Will it be Democrat vs. Democrat for Governor in 2014?
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stirred up the political class when he told an ABC interviewer that he would be interested to be governor of California. Villaraigosa didn’t send out a timeline to reach his goal, however, how many would be surprised if any Democrat eyeing the job might speed up their schedule and run […]
Tax the Rich and Watch Them Leave
I’ll discuss below the “millionaire’s tax” aspect – and the unintended consequences if either the Brown or Munger tax is passed. This subject is seldom broached even by opponents (even in the ballot arguments), as it’s felt that many people so hate rich folks that it’s “bad form” to speak out in their defense. I […]
Palo Alto’s Open Data Platform: What Transparency Looks Like?
“I have seen the future, and it works,” remarked the Californian, Lincoln Steffens, after returning from the post-Revolution Soviet Union. Of course, he was overwhelmingly wrong. But after returning from meeting with the City of Palo Alto’s Chief Information Officer, Jonathan Reichental, and seeing the launch of their new Open Data Platform, I know I’ve […]
What is the REAL Number?
The Governor’s proposal for a tax increase argues there is a funding shortfall that will impact our children’s future. However, as recent disclosures show: over 30% of taxpayers’ money is used for special funds. It would appear that there is not a cash shortage issue, but an allocation issue – which begs the question, what […]
Machines Take Over Wall Street
“[John, holding a gun to his head] Terminator: You cannot self-terminate. John Connor: No, you can’t. I can do anything I want. I’m a human being, not some . . . damn robot. Terminator: [correcting him] Cybernetic organism. John Connor: Whatever! . . . . Terminator: Based on your pupil dilation, skin temperature, and motor […]
San Francisco, Oakland Lead Cities Unprepared to Manage Rising Retiree Health Costs
Financial analysis shows Los Angeles and Anaheim setting aside most funds to guarantee non-pension benefits California Common Sense (CACS) released the second of two reports that analyze the impact of rising non-pension retiree benefit costs on California’s state and city budgets. The report, “Our Cities Need Preventive Care Too,” compares California’s 20 largest cities and […]