The legal status of “Open Carry” gun owners in California runs out as 2011 winds down.

Sonoma County has long supported a few-questions-asked needle exchange program for drug users. Beginning in January, that will be true statewide.

It looks virtually certain that Californians will be asked to approve higher taxes at the ballot box next year. But how many competing proposals will they have to choose among?

A new on-line-based political party jumps into California’s primary campaign season. As for that other season now underway, brace yourself for a lot of company as you travel.