Newsom Asks Californians to Skip Chevron

Gov. Gavin Newsom told Californians on Thursday to fill up anywhere but Chevron heading into Memorial Day weekend, citing a state energy commission analysis that found the brand averaged 60 to 80 cents more per gallon than unbranded alternatives.

Chevron is firing back with signs at its stations blaming Sacramento for the pump pain, one was spotted in Montebello Friday morning. California gas averaged $6.13 a gallon Friday, the only state above $6 and more than 30 cents higher than runner-up Washington. The state’s roughly 70-cent gas tax is the highest in the country, and two refineries representing about 18% of California’s refining capacity have already announced they’ll close. 

The fight has spilled into the 2026 governor’s race, where billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer is hammering fellow Democrat Xavier Becerra over Chevron campaign donations. And GasBuddy is warning that pump prices could surge again next week if the U.S. and Iran fail to reach a deal reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Newsom Orders AI Job Safety Net

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a first-of-its-kind executive order Thursday directing state agencies to study and prepare for AI-driven job displacement.

The order—the first such action by any U.S. state—calls for exploring job subsidies, stock compensation policies, and retraining programs for workers displaced by automation. California has already seen 137,000 Bay Area tech job losses since 2023.

Labor leaders say the protections don’t go far enough and lack enforcement teeth, warning the directive is more study than solution. Critics argue there are no binding requirements on employers or timelines for action.

Californian Rows Alone to Hawaii

Kelsey Pfendler, a 31-year-old Grand Canyon river guide, launched her rowboat from Monterey on Thursday to become the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii.

Only nine people have ever completed the 2,400-mile Pacific crossing solo—just two of them women—and Pfendler is gunning for a record, hoping to beat the typical 70-90 day timeline.

This isn’t her first time on this route — Pfendler skippered a four-woman team across in 2024, finishing in 41 days. Now she’s going it alone, with satellite tracking so fans can follow every stroke.

Off the water, she guides rafting trips through the Grand Canyon, works as an ER technician, and helped lead a women’s team to a national rafting title last fall.

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➤ Big Sur: Monterey County supervisors voted to eliminate roadside parking near Bixby Bridge, citing safety hazards and emergency access concerns. The temporary ban targets selfie-seekers who block traffic during the busy summer season. (More)

➤ San Jose: Mayor Matt Mahan has missed more than a third of city council meetings this year while campaigning for governor. Critics say he’s neglecting the city while pursuing higher office. (More)

➤ Fort Bragg: A Laurinburg man featured in The Fort Bragg Cartel was convicted on eight federal charges, including first-degree murder, after prosecutors said he killed two men during a drug deal and left their bodies on Fort Bragg. (More)

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➤ Paso Robles: The city council voted unanimously to eliminate its cap on cannabis delivery businesses, potentially opening the door to expanded cannabis commerce throughout San Luis Obispo County. (More)

➤ Fresno: New CalFresh work requirements taking effect June 1 are expected to hit the Central Valley hard. Fresno and Solano counties each have tens of thousands of affected residents, with agricultural workers and caregivers among the most vulnerable. (More)

➤ Bakersfield: Businesses along Bakersfield’s 18th and 19th streets say ongoing Eastchester construction is driving customers away, with torn-up pavement and limited parking hurting sales for downtown shops and restaurants. (More)

➤ Garden Grove: Orange County hazmat crews responded Thursday after a flammable, self-heating epoxy substance leaked from an industrial tank at a local business, prompting neighborhood evacuations. Orders were later lifted for most residents. (More)

➤ Los Angeles: The June 2 mayoral primary is days away, with Mayor Karen Bass facing 13 challengers—including a sitting councilmember and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt. Polls show Bass competitive but vulnerable. (More)

➤ San Diego: One of the two teenagers charged in last week’s killing of three people at San Diego’s Islamic Center had been previously flagged by the FBI as a potential threat. The attacker’s family has condemned the violence. (More)

➤ The LA Rams signed reigning MVP Matthew Stafford to a one-year, $55 million extension that will keep him with the team through 2027. Stafford threw for a league-best 4,707 yards and a career-high 46 touchdowns last season. (More) 

➤ Apple TV will broadcast today’s LA Galaxy-Houston Dynamo match shot entirely on iPhone 17 Pro, making it the first major pro sporting event captured exclusively on an iPhone. (More)

➤ UCLA softball hosts UCF tonight in Game 2 of the Los Angeles Super Regional at 7 p.m. on ESPN.  (How to Watch) 

➤ The Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry will undergo hip surgery this offseason to repair a chronic impingement and could miss the start of next season. (More) 

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | WNBA | Golf

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➤ California state parks are open this Memorial Day weekend, with many offering free admission for veterans. Most beaches are also open—check ahead for parking and closures before you head out. (More)

➤ Scott Borba, co-founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics, is being ordained as a Catholic priest today in Visalia by the Diocese of Fresno—capping a decade-long journey after giving away his fortune. (More)

➤ BTS member Suga secretly ran San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers 12K on Sunday—in disguise—then performed that same evening at Stanford Stadium. (More)

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How are you spending Memorial Day weekend?

1. Hitting the beach
2. Backyard BBQ with family
3. Memorial ceremony or parade
4. Traveling out of town
5. Staying home and relaxing

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you driven any of Route 66?

1. The whole route – 16% 
2. The California stretch – 14%
3. A piece of it – 29%
4. Not yet, it’s on my list – 15%
5. Not interested – 14%
6. Other (reply to tell us) – 12%

What California city hosted the first In-N-Out Burger, opened in 1948?

See the answer