Monday that will expand judicial discretion over the state’s mental health diversion program. Assembly Bill 46, carried by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, D-Elk Grove, removes a legal standard that restricted courts’ ability to deny diversion. Newsom’s signature on the bill will allow courts to prevent the diversion of violent criminals with greater ease.

California Democrats approved a $351.7 billion budget Monday they said serves as a counterweight to federal spending cuts pushed by President Donald Trump while safeguarding the state’s financial future. In a statement, the outgoing governor said that it would leave his successors with a state government that is “fiscally sound, economically dominant, and ready for whatever comes next.”

Governor Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Limón, and Assembly Speaker Rivas announce a balanced budget agreement  — with zero deficit this year, and next — that maintains California’s progress, prepares for the future, and protects vulnerable communities from Trump’s cruel assaults on the state.