California the Bellwether
Once again California set the pace on a policy issue that is influencing national debate when the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) declared its intention to find a way for college athletes to be compensated for the use of their name or likeness. The NCAA’s turn of mind is sure to confirm for many California […]
Bases for Gubernatorial Vetoes and Governor Newsom’s Themes?
Now that the 2019 Legislative Session has concluded and Governor Gavin Newsom has acted on the 1042 bills that reached his Desk this year, it is of interest to review not only the measures that he signed, but also the 172 bills that he vetoed. In reviewing the bills that were vetoed this year, are […]
Should We Reconsider District-Only Elections?
It’s hard to see the benefits of district elections. There’s little evidence that switching city elections from at-large to by-district—as California cities have been forced to do under legal threat—produces more diverse schools boards and city councils. (The real path to diversity involves a switch to partisan local election, with multi-member districts, party lists and […]
Labor unions and businesses must unite to fix PAGA
California trial lawyers are licking their chops over a trio of new state employment laws that significantly expand the liability of Golden State businesses. Assembly Bill 5, passed last month, severely restricts the use of contractors. Senate Bill 142, passed this month, adds rules regarding workplace lactation rooms. And, AB 673, also passed this month, […]