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California Democrats often tout California as a sanctuary state, but some local police departments — including UC San Diego police — participate in a federal program that gives agencies million dollars to cooperate with the Border Patrolwrites CalMatters’ Phoebe Huss College Journalism Network.
Operation Stonegarden is a program of the US Department of Homeland Security that provides nearly $11 million annually to dozens of law enforcement agencies in California. Started as a pilot program in 2005, local participation in the program has continued through Democratic and Republican federal administrations and after California asylum policies adopted in 2017.
At UC San Diego, police are patrolling Interstate 5 and the beaches of La Jolla, Black’s Beach and Torrey Pines. On its website, the university says it has “unfortunately” Border Patrol stations in San Diego County and alerts students to the location of Border Patrol checkpoints. Last year, dozens of UC San Diego students their visas were taken away (and later recovered), and at least one was detained at the border.
Citing concerns about racial profiling and endangering immigrant communities, some US agencies have pulled out of Stonegarden over the years. Last year, Ann The sheriff of Arizona retired because he said he doesn’t want his department involved in President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
In a note from 2025 to the Trump administration’s Electronic Frontier Foundation has criticized Stonegarden, alleging that tech companies are directing police to apply for the program in order to sell them unnecessary surveillance technology.
But Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff and an outspoken critic of California’s sanctuary policy, said he’s proud his department is working with the Border Patrol. Bianco is also a Republican candidate for governor.
- Bianco: “By making local law enforcement resources available through Operation Stonegarden to combat … public safety concerns, the Border Patrol and other federal agents are better able to devote their resources to immigration enforcement and border security.”
What should justice look like in California today? Join us in Los Angeles or virtually on February 25 for a conversation with Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, former CDCR Director Dave Lewis and Heidi Rummel of the Post-Conviction Justice Project about prosecution, incarceration and whether reform or tougher policies will determine the state’s future. Register here.
Other stories you should know
Legislature approves Planned Parenthood funding
The state Legislature on Monday approved additional funding to support Planned Parenthood clinics in California after the Trump administration cut federal funding last year.
After a long debate in the Assembly, lawmakers greenlit a budget trailer bill earmarking $90 million for Planned Parenthood. In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Planned Parenthood would received $140 million from the state — which includes $90 million of what was approved by voters Proposition 35 of 2024 and $50 million from a state abortion funding program.
Monday’s additional $90 million will bring total state funding to $230 million after the passage of Trump’s sweeping spending bill, which gutted Planned Parenthood’s funding.
Ten House Republicans voted against the measure, arguing that Planned Parenthood would receive free money with little oversight as it struggles rural hospitals receive loans they must return. However, two members of the GOP assembly voted for the measure: Juan Alanis of Modesto and Greg Wallis at Rancho Mirage.
I’m still waiting for a study of the stairs
State regulators deadline has passed to submit a report looking at whether allowing apartment buildings to have a single staircase could spur housing construction in California, CalMatters’ Ben Christopher writes.
The State Fire Marshal’s office had until Jan. 1 to complete its analysis of single-stairway residential buildings. Almost every other city in the US requires buildings taller than three stories to have at least two staircases, in part for fire safety reasons.
But in an effort to encourage development, a city in Los Angeles passed an ordinance in September allowing six-story complexes, under certain conditions, to they have only one staircase.
A draft report released in October included recommendations that building codes could be relaxed for buildings up to four stories. When finalized, the report will have no enforcement mechanism, but could help guide policy if lawmakers decide to tackle the issue.
Finally: The Boom of AI and CA
California voices
CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: The mayoral candidacy of Nithya Raman, a progressive member of the Los Angeles City Council, represents a serious threat to Mayor Karen Bass’s re-election campaign.
Controversy over dirt bike racing in the California desert reveals how impunity has helped make Southern California the epicenter of anti-environmental rhetoric, writes Julia Cizekanthropologist.
Hospital bills continue to rise in part because hospitals often hide the true cost of care, making it difficult for small businesses to provide coverage for employees, writes Bianca BlomqvistCalifornia Director for the majority of small businesses.
Other things worth your time:
Judge blocks CA ban on federal agents wearing masks but requires badges to be clearly visible // AP news
CA teachers manage difficult discussions on current events after the ICE shoot // EdSource
Sacramento politicians love the GOP Rep. Flora, but local Republicans ditched him // Modesto Focus
SF teachers walk out in the first strike in almost 50 years // KQED
Trump administration requires citizenship checks on SF public housing tenants // San Francisco Chronicle
The trial began in a lawsuit in Los Angeles on charges Instagram and YouTube knew the apps were harming children // Los Angeles Times
Can mountain lions survive as humans approach? CA tries to find a way // New York Times
A coalition gathers in defense Cypress Park Day Labor Center Amid Disputed Home Depot Eviction Threat // Los Angeles Times
