Kqeds The California Report

According to new numbers out, California's water usage jumped nearly 19% in March, despite pleas for conservation from the governor and local water agencies. Meanwhile, the city of Los Angeles has announced new mandatory water restrictions. Starting June 1st, the city's four million residents will have to cut outdoor water use to two-days a week. California has a whopping state budget surplus, an estimated $68 billion. But it’s doubtful any of that money will go to fixing the state agency in charge of investigating wage theft. It’s struggling with a backlog of more than 36, 000 cases that stretches back years. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED U.S. Senator Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice, in separate but related contests. He's running in one contest to finish out former U.S. Senator Kamala Harris' term, and also competing for a new 6-year term.   Reporter: Chris Nichols, CapRadio California’s Fair Political Practices Commission could soon open the door for campaigns