Economics Trump Govt. Efforts Designed to Help
Too often, government efforts to help the underprivileged or the young tend to have the opposite effect. Take two legislative bills that are on the governor’s desk: an increase in the minimum wage and the bill to allow governments to include inclusionary housing mandates on developers. Yesterday on this site, Loren Kaye pointed out that […]
In a State as Diverse as California, Hating Sacramento is the Tie That Binds
It’s one of the oldest tricks in the California book of governance and public relations. You’re an important person in an out-of-the-way California place, you’re mad about something, and nobody’s paying attention. So you announce your city, or your county, or your region, or your half of the state is going to secede. Instantly, reporters […]
Sacramento Spotlight: Comprehensive Good Governance Reform – Unicameral Legislature
California’s State Legislature is now on interim recess until January. In its absence, the “Sacramento Spotlight” will shine on something different: not bills, but good governance reform. California has, for better and worse, been at the forefront of policy and governance. What California does often ripples through America’s political psyche. However, more recently, good governance […]
CA Legislature Notches a Winning Season
Legislative sessions begin like baseball seasons: lots of time and chances to swing the bat, hundreds of bills and dozens of hearings. There is always tomorrow. But the end of session feels more like football: lots of huddles, last-minute gimmicks, blitzes and sacks. Naturally there are winners and losers, but even the victors walk away […]
City Leaders Are in Love With Density but Most City Dwellers Disagree
People care deeply about where they live. If you ever doubt that, remember this: they staged massive protests over a park in Istanbul. Gezi Park near Taksim Square is one of that ancient city’s most beloved spots. So in June, when Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to demolish the park to make room for his grandiose […]