Supreme Court Affirms Power of Initiative in Redistricting Case
The people can serve as legislators. In a 5-4 decision, the United States Supreme Court declared that an initiative by the voters to create a commission in Arizona to draw congressional districts was constitutional. California established a similar commission in 2008 when voters passed Proposition 11 and added congressional redistricting to the commission’s duties with […]
Are We Finally Off the Hook for Prop 8?
Celebrate that marriage equality is a 50-state reality. (OK, 49 – it wouldn’t be a major advance in American civil rights if Mississippi weren’t engaged in defiance). Run a victory lap if you like (take the baton from Gavin Newsom, since he must be getting tired with all his victory laps). Get hitched while you’re […]
The Golden State Jobs Outlook is, Well … Golden
CALIFORNIA ECONOMY-Every year, I, along with Pepperdine’s Michael Shires, have what has become the often-dispiriting job – for a 40-year California resident – of evaluating the nation’s metropolitan regions in terms of both short-term and midterm job growth. Yet, this year, the results for our state’s metros are somewhat improved, as California’s post-recession job-growth rate […]
CA Gains in Film and TV Production as Other States Lower Incentives
Hollywood could soon reclaim its once-shaky status as America’s production headquarters. After a near panic touched off by a nationwide spending spree on state incentives for film and television production, programs around the country have begun scaling back or shutting down altogether, leaving California in a persistent but much diminished race for the spoils. The Golden State’s new $330 […]