Housing shortage biggest threat to California’s growth
The overall California economy is humming along quite nicely, and even though we may be overdue for a turn in the business cycle, there are few indications of the threats to economic growth that usually precede a downturn. Parts of the Bay Area and Southern California are beyond full employment, which means some California regions […]
Let’s Not Make Working-Class Housing More Expensive in Los Angeles
Today the Los Angeles City Council will vote to approve a per square foot impact fee on new commercial, industrial and residential construction in L.A. Labeled an Affordable Housing Linkage Fee (AHLF), this new development fee by city government will be used to fund low-income housing. While the business community strongly supports affordable housing, we’re advocated against […]
Remembering Mayor Ed Lee
Mayor Ed Lee devoted his life to public service, to helping and fighting for those less fortunate and working to make San Francisco the great city it is. His compassion, thoughtfulness and humble style were his great strengths and allowed him to focus on improving San Francisco for everyone. San Francisco and the Bay Area […]
2018 Brings New Rules for Immigration Worksite Enforcement Actions
Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 450 (Chiu – San Francisco) on October 4, 2017 as Chapter 492 dealing with immigration worksite enforcement actions. Effective January 1, 2018, California employers need to be aware of the numerous provisions of this new law. This bill adds Government Code Section 7285.1 to prohibit an employer (or a person acting […]
Small business optimism at the national level near all-time high
Not since the roaring Reagan economy has small business optimism been as high nationally as it was in November, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ monthly Index of Small Business Optimism, which was released today. The NFIB Optimism Index soared past 107, which comes very close to our all-time record high in 1983. […]
To Be Blunt, California’s Marijuana Industry Is Stoking High Anxiety
California’s 2018 transition to legal marijuana contains a mind-bending paradox: Ending prohibitions on marijuana is going to require an awful lot of aggressive law enforcement. When January 1 rolls around, California will not merely be permitting adults 21 and older to buy marijuana for recreational purposes. The state and its cites also will be scrambling […]
VICA Calls for Consolidated Special Elections to Fill San Fernando Valley Vacancies
In light of recent resignations, San Fernando Valley voters will need to fill two vacancies in the State Assembly next year by special elections. In a letter today, VICA (Valley Industry Commerce Association) called for Governor Jerry Brown to concurrently schedule the special elections for Assembly Districts (AD) 39 and 45. Governor Brown announced that […]
Cities look at tax hikes to pay rising pension costs
El Segundo and Arcadia were among two dozen cities urging the CalPERS board last month to avoid another employer rate increase, the fifth in the last five years, when adjusting its $344 billion investment portfolio this month. Last week, the two well-funded cities, both with currently balanced budgets and high service levels, considered sales tax […]
Obstacles to a CA Response on Federal Tax Plan
A combination of state law and the outcome of sexual harassment cases in Sacramento could forestall California’s response to offset increased taxes under a federal tax bill. Let’s state at the beginning that the tax plan coming out of Washington has not been finalized so much speculation is going into what the final plan will […]