High Speed Rail Takes More Punches, is On the Ropes
If the California high speed rail project were a boxer you’d wonder how it could still be standing. It has been pounded by both left hooks and right jabs. With the powerful governor of California in its corner it has managed to stay upright in the ring, but it may not be too long before […]
Democrats Defeat Measure to Protect Teachers and Students
Democrats who control the Senate Education Committee voted down a measure today to protect California teachers and save valuable school resources. SB 559, which I authored, would have moved the state mandated deadlines for preliminary and final teacher layoff notices so that school districts can better understand their budget revenues before sending notices to teachers. […]
Make Your City Council Meetings Feel Like a Starbucks
Would your community be better off if your city council met at the local Starbucks? The answer is almost certainly yes. Compared to people in other states, few Californians talk to their neighbors and work together with them to solve local problems. But the most natural forums to meet with neighbors on community challenges—local meetings […]
Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin Raises Water Rates, Then Sues Taxpayers
Fresno residents could see their water rates double, and in the process, all Californians could see their petition powers diminished, if a state appellate court doesn’t act quickly on a lawsuit to stop strong-arm tactics by the city of Fresno. The protracted battle began last August, when the city of Fresno approved a controversial plan pushed by Mayor […]
City of Palo Alto Faces Strike – $139,907 Average Total Compensation Not Enough
“Although the city is recovering, we are and will continue to have difficulty attracting and retaining experienced and skilled employees if we don’t achieve a solution now.” Palo Alto City Employee and SEIU Local 521 Chapter Chair, Palo Alto Online, January 14, 2014 This refrain has been heard for over 20 years. It plays out […]