Results Are In: Surveyed Californians Eager For A Path Toward Trust

California Forward will often ask folks what they think on certain issues, whether it’s on social media, in person or through an email. Never have we gotten such an overwhelming response, however, than when we sent a simple survey asking people to give us feedback on our Path Toward Trust. You know the background. Three […]

AB 109 Turns Two: What’s Next?

As we mark the two year anniversary of Assembly Bill 109’s implementation, realignment is still not an issue that lends itself easily to sound bites. It’s complex, it’s a long slog without immediate results and the collaboration required to get it right is unprecedented. What AB 109 offers counties is money to explore alternatives to […]

Gov. Brown Signs Four New Transparency Bills into Law

This week Gov. Jerry Brown signed several bills into law that bolstered the state government’s transparency and accountability to its constituents. Two came from Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), one from Assembly Speaker Perez (D-Los Angeles), and one from Assemblyman Adam Grey (D-Merced). “These bills taken together represent a small but meaningful step toward a […]

Launch of Searchable CalPERS Pension Database Blocked by Retirees’ Concerns

Last week, the planned launch of a CalPERS website that would reveal an abundance of information on pensioners, including names and monthly retirement allowances, was blockaded by several groups representing retirees. These groups, which include the Retired Public Employees’ Association of California, plan to introduce legislation that would alter the decades-old California Public Records Act […]

Gov. Brown Emphasizes Continued Discipline in his May Budget Revision

As May Budget Revisions go, this one was different. In past years, the annual May Budget Revision  has reflected the need for spending adjustments, usually reductions.  The final budget normally reflects which programs will survive. Important decisions, to be sure, but the same type of rhetoric each year. This year, Governor Brown made it much […]

Online Voting Registration’s Influence Set to Expand in California

As more and more data is analyzed from last November’s election, the impact of the recently-enacted Online Voter Registration (OVR) in California continues to crystallize. Paul Mitchell of Political Data, Inc. (PDI) is one of the most respected number crunchers in the state. He’s a bit like our own Nate Silver, except he specializes in […]