Let’s Send Both DiFi and KDL to Washington

California is so underrepresented in Washington D.C. that it seems a shame to have to choose only one of the two major candidates for U.S. Senate. In today’s battle between California and the Trump administration, we need every able politician we got there. And the race has produced two candidates – the 25-year incumbent Dianne […]

Class Action Loose Change

If you receive a notice about the availability of millions of dollars, it’s probably an overseas scam artist or trial lawyer dangling a class action settlement. Pick your poison, as both are likely to cost you money rather than increase the size of your bank account. The main difference? Scam artists steal your money upfront, […]

False Platitudes

During my three decades as a frontline firefighter, I had the honor to receive innumerable expressions of appreciation from the people we serve. Although firefighters and police officers don’t think of themselves as “heroes,” the heartfelt support from the public is humbling … when it’s sincere. Sometimes, though, it isn’t sincere. Then it’s downright infuriating. […]

A Teaching Moment: California’s High Pot Taxes

Do higher tax rates affect human behavior? As the nation considers tax reform, according to a report, taxes on pot in California could reach as high as 45% for the consumer. Combined with the slew of regulations on the way, suddenly the libertarian fervor of buying and selling pot doesn’t seem so, well, free. The question […]

Gov. Jerry Brown traverses Europe on a climate ‘crusade’

Imagine hosting a large gathering of supremely important people. Protocol is taken seriously. But there are at least two complications with the arrangements: One longtime leader has lost interest in the meetings but cannot be shunned outright. Another guest is increasingly influential but has a barely official invitation to the party in the first place. […]