The Value of Prop 13 as Revealed by a Burned Out House
No surprise that Proposition 13 gets some blame for the housing crisis in California—yet like so many attacks on Prop 13 the truth is opposite what opponents claim. Proposition 13 prevents greater housing woes by helping people keep their homes. Case in point, the story in the Mercury News that reports the shell of a […]
Can Anyone Pass a California Frontrunner Anymore?
Gavin Newsom is an overwhelming favorite to win the governorship for one big reason: He’s ahead. When was the last time that a challenger, after trailing significantly, caught and passed a frontrunner in a major statewide California political race? I ask that question because I’m not quite sure of the answer. The pattern for more […]
Kevin McCarthy and Dianne Feinstein are on Separate Paths but Should have a Common Goal
Two of the institutions that could play a major role in Pres. Donald Trump’s future are the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. Depending on developments in coming weeks two of California’s most prominent political figures could have star turns in each chamber—Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Judiciary Committee member in the Senate, and Kevin […]
Revitalize the Lower L.A. River? It Was Never “Vital.”
Let’s “Revitalize” Compton Creek. Or “Restore” Cahuenga Pass. Maybe “Rejuvenate” the steamer S. S, Catalina. Any of these would make about as much sense as talk of “revitalizing” the 19 miles of the lower Los Angeles River, from Vernon to the ocean at Long Beach. Plans for the river’s revitalization were revealed late last year […]