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.

Was That A Senate Debate Or An Attorney General’s Press Conference?

I’ve figured out why Kamala Harris is leading the race for U.S. Senate.

She’s the only major candidate with a real job.

That was the only takeaway of a poorly designed debate last week in San Diego. The public radio stations organizing it stuffed five candidates, four different journalist panelists, and a journalist host – so 10 players – on to one stage. And then limited the total conversation to just 56 minutes. Given those constraints, the outcome was preordained — little of import was asked, and even less was said. (more…)

Democratic Legislators Must be Fiscally Responsible

Governor Jerry Brown put just about everything he could in the May Revise, except for the “kitchen sink,” to try to convince the Democrat-controlled Legislature to “hold the line” on new deficit spending.

The Governor cited economic risks as the most important reason to spend less and build up the state’s reserves.  The state is projected to experience significant deficits in the immediate years to come.

But the unfortunate reality in today’s politics is that the Democrat leadership and rank-and-file does not respond to evidence, logic and facts.  The facts just get in the way of their desire to spend as much as possible, without regard for cost to taxpayers and future liabilities for the state.   (more…)

Troubled Waters for California Farmers

California farmers have been coping with major water challenges during the latest drought. We talked with Dave Puglia, executive vice president of Western Growers and a member of the PPIC Water Policy Center advisory council, about these challenges.

Lori PottingPPIC: What water uncertainties do California farmers face?

DAVE PUGLIA: It varies by region. In some areas, water reliability for the future is paramount. In other places, water quality requirements are more challenging. The San Joaquin Valley is facing long-term restrictions in surface water. Imperial County growers are wondering if their supply from the Colorado River will last. (more…)

Could Dialogue Around Ballot Propositions Be as Easy as 123?

California’s ballot initiative process has many problems. A big one is that there are few neutral forums so that people can discuss and educate themselves on ballot measures.

Other states do better than we do this on this. Oregon, for example, has a jury-like process for reviewing ballot initiatives that has been exported to other Western states. But that process typically takes a week. Is there anything shorter?

There is now, in Arizona. A process called Civil Dialogue was just applied to a statewide measure, Prop 123, last month. I had the privilege of watching the process over two hours on a weeknight in Phoenix. The Institute for Civil Dialogue at Arizona State University put on the dialogue and the university’s Participatory Governance Initiative, with which I am affiliated, supported and hosted it. (more…)

Irreverent and Unsolicited Advice to Transit Advocates – Part 2

(Editor’s Note: This week Fox and Hounds is running a five part series by Norm King dealing with transportation issues based on his years of experience as a city manager and transportation consultant)

Transit Investment Up, Ridership Down

Don’t deny the decline. Accept that transit ridership is not performing anywhere near the levels projected before the transit funding surge of the past 20 years. (more…)

From Homeless to Business Boardrooms, Housing Issue is a Big Problem

A major concern for California policymakers is the housing crunch. Business says housing cost is a big reason companies move operations elsewhere or are discouraged from coming to California; homeless advocates decry the lack of units for people who find themselves with no place to go; the cost of housing is driving away the middle class. The legislature is trying to address the problem with a number of bills. Legislators could do more by trimming back obstacles to home building.

But the action on housing means local communities buying into changes making it easier and less costly to build. Not easy when opponents of new construction feel California is already built up enough. Lean inventories and low vacancy rates have increased prices for home buyers and renters. The push to build more is stymied by local housing restrictions and demands put on builders by the California Environmental Quality Act. (more…)