Three Million New Voters And A $58 Billiion Tax Increase; Donald Trump’s Impact On California
Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy has the potential to totally remake California politics by costing a third to a half of all Republican incumbents their seats this fall, thus bringing to an end the two party system in California. Polling data and political trends support this conclusion. Californians no longer split their tickets to the extent […]
Undemocratic Reapportionment: A Tale Of Two L. A. Assembly Districts
The recent U. S. Supreme Court decision in Evenwel v Abbott upheld the misguided and undemocratic practice of apportioning legislative districts based on equal numbers of residents, regardless of citizenship. That method is generally, but erroneously, summed up in the slogan, “one person, one vote.” The goal really should be, “one citizen, one vote.” Before dismissing this […]
Why Kids Need Delightfully Dangerous Playgrounds
California doesn’t make playgrounds like it used to. The trend has its advantages. Fifteen years after the state legislated compliance with national safety standards for new and renovated public playgrounds, I can take the Three Stooges—my three impish and ever-brawling sons under age 8—to parks around California confident that I’ll see the same reassuringly safe […]
Californians’ Views on Taxes
As Tax Day approaches, how are Californians feeling about their state and local tax system? In our March PPIC Statewide Survey, most Californians see the system as fair. But when asked about their personal state and local tax burden, a majority of residents (56%) said they pay more than they should. A little over one-third […]