The Bloomberg Boom
Michael Bloomberg has one strong California constituency: our politicians. As governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger very much enjoyed the wisdom and company of “Bloomie.” Now, with Bloomberg running for president, he is gaining praise from some of our most progressive politicians, with a real love fest from mayors. L.A.’s Eric Garcetti and Stockton’s Michael Tubbs have been […]
Lobbying is a Basic Ingredient in California Lawmaking. There’s a New Book to Tell How it’s Done
As California government expands its influence over many lives and different interests in the Golden State, the art of lobbying on behalf of individuals and interests has taken on a more significant role in the state’s policy making. Now there is a roadmap for would be lobbyists and students of government to understand how lobbying […]
California’s most controversial homebuilding bill just died. What will Newsom do now?
Developers, landlords, Facebook, construction unions, the state Chamber of Commerce, Realtors, environmental groups and even the AARP wanted to see the bill pass. So did big city mayors including San Francisco’s London Breed and San Jose’s Sam Liccardo. Not to mention Sen. Toni Atkins, Democratic leader of the state Senate, who typically has a pretty […]
Bonds are a risky way to deal with pension woes
Recently, this column exposed the foolishness of two proposed statewide bond measures: A $15 billion school bond, which will be on the March 3 ballot, as well as a “climate resiliency” bond. Both are horribly flawed for several reasons, not the least of which that it makes no sense for California to go further into […]