California’s “Progressive Fiscal Values”

In endorsing Proposition 15 that would raise property taxes on commercial property, Governor Gavin Newsom used an unusual turn of phrase when he said the measure was “consistent with California’s progressive fiscal values.” Exactly what are California’s “progressive fiscal values?” Well, let’s see using statistics compiled by the Tax Foundation.  The top income tax rate […]

Burying EDD Problems on a Saturday Night

The Covid emergency and subsequent business shutdowns brought its own crisis to California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). Faced with overwhelming unemployment claims which have resulted in long waits for people out of work to get their payments and clear indications of fraud in the claims process, the EDD has not handled the circumstances well.  Now […]

The LA Sheriff is Going Nowhere

In LA County, the new sheriff in town–he’s only been in office 22 months–would surrender the office if some powerful politicians and political entities have anything to say about it. But Sheriff Alex Villanueva says he’s going nowhere and he’s probably right. As an elected official, the sheriff is in a powerful position to resist […]

The Ballot Box Kiosk Merely Adds to Vote Safety Concerns

Los Angeles County is already responding to the controversary of mail-in ballots and possible slow or reduced post office service for the election by planting 123 vote collection kiosks in the county. The first boxes went up near libraries and around LA City parks. The mail-in ballots are coming to every citizen is part of […]

New PPIC Poll on Propositions: One Anticipated Outcome, One Surprise

The Public Policy Institute of California’s September poll measured the current standing of two ballot measures: Proposition 15, the property tax increase on commercial property, and Proposition 16 to rescind the ban on affirmative action. As expected, the Prop 15 battle is going to be close with a slim majority in favor at the present […]

Connecting Justice Reform Demands with State Ballot Measures

How might proposed justice and police reforms work with changes voters can make on sentencing, parole and cash bail measures on the November ballot? And will voters perceive any connections?  Californians who have witnessed months of social agitation for justice and police reform, including calls to defund the police, are being asked to make critical […]

Facing Fire Danger; Moving Toward Solutions

With newspapers from California to Texas to the nation’s capital running stories over the weekend that Californians are thinking of leaving the state, there could be a plus if they actually do go – reducing the population to reduce fire danger. Many reasons have been put forward on why California is suffering from devastating fires, […]

More Local Tax Initiatives on the Horizon

Many government officials have detested the initiative process, but maybe a non-action by the California Supreme Court will change that attitude. The Court decided not to take up a case challenging a tax increase for a specific purpose that garnered a majority vote but not the two-thirds that was thought to be required for earmarked […]

An Unexpected Last Minute Legislative Boost for Small Business

Talk to business leaders who dealt with the legislature over the past few months and they often expressed frustration that the legislature, while understandably focusing on employee concerns, were giving businesses short shrift. But at the last minute, a gut-and-amend bill did move ahead to give small businesses a boost to help them rebound from […]

A Fire Season Like No Other

A California fire season like no other likely could get worse with the prediction of high winds blowing across the state. Some statewide and local political campaigns might try to gain an advantage by tying ballot measures to fire response needs, but timing will determine if they have any hope of success. As suggested here […]