Coastal Resilience: San Clemente is seeing shoreline split and rail disruption as rising seas and a looming 2026 super El Niño raise flood and landslide risks across Southern California. AI & Work Rules: Gov. Newsom signed new laws aimed at limiting AI workplace surveillance and requiring notice when AI drives mass layoffs or firing decisions. AV Safety: California will fine autonomous vehicle operators if they block first responders for more than 30 minutes, tightening statewide standards for ride-hailing fleets. Election 2026: Early voting is underway and ballots begin mailing in October; voters can also preview ballots online and use vote centers in VCA counties. Billionaire Tax Fight: Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna are rallying for a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires to fund Medi-Cal cuts, while Newsom and major donors push back. Criminal Justice: California DOJ says Natomas Unified discipline policies discriminated against Black students and students with disabilities, leading to a settlement. Local Politics: In the 9th Assembly District, incumbent Heath Flora outraised challenger Matthew Adams, according to latest filings. Public Safety: Two people were shot at a strip mall near Cal State Northridge, prompting an active LAPD response. Environment Cleanup: EPA is moving into a new phase of cleanup at the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine near Clear Lake, starting with residential properties before tackling the larger waste site.