The ballot initiative process has gotten a workout in California over the past 20 years. Now its cousin, the referendum, is seeing a new burst of action as well.

We have two big money stories in today's report, involving federal stimulus finds in California, and the future of high-speed rail transit.

">

Sex offenders in foster homes, and the governor’s proposal for pension reform. Two disparate but timely topics on today’s California Update

">

LOS ANGELES - Sugary drinks are a big problem for little kids, according to a new report that confirms their connection with obesity in children.

The First 5 L-A report found that these drinks now represent the biggest source of added sugar in children's diets. For each additional sugary drink a child consumes each day, says Francisco Oaxaca, First 5 LA public-affairs director, his or her risk of obesity increases by an astonishing 60 percent.

"The younger the child is, the more important it is to help them acquire those healthy consumption habits that will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older."

Oaxaca says their report found that nearly 30 percent of children aged five and younger consume one or more sugary drinks each day.

"When you look specifically at children of families of color, African-American, Latino children, the rate almost doubled, up to 50 percent. So, it's a significant issue that has ramped up especially over the past few years.”

Read more: Sugary Drinks are a Big Problem for Little Kids