Free Republic

The California governor's race is heating up, with Emerson College polls showing two Republicans leading after Eric Swalwell's departure. Steve Hilton leads with 17%, followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14%. Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer is tied with Bianco at 14%. Trailing Democrats include former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Representative Katie Porter both tied at 10%. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan follows with 5%. The poll also found that 23% of likely voters said they are still undecided, meaning the race remains wide open.

SALINAS, Calif. — A convicted inmate murderer was sentenced for the murder of another inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison, per Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni. John Lydon, 52, was found guilty of the murder of Son Kim Tran. He received life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Two Hollywood legends will be in attendance at this year's Monterey Jazz Festival. Clint Eastwood will be presented with the inaugural Cultural Leadership Award on Sunday as part of the 67th annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Eastwood has been a longtime Monterey Jazz Festival board member and he will be given the award by his longtime friend Freeman. Monterey Jazz Festival at the Monterey County FairgroundsMonterey Jazz Festival returns to Monterey County for 67th year The presentation will be followed by "Eastwood Symphonic," a musical project led by Clint's son American jazz musician and composer Kyle Eastwood. The project features his...