California Supreme Court Watch

#26-59 Bonta v. Bianco, S295901. (E088096; nonpublished order; Riverside County Superior Court; RI031920261.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal denied a petition for writ of mandate. The court issued an order to show cause why the relief sought in the petition should not be granted. This case presents the following issues: (1) What is the scope of the Attorney General’s constitutional and statutory authority to supervise and direct the activities of a county sheriff?  (See Cal. Const., art. V, § 13; Gov. Code, § 12560.) (2) Is the Attorney General entitled to a writ of mandate directing the Riverside County Sheriff to comply with the Attorney General’s directives, including the Attorney General’s directive to cease the Sheriff’s investigation into the November 2025 special election? (3) Is the Attorney General entitled to a writ of mandate directing the superior court to quash or stay execution of a search warrant if the warrant was issued in contravention of the Attorney General’s directives or deficient on its face?

Petition for review granted: 4/08/2026

Written return filed: 5/08/2026

Supplemental briefing ordered: 6/01/2026

Notice of forthcoming opinion posted: 9/23/2026

To be filed Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

See the Oral Argument.