SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thousands took to the streets across the Bay Area Saturday for the fourth annual women's march, a movement to empower women politically.

Fewer people took part this year but organizers say the message is just as powerful.

The original march began in 2017, the day after President Donald Trump's inauguration, and drew hundreds of thousands of people in the nation's capital. The exact size of the turnout remains subject to a politically charged debate, but it's generally regarded as the largest Washington protest since the Vietnam era.

SACRAMENTO – Senators Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, and 15 other Bay Area legislators on Wednesday urged Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders to provide funding to help acquire the N3 Ranch in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties and preserve it as public parkland.

“This once-in-a-generation opportunity would help create one of the largest parks in California, protect a crucial watershed, fight climate change and provide accessible backcountry wilderness to millions of Californians,” Senator Wieckowski said.

By Evan Symon / California Globe 

In Sacramento on Wednesday, lawmakers met with representatives from AT&T and Verizon over what can be done about future planned blackouts. In addition, a new bill was introduced making it mandatory to have backup power in areas at risk of a wildfire.

Outcry after phones are cutoff during planned blackouts

By National Herald Staff / The National Herald

SACRAMENTO, CA – Amid mounting concerns for the health and safety of young people, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, 30 state lawmakers, and a strong coalition of health, youth and community advocates are backing a tough new bill [to be] introduced today to ban sales of any flavored tobacco product in California stores.

by Jeremy Walsh / Pleasanton Weekly

The State Legislature is set to reconvene after the winter recess on Monday, and the Pleasanton City Council recently received a recap of relevant legislative work in Sacramento from city staff and the Tri-Valley's Assembly member, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.