Fox and Hounds Daily Says Goodbye
With this article, we end publication of Fox and Hounds Daily. It has been a satisfying 12½ year run. When we opened in May 2008, our site was designed to offer an opportunity to those who wished to engage in public debate on many issues, especially in politics and business, but found it difficult to get placed in newspaper op-ed pages.
Co-publishers Tom Ross, Bryan Merica and I have kept F&H going over this time investing our own time, funding, and staff help. Last year at this time we considered closing the site, however with an election on the horizon we decided to keep F&H going through the election year. With the election come and gone, and with no sense of additional resources, we have decided to close the site down.
Fox and Hounds will live on, at least, with my articles collected in the California State Library.
On a personal note, I have spent over 40 years in California policy and politics. There have been some incredible high moments and some difficult low points. It pains me that politics too often is a blood sport, frequently demonizing the motives of opponents and using the legal system as a weapon in public discourse. At Fox & Hounds, we tried to adhere to the practice of giving all a voice in the debate, yet keep the commentaries civil and avoided personal attacks.
F&H offered the opportunity to publish different perspectives (even ones that criticized my writings!). We had success as indicated by the Washington Post twice citing Fox and Hounds Daily one of the best California political websites and many other positive affirmations and comments received over the years.
Tom, Bryan and I want to thank our many readers and writers for being part of our journey. The publishers of Fox and Hounds Daily believe that we added value to California and its people. We hope you agree.
Why Are Supposed “Greedy” Oil Companies Lowering Gas Prices During Cap and Trade Debate?
Oil companies have been part of the campaign to make voters aware that gas prices will increase in January once fuels are put under the cap-and-trade provisions of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. Yet, a strange thing is occurring. The campaign to delay the application of cap and trade rules for fuels goes on as gas prices continue to fall in California. If oil companies really can manipulate increases in gas prices, as critics have charged for a long time, wouldn’t now be the time to keep prices high to help their campaign?
Governor Jerry Brown defended the implementation of the cap and trade rules for fuels in his speech on climate change earlier this week at the United Nations. Brown noted the dropping fuel prices. “Luckily the price of oil has been coming down ever since those ads went on the air just a month or so ago.” Brown said.
As of the latest statistics from a few days ago, self-serve gasoline prices in Los Angeles County, for example, have hit their lowest point since Valentine’s Day. The latest stats showed that prices have dropped 69 of the past 75 days. (more…)
If Harris Becomes US AG a Likely Replacement is…
California Attorney General Kamala Harris has been mentioned as a possible replacement for retiring United States Attorney General Eric Holder. Harris said she is staying put. However, persuasive arguments from a president have been known to cause people to change their minds.
Should Harris get the job, it is too late to take her name off the November ballot. If the scenario plays out and Harris becomes the U.S. Attorney General and wins the election, Governor Jerry Brown will appoint a replacement.
Here’s a guess on someone who would be on the top of the list as an appointed AG: retiring senate president pro tem Darrell Steinberg.
His name has already been batted around as a possible California Supreme Court nominee. But, Steinberg is more of an activist politician — the Attorney General’s office fits the bill.
If Brown offered, it’s a solid bet Steinberg would take the job.
Assembly Bill 1897 Threatens Innovation in California
The deadline is approaching for Governor Jerry Brown to either veto or sign an important piece of legislation that is poised to have a damaging impact on how technology companies do business in California. Assembly Bill 1897 attempts to shift responsibilities in subcontractor relationships by unfairly holding the majority of California employers liable for wage and hour violations by other employers that are out of their control.
Ultimately, AB 1897 will hurt California’s innovators, including many who are leading the way in job creation, product deployment, sustainable economic development, and global competitiveness. The technology industry employs well over one million Californians and thrives in an economic environment that fosters innovation and productivity. AB 1897 threatens that landscape.
First, AB 1897 will not stop a labor violation from occurring; it just allows a bad actor employer to shift liability to an innocent employer that did not commit the violation, know of the violation, or have the ability to prevent the violation. It’s a basic principle that employers who commit labor abuses should be held accountable. (more…)
Always More Work To Be Done In The Name Of Transparency
When State Controller John Chiang announced his new open data website last week, CA Fwd, which promotes technology enhanced government, offered him an opportunity to write an open data blog and why it matters for government and the people it serves.
As California State Controller, my job hinges on having access to the State’s cash and budget numbers. Those are the numbers that also help me to tell the stories about what direction our State, communities, schools and businesses are heading.
Like California Forward, I have long believed making reliable, timely data public is an essential part of government transparency. We also share the belief that in order to enhance civic participation, we should be harnessing technology to allow the public to slice-and-dice financial information and create visuals that foster informed communication. (more…)
Garcetti, L. A. City Council: Best Advertisement for the Move to Texas
On Wednesday, the Herb Wesson led City Council approved the Citywide Hotel Minimum Wage Ordinance without considering the impact on the hotel industry, the Convention Center, and the City’s well deserved “business unfriendly” reputation that has alienated employers and investors who create jobs.
As a result, on July 1, nonunion hotels with 300 or more rooms will be required to increase its hourly wage rate for all employees, including “tipped” employees, to at least $15.37, one of the highest rates in the country. On July 1, 2016, this mandated increase will apply to all nonunion hotels with 150 or more rooms. This minimum wage will also be subject to cost of living adjustments. (more…)
Controller 2014: Betty Yee Changes Position On High-Speed Rail
Board of Equalization member Betty Yee has changed her mind about the state’s controversial high-speed rail plan.
During the June primary campaign, the Democratic candidate for state controller opposed Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to build a faster rail connection between San Francisco and Los Angeles by the year 2029.
A June 2014 primary questionnaire for the influential Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club asked Yee, “Do you support California’s high speed rail plans?”
Despite potential backlash from San Francisco’s largest Democratic club, Yee answered, “No.” (more…)