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The federal Bureau of Land Management on May 10 announced a plan to open approximately 800,000 acres of public lands and underground federal mineral rights across California's Central Coast to new oil and gas drilling, with specific targets in San Benito County—including areas surrounding Pinnacles National Park.

The BLM said the new plan, coming less than a month after it announced a plan to allow drilling on more than one million acres of federal land near Bakersfield, should result in 75 new oil wells in California over the next 20 years.

Just as California Attorney General Xavier Becerra prepared to launch his 50th lawsuit against the federal government over policies that go against state priorities, the Trump administration unveiled a proposal last week to open up more than 700,000 acres of land in Monterey County and other regions in central California for oil and gas drilling, including fracking.

Local elected officials are voicing their opposition to the plan likely setting the stage for further confrontation between the state and federal government.

oday, Representatives Donna Shalala (FL-27), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and members of the LGBT Equality Caucus, introduced the House version of the Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act. This bill prevents the maltreatment of LGBTQ youth and improves outcomes for LGBTQ kids who enter the child welfare system.

SALINAS — Supervisor Luis Alejo is calling for the full Board of Supervisors to join the chorus of local elected officials opposing a new plan that could open more than 725,000 acres of federal land on the Central Coast to oil and gas exploration under the Trump administration.

SANTA CRUZ — More than 725,000 acres of Central Coast land could be opened up for oil and gas extraction under a new plan led by the Trump administration.

But due to local regulations — and economic realities — Santa Cruz County land appears unlikely to be affected even if the plan is approved.

WASHINGTON —

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced the winners of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition, on Saturday.

Political figures are mourning the death of actress and singer Doris Day, calling the legendary Hollywood performer an "American icon."

The star of "The Pajama Game" in 1957 and 1959's "Pillow Talk" died Monday at 97, according to her eponymous animal foundation.

The "Que Sera Sera" singer, a longtime animal rights activist, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 by then-President George W. Bush.