Jared Huffman

Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines (R-Clovis) welcomed a new Democratic proposal for a state water bond, but appeared to split with the Assembly Democrats who crafted the proposal on one key element.

Villines said all parts of the $9.8-billion bond should be subject to continuous appropriations, including $3 billion designated for water storage.

Already facing little time to add items to the Nov. 4 ballot, Assembly Democrats unveiled a water bond proposal Friday morning that they believe can get needed legislative support.

Members of an Assembly working group on water said the proposal for a $9.8 billion water bond could be vetted and approved quickly enough to still make the Nov. 4 ballot, but said they also want to give it full consideration and examination before voters see it.

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass: Campaign photoTwo Northern California members of the state Assembly were tapped for key committee chairmanships Monday by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles.

Assembly members Cathleen Galgiani, D-Livingston, and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, will chair the Assembly's Agriculture and Water, Parks and Wildlife committees, respectively, Bass said.

The speaker also named Assembly member Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, as chair of the body's education committee.