Catch Me Up: Daily news roundup for June 13, 2025

This Daily News Roundup for the 24 hours from 4:00 PM Thursday 6/12 to 4:00 PM Friday 6/13 is based on news articles created by Bay City News reporters and editors. We prompted ChatGPT to analyze the articles produced by our staff and to choose 5 stories to highlight. Then we used ElevenLabs and other tools to help us convert the text into audio based on the voice of Leslie Katz, one of our Bay City News editors. This content was verified by a human editor.

Hello, and welcome to Bay City News for Friday, June 13th, 2025. Here is a look at some of the top stories from across the region.

The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts are drawing heavy criticism and legal challenges from California officials. U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier of Walnut Creek has sent an urgent letter to the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, demanding answers regarding recent arrests at the immigration court in Concord. Protests erupted earlier this week after federal agents arrested asylum-seekers at the courthouse. DeSaulnier stated that targeting individuals who are following legal processes will only deter others and undermines due process. Separately, Governor Gavin Newsom lambasted the administration Friday after reports surfaced that personal medical information, including immigration status, is being shared with deportation officials. This move overturns a longstanding federal policy protecting private enrollee data. Newsom called the action “legally dubious” and an “abuse,” pledging to explore all avenues to protect Californians’ information. Adding to the controversy, law enforcement agencies across Southern California illegally shared information from automated license plate readers with federal agents more than one hundred times last month, according to records obtained by a privacy group. This violates a state law barring such data sharing with out-of-state or federal entities, prompting calls for the Attorney General to investigate.

In Monterey County, detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of voluntary manslaughter following a fatal boat confrontation in Moss Landing Harbor earlier this week. Authorities say 29-year-old Joshua Timothy Holtzclaw allegedly left 26-year-old Trenten Paul Black of Aptos in the water after a collision between their boats escalated into a physical altercation. The incident occurred just before 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Black reportedly boarded Holtzclaw’s boat, and a fight ensued, during which Black fell into the water and was allegedly hit by Holtzclaw with a stick. Holtzclaw then left the scene. Black’s body was recovered from the harbor later that day. Holtzclaw has been booked into Monterey County Jail with bail set at $200,000.

California has immediately filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump after he signed measures blocking the state’s mandates to phase out gas-powered cars and clean up diesel trucks. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta argue that this is an unlawful use of the Congressional Review Act. Newsom called Trump’s actions “an all-out assault on California” that jeopardizes clean air and global competitiveness. Ten other states that follow California’s emissions rules have joined the lawsuit. Newsom also issued an executive order reaffirming the state’s commitment to phasing out gas and diesel vehicles, directing the Air Resources Board to craft new mandates and help consumers transition to electric vehicles. California has historically held unique authority under the Clean Air Act to set its own, more stringent vehicle standards due to its severe air pollution.

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is preparing for fire season by reactivating its seasonal firefighting helicopter, Copter 1. Stationed at the Byron Wildland Fire Training Center, the helicopter will be available daily during daylight hours for wildfire response operations across the county. Copter 1 is equipped to carry 300 gallons of water and can refill from open water sources or portable tanks, providing a critical advantage in the early stages of a wildfire. The helicopter is staffed seven days a week by an experienced pilot and an aviation officer. District officials highlight that a rapid initial attack is one of the most effective strategies for limiting wildfire spread. This year’s seasonal helicopter program is jointly funded by the fire district and a one million dollar partnership with PG&E. Copter 1 is expected to operate throughout the summer and into early fall, depending on fire activity.

In Oakland, the City Council has approved a two-year, $4.3 billion budget this week, effectively closing a significant deficit without requiring layoffs. The budget passed on a six to one vote on Wednesday. It addresses an estimated $265 million deficit by eliminating hundreds of unfilled city positions and anticipating new revenue. Council members emphasized a focus on core city services, with funding allocated to maintain all 25 fire stations, except for ninety days this winter, and support for 678 sworn police officers. The budget also includes savings from reducing the city’s lawsuit settlement fund and lowering initial salaries for new employees. New revenue is expected from a potential parcel tax or other income measure on the June 2026 ballot, as well as bond sales for affordable housing.

And finally, a massive allocation of funds from California’s $6.4 billion mental health bond, Proposition 1, has been announced by Governor Gavin Newsom. Nearly half of the bond money, totaling $3.3 billion, has been awarded to projects aimed at providing mental health and addiction treatment services. These projects range from crisis stabilization units to residential addiction treatment programs for mothers, and are expected to fund over 5,000 treatment beds and more than 21,800 outpatient treatment slots. While mental health advocates and county leaders commend the speed of allocation and improved geographic distribution, particularly to areas like the Central Valley that were previously overlooked, concerns remain. Some worry that the state is rushing a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” without adequately analyzing the specific types of mental health services most needed, especially given other new state policies and looming funding cuts. The state plans to award additional funds next spring, with another two billion dollars earmarked for new permanent housing through the Homekey Plus program.

And those are some of the top stories we’re following. Thank you for joining us for Bay City News.