# California legislative earmark allocations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-legislative-earmark-allocations
> Updated: 2026-09-15T12:00:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

California lawmakers and Governor Gavin Newsom have allocated $1.3 billion in earmarks for various projects across legislative districts. This budgeting process allows officials to hand-pick funding recipients in private, often with minimal public scrutiny.

Specific allocations include $29 million for a Santa Barbara college gym renovation, $13 million for a Marin County food innovation hub, and $3 million for a minor league stadium in Santa Clara County. 

Critics, including Julie Baker, CEO of California for the Arts, have characterized these as “pork-barrel projects,” arguing the process is inequitable and lacks transparency because it is conducted behind closed doors. The practice involves Democratic leaders in the Assembly and Senate allowing colleagues to submit private wish-lists, with funds frequently appearing in bills only days before the legislative session concludes.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Monique Limón faces setback as California Assembly rejects wildfire cost deal

California Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón’s wildfire cost-sharing deal collapsed after the State Assembly rejected the compromise following intense lobbying from utility workers.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-lawmakers-allocate-13-billion-in-secretive-earmarks

### 2026-09-01: California science bond measure awaits Governor Newsom’s signature

California lawmakers approved a $7.5 billion science bond measure for the 2028 ballot to protect state research funding from potential federal cuts, targeting biomedical and climate research.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-science-bond-measure-awaits-governor-newsoms-signature

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Cite as: California legislative earmark allocations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-legislative-earmark-allocations