In California: Will state legalize psychedelics? And when is the recall election?

But first. Are you ready for summer vacation? The Santa Rosa Press Democrat points out six of their favorite luxe camping spots in Sonoma County — from safari-style tents to shiny Airstreams to towering treehouses.

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Will psychedelics become legal in California?

California lawmakers are mulling legalizing magic mushrooms, Ecstasy and other hallucinogenic substances, CalMatters reports. 

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 519, comes amid growing scientific research into therapeutic uses for psychedelic drugs.  SB 519 would decriminalize the possession and non-commercial sharing of psychedelics by people age 21 or over. It would not permit the sale of psychedelics in government-sanctioned shops the way cannabis is allowed under state law, but sets up a framework for California to move toward regulating psychedelic drugs in the future. 

The proposal has set off serious debate over how far the Golden State should go to embrace novel medical treatments and destigmatize drug use without compromising public safety. While research into the potential benefits of psychedelics to treat PTSD, depression and anxiety is becoming increasingly mainstream in academic settings, the bill goes beyond medical applications to allow recreational use of psychedelics. 

The measure cleared the state Senate with the bare minimum of votes necessary. It's now going to the   Assembly, where it will likely continue to divide Democrats who control the Legislature. 

California appeals overturning of the assault weapons ban

State Attorney General Rob Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom are fighting back against a federal court decision last week that overturned the state’s ban on assault weapons.

Bonta on Thursday filed an appeal that seeks to reverse Friday’s decision by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez. The judge said the state’s three-decade ban on assault weapons is an unconstitutional infringement on the rights of California gun owners. He wrote that the ban “has had no effect” on curtailing mass shootings.

Newsom and Bonta announced the appeal at Zuckerman San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, which often treats gunshot victims. “California’s assault weapons ban has saved lives, and we refuse to let these weapons of war back onto our streets,” said Newsom, according to the L.A. Times. “This is a fight California will never back down from, period.”

Recall election could come sooner rather than later

California's 58 counties expect to spend about $215 million to conduct the recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom this fall, according to a report compiled by the California Department of Finance, the Sacramento Bee reports. The estimate from counties comes as state agencies prepare for the expected recall election, which has not been scheduled.

When the vote will happen though, remains unclear.  CalMatters says the range of probable dates is shaping up as a Tuesday between mid-September and early November — with signs pointing to the likelihood of an election sooner rather than later.  As happened in November 2020, all registered voters will receive mail ballots and counties can also offer drop-off and in-person voting. 

CalMatters says if lawmakers include the funding in the budget they’ll pass by June 15,  it could be a major indication that the election will probably be in September instead of later in the fall. But if the funding is not included in the budget, it means lawmakers and Newsom’s finance officials could spend more of the summer analyzing the costs, thus delaying a vote.  

6 California men indicted in Capitol riot

A half-dozen Southern California men — including a former Orange County police chief — were indicted in connection with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Derek Kinnison, 39, and Felipe Antonio Martinez, 47, both of Lake Elsinore; along with Ronald Mele, 51, of Temecula and Erik Scott Warner, 45, of Menifee, were arrested after the Capitol breach.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the four men, as well as 56-year-old former La Habra police Chief Allan Hostetter of San Clemente and 40-year-old Russell Taylor of Ladera Ranch, were indicted on charges of conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding and unlawful entry on a restricted building or grounds.

Federal prosecutors allege the defendants communicated via social media, primarily Telegram, to plan the disruption, aimed at halting the certification of Electoral College votes in favor of Joe Biden.

In California is a roundup of news from across USA Today network newsrooms. Also contributing: Los Angeles Times, CalMatters, Associated Press, Sacramento Bee, Santa Rosa Presss Democrat. Julie Makinen is California editor for the USA Today Network. Follow her on Twitter at @Julie_Makinen.