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Gov. Jerry Brown told the Times Wednesday that a decision by President Trump to withdraw from the Paris Accord on climate change would be “tragic.”

Legislators at the state Capitol will winnow down the hundreds of bills pending by Friday afternoon, quietly killing some of them which have been sitting in what’s called the “suspense file.”

African Americans in the California Democratic Party want an apology made to Rep. Maxine Water (D-Los Angeles) after her microphone was cut off at last weekend’s convention.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter for more, or subscribe to our free daily newsletter and the California Politics Podcast.</s>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Supporters of making California an independent nation are beginning their second longshot attempt to recruit voters by submitting a new proposed ballot measure.

The measure being submitted to state officials Friday by the separatist California Freedom Coalition takes a more gradual approach than one withdrawn by an earlier group last month.

It would have the governor negotiate with the federal government to give California more autonomy as what supporters call a “nation within a nation.” Or the talks could eventually lead to full independence.

About a dozen supporters gathered outside the state Capitol were met by a nearly equal number of American flag-carrying protesters who want California to remain part of the United States.

The coalition must collect more than 585,000 signatures to qualify for next year’s ballot.</s>Backers of an effort for California independence gathered outside the Capitol before turning in their initiative on May 19.

Supporters of a bid for California independence are again submitting plans for a 2018 statewide ballot measure to potentially leave the United States.

Members of the California Freedom Coalition gathered outside the state Capitol on Friday before turning in their proposed initiative to the state attorney general’s office for review.

Cindy Sheehan, who gained international attention as an anti-war protestor after her son died during the Iraq war in 2004, told the Los Angeles Times at the gathering that the state should stop subsidizing a federal government that she characterized as out of step with California values.

“We don’t feel like we have a say 3,000 miles away in Washington,” Sheehan said.

The petition, known informally as Calexit, is the second formal bid that secessionists have made since President Trump’s election in November, though numerous organizations have attempted similar efforts over the years. Backers pulled the first initiative after substantial infighting within groups advocating for independence.

The current initiative wouldn't necessarily result in the state exiting the country, but could allow California to be a “fully functioning sovereign and autonomous nation” within the United States.

After receiving the ballot measure, the attorney general’s office will give it a title and summary. Backers will need to collect nearly 600,000 valid voter signatures on petitions to place it on the ballot.</s>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Supporters of making California an independent nation are beginning their second longshot attempt to recruit voters by submitting a new proposed ballot measure.

The measure being submitted to state officials Friday by the separatist California Freedom Coalition takes a more gradual approach than one withdrawn by an earlier group last month.

It would have the governor negotiate with the federal government to give California more autonomy as what supporters call a “nation within a nation.” Or the talks could eventually lead to full independence.
• Calexit group ends effort to break from U.S.

About a dozen supporters gathered outside the state Capitol were met by a nearly equal number of American flag-carrying protesters who want California to remain part of the United States.

The coalition must collect more than 585,000 signatures to qualify for next year’s ballot.

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• CONTROVERSIAL BILL WOULD END LIFETIME REGISTRATION FOR CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS</s>Carmi Ennis joined several others in a demonstration against a group calling for making California an independent nation, Friday, May 19, 2017,in Sacramento, Calif. The California Freedom Coalition delivered paperwork to the Attorney General's office to put a initiative on the ballot to make California an independent nation, The group must collect more than 585,000 signatures to qualify for next year's ballot.</s>SACRAMENTO -- The California Freedom Coalition gathered at the state capitol Friday to deliver their Independence Initiative to the Office of the Attorney General.

The coalition believes that the will of the majority of Californians has not carried enough weight at the federal level. So, while their initiative does not directly call for California succession, it does push for the governor to negotiate for more autonomy for the state.

Although no legislators have come out in favor of the petition, the organization hopes to see it on the November 2018 ballot.

Those opposed to the initiative showed up to protest. President Donald Trump supporters believed succession would be treason.

However, many vied for rural California to instead pull from the state and become the State of Jefferson.
California independence supporters submit their second formal bid for a 2018 ballot concerning Calexit.