Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), who is terming out this year, is running for Orange County supervisor in the Nov. 8 election to be a “significant voice” for District 5 residents. Bates, who previously served as a county supervisor for seven years, said her understanding of how state issues impact local government will help her…

Law enforcement would be required to test for drug use after a fatal vehicle collision under a newly proposed California bill. Senate Bill 925, introduced by Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), seeks to address the increased amount of fatally injured drivers who have tested positive for substances in their system following fatal accidents. “It is…

California legislators warn many unsuspecting state residents will be further burdened by fraudulent unemployment claims if Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn’t intervene with continued mismanagement at the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD). The EDD has already paid $10.4 billion in benefits to claimants whose identities haven’t been verified, according to a Jan. 28 report from the…