Buckle up, Bay Area democracy defenders – your local politicians are pulling a classic ghosting move on public transparency.

In a bold (and frankly, sketchy) attempt to shield themselves from public scrutiny, California lawmakers are introducing a wave of proposals that would make it harder for everyday citizens to hold their elected officials accountable. From remote meetings that conveniently keep constituents at arm’s length to bills that would reduce financial reporting requirements, these politicians are basically saying, “Trust us, we know what’s best”.

The Remote Control Trick

Since the pandemic, lawmakers have been loving the remote meeting trend. They argue it “modernizes” government, but let’s be real – it’s just another way to avoid those awkward face-to-face confrontations where angry constituents can call them out directly. Sen. Roger Niello hilariously compared in-person meetings to phone calls versus text messages, but we’re not buying this digital dodge.

Follow the Money (Or Don’t)

Some proposed bills would actually make it harder to track political donations. Take AB755, which would give officials up to 120 days to disclose “behested payments” – essentially, donations that could potentially influence political decisions. Governor Gavin Newsom has already raised over $200 million from corporations, so this feels less like bureaucratic efficiency and more like a get-out-of-transparency-free card.

A Glimmer of Hope

Not all hope is lost. Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio is pushing back, proposing an independent office to help people fight public records denials. Because sometimes, the hero we need wears a political watchdog cape.

Bottom line: Your elected officials are trying to play hide-and-seek with accountability, and we’re not here for it. Stay informed, stay critical, and keep demanding transparency.