Political Power Struggle Over PUC Reforms
The California Public Utilities Commission rightly faces questions about its effectiveness and responsibilities, but in the end the issue of reforms will come down to a question of power—the political kind. Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s proposed constitutional amendment to replace the authority of the PUC will get the debate started and public sentiment should be on […]
New Hampshire – Maker Of Presidents
Iowa they say picks corn and New Hampshire picks presidents. And in fact, that is exactly right. New Hampshire not only makes presidents, it also rids us of presidents, two in recent history. And this year it is going to play its traditional mighty role. Hillary Clinton simply has to survive New Hampshire, but if […]
Millions of Gallons of Wasted Storm Runoff Ignored
Last week the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Resources and Transportation heard testimony from several of the state’s water bureaucrats about how they are spending water bond funds. Surprising to me was that after all the back-patting, there was not one mention of all the water we are wasting. According to the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta, […]
The Importance of the New Hampshire Primary
The big story going into the New Hampshire primary—the first in the nation—is the shifting dynamics of one of the strangest presidential campaigns in American history. Iowa’s caucus results are often not predictive of the final outcome—certainly on the GOP side where neither of the previous winners—Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum—received their party’s nomination. But […]
Mandating Victims of Gas Leak to Return in 8 Days Unacceptable
In a weekend negotiation, the Southern California Gas Company and the City of Los Angeles agreed to a 7-night, 8-day timeframe by when residents displaced by the Porter Ranch gas leak must return to their residence otherwise reimbursement for relocation expenses will stop. This deal victimizes the victims once again and violates the spirit of […]