Here are some of California’s most-read Capitol stories of 2021. You might be surprised
Good morning and welcome to the final A.M. Alert of 2021!
THE BIGGEST HITS OF 2021
It’s been a wild year, to be sure, and it’s almost over. So what better time than now to sit back and take a look at some of the biggest stories of 2021?
You might think the effort to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom, and arguably it was. But courtesy of my metrics page, here are the 10 highest traffic stories of the last year out of the Capitol, the stories Californians clicked on and read:
1. California would ban boys and girls sections at big retailers under proposed law
Assemblyman Evan Low’s bill mandating that big retailers, such as Target and Walmart, maintain a genderless children’s section was my most-read story of 2021. The bill ultimately was signed into law, and goes into effect in 2024. While the bill largely sailed through the Legislature, it was criticized by conservative groups, such as the California Family Council.
2. Gavin Newsom signs law banning sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers by 2024
It’s safe to say that Californians have strong opinions about their gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers, which a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom will prevent from being sold beginning in 2024.
3. A third Cal Poly? Gavin Newsom calls for transformation of struggling CSU campus
Any Cal Poly alums in the house? Readers showed strong interest in this piece I wrote about Humboldt State University’s transformation into the state’s third polytechnic school.
4. Who’s getting a stimulus check? Here’s a look at who qualifies in Newsom plan
One lesson which I learned in 2021, and learned over and over again, is that Californians really want to know when, where and how they’re getting money that’s owed to them.
5. Texas, Florida, Ohio and more: California’s state travel ban covers one-third of America
People had some strong opinions about this one, and it showed in the readership.
6. California’s pot of unclaimed property tops $10 billion. Check if the state has your money
What did I tell you? Readers want their money and they want it now.
7. California to require COVID vaccines for health care workers, state employees in Newsom order
Though California has come a long way from the COVID-19 nightmare of 2020, readers are still interested in COVID-19-related news that affects them.
8. California prison guards missed inmate’s decapitation and misled investigators, report says
The details may be gruesome, but this story drew in tens of thousands of readers.
9. Knock, knock. Have you had your vaccine yet? California sends out thousands to check
Yet another COVID-19-related story that resonated with readers.
10. California’s minimum wage is going up again. Here’s how much it will be in 2022
Californians said it loud and clear this year, “Show me the money!”
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“All possible in a National Divorce scenario. After Democrat voters and big donors ruin a state like California, you would think it wise to stop them from doing it to another great state like Florida. Brainwashed people that move from CA and NY really need a cooling off period.”
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, via Twitter.
Best of the Bee:
How does a bill become law in California? Here’s how to track it through the legislature, via Mila Jasper
New California laws for 2022: More duplexes, fewer ketchup packets and all mail-in elections, via Andrew Sheeler
A $2.1M office chair and permanent telework: Our top California state worker stories in 2021, via Wes Venteicher