California state legislators accepted more than $1.2 million in sponsored travel and gifts during the past year, with luxury destinations including Pebble Beach golf tournaments, Maui resort stays, and international tours to Spain, Portugal, Norway, and Australia. These benefits were predominantly funded by special interest groups with active business before the state legislature, raising significant ethical questions about transparency and influence.
Pebble Beach golf, Maui resorts, European tours: How special interests woo California lawmakers
