Three Who Are Making A Difference
After the 2012 Republican disaster it became apparent to many GOP officeholders that they had to adapt to the new demographic realities of California or join their many former colleagues as ex-officeholders. Three legislators are leading the way towards a Republican Party that can still be relevant. Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo), Sen. Anthony Canella (R-Ceres) […]
The Initiative is on the March — Everywhere But Here
Direct democracy, and specifically the initiative process, is advancing around the world. Except in the U.S. and in California. Ireland’s constitutional convention has voted overwhelming to introduce a new initiative process that would include both petitions to the government (what some Californians persist in calling, misleadingly, the “indirect initiative” even though it is a direct […]
The Politics of the Arts
The arts rarely are mentioned in the context of political or economic coverage, unless it is the opening of a glitzy new venue or a kerfuffle over a Mapplethorpe exhibit or some other over the top cultural expression. Public arts funding has been squeezed hard by the fiscal crises at every level of government. Nonetheless, […]
Pension Reform: What Will Eric Garcetti Do?
Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Herb Wesson led City Council of Los Angeles have refused the recognize the severity of the City’s almost $10 billion unfunded pension liability and the impact it will have on the City’s ability to provide core services such as public safety and well maintained streets and sidewalks. As of June […]