Jan 31 2025 2 mins
California is poised for significant changes in 2025, with new laws aimed at strengthening civil rights protections and creating more inclusive learning environments. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several bills into law, including AB 2867, which helps Holocaust survivors recover stolen art and personal property, and AB 1821, which ensures students learn about Native American perspectives during key periods of California's history[1].
In economic news, California's job market has rebounded from sluggish growth in 2023, with the state adding 167,000 jobs in the first eleven months of 2024, a 0.9% year-to-date growth. However, inflation is projected to moderate, with the state's inflation rate expected to be 2.3% in 2025, slightly higher than the national rate[2].
The California Department of Water Resources predicts a dry 2025, with major storms expected in the first and last few months of the year. This comes after two wet years that filled reservoirs and ended drought conditions. The department has issued an initial State Water Project allocation forecast of 5% of requested supplies for 2025, down from the usual 10% in previous drought years[3].
In community news, the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board has released its annual report, highlighting racial disparities in law enforcement stops. The report found that Black individuals were stopped 131.5% more frequently than expected, given their relative proportion of the California population[4].
Looking ahead, the California Chamber of Commerce has identified affordability as the top legislative priority for 2025, with lawmakers focusing on housing, fire and wildfire recovery, and artificial intelligence. The chamber also expects discussions on childcare and AI regulation[5]. As California enters 2025, residents can expect continued efforts to address pressing issues such as affordability, public safety, and environmental sustainability.
In economic news, California's job market has rebounded from sluggish growth in 2023, with the state adding 167,000 jobs in the first eleven months of 2024, a 0.9% year-to-date growth. However, inflation is projected to moderate, with the state's inflation rate expected to be 2.3% in 2025, slightly higher than the national rate[2].
The California Department of Water Resources predicts a dry 2025, with major storms expected in the first and last few months of the year. This comes after two wet years that filled reservoirs and ended drought conditions. The department has issued an initial State Water Project allocation forecast of 5% of requested supplies for 2025, down from the usual 10% in previous drought years[3].
In community news, the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board has released its annual report, highlighting racial disparities in law enforcement stops. The report found that Black individuals were stopped 131.5% more frequently than expected, given their relative proportion of the California population[4].
Looking ahead, the California Chamber of Commerce has identified affordability as the top legislative priority for 2025, with lawmakers focusing on housing, fire and wildfire recovery, and artificial intelligence. The chamber also expects discussions on childcare and AI regulation[5]. As California enters 2025, residents can expect continued efforts to address pressing issues such as affordability, public safety, and environmental sustainability.