Section
Policy & Government
Councils and county boards deciding how their own staff use AI, courts dealing with AI-written filings, campaigns using AI-made ads, and the state and local rules that follow.
State of play
Updated Thursday, November 5, 2026. An AI-written summary of the articles it cites. How we report
- In Fresno, a PAC named Fresno Healthy Communities paid for AI-generated mailers attacking District 1 council candidate Naindeep Singh, and retracted one accusing him of DUI after police said his drug test was negative. Its treasurer is Alena Pacheco, wife of Supervisor Brian Pacheco. Fresno nonprofit says voters blamed it for AI mailers from PAC with near-twin name
- The unrelated nonprofit Fresno Building Healthy Communities says angry residents blamed it for those mailers. A 2024 state law requires political committees to label ads using AI-generated or substantially altered content. Fresno nonprofit says voters blamed it for AI mailers from PAC with near-twin name
- Ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm, Kern County voters were divided on using chatbots to research ballot measures. A Bakersfield forum and a cybersecurity founder both advised using AI for facts and research, not opinions or final choices, and checking claims with tools like FactCheck.org. Kern County voters split on asking AI for help with a long midterm ballot · Bakersfield panel says use AI to research, not decide your vote
- In Bakersfield's five-way Ward 3 council race, 26-year-old candidate Seth Hewett proposed an AI portal letting residents search city spending and council votes. Bakersfield Ward 3 candidate Seth Hewett pitches AI budget portal
Latest in Policy & Government
Kern County voters split on asking AI for help with a long midterm ballot
Nov 4, 2026
Before Tuesday's election, some Kern County voters used AI chatbots to research state propositions. Others said they couldn't trust the answers, and a cybersecurity founder urged caution.
Fresno nonprofit says voters blamed it for AI mailers from PAC with near-twin name
Nov 1, 2026
Fresno Building Healthy Communities says angry residents mistook it for Fresno Healthy Communities, the PAC behind AI-generated mailers attacking council candidate Naindeep Singh.
Bakersfield panel says use AI to research, not decide your vote
Oct 28, 2026
At a Tuesday forum in Bakersfield, panelists urged residents to treat AI as a research aid and double-check claims before voting on Nov. 3.
Bakersfield Ward 3 candidate Seth Hewett pitches AI budget portal
Sep 25, 2026
Hewett, 26, says he wants an AI website so residents can search city spending and council votes ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Fresno judge declines $10,000 sanction for Aleshire & Wynder over fake citations
Aug 15, 2026
Judge Kristi Culver Kapetan said the Fresno law firm took steps to fix a court filing with four fake and seven improper case citations in a city lawsuit.
Cheaper AI is in, Fresno County's $308,854 call tool fits the shift
Jul 30, 2026
AP reports companies are backing off 'tokenmaxxing' and cutting AI costs. Fresno County's call-summarization buy shows how that math lands here.
Fresno city manager says City Hall is 'captive' to private software, AI costs unclear
Jul 11, 2026
At a June 8 budget hearing, Fresno’s city manager said the city is stuck with proprietary tech. A memo lists AI tools in use, but officials don’t have total costs.
AI-made ad backs Measure A in Kern; professor urges caution
Jun 1, 2026
A Kern County PAC used an AI-generated ad in a text for Measure A, reflecting how campaigns here and statewide are testing synthetic media as rules shift.
City of Bakersfield says it's taking cautious approach to AI
May 13, 2026
Bakersfield officials say the city is already using a mix of consumer and paid artificial intelligence tools for customer service, meeting support, permitting, and public safety, while moving slowly on broader deployment and drafting rules for responsible use.
Bakersfield Launches AI-Powered Instant Permitting System
Apr 21, 2026
The City of Bakersfield introduced an AI-assisted online platform that offers instant approvals for select building permits, aiming to cut wait times and simplify submittals for homeowners and contractors while maintaining staff oversight for complex projects. The move modernizes local services and supports housing and clean‑energy upgrades across the Central Valley.
AI 'Attorney' at the Center of an Eminent Domain Lawsuit in the Central Valley
Apr 14, 2026
A Central Valley property owner challenges an AI legal service over eminent domain guidance, testing boundaries of consumer protection and the practice of law in California.