Demystifying the Legislative Process
California’s legislative process may not follow the normal structure in these abnormal times. How the process works out—including the Senate’s possible use of remote voting and the Assembly’s meeting as a committee of the whole—is taking shape to deal with the threat of the coronavirus. Yet, when we return to normal, there is a structure […]
How to Free the Budget Hostages
Governor Newsom’s Revised Budget proposes cuts to programs in the event more federal COVID funds are not provided. We propose a solution that would free the 10 programs below and improve the state’s structural deficit without jeopardizing the financial security of retired state employees. The first eight programs would be funded by savings from substituting Oregon’s or Colorado’s programs for providing […]
Why Californians Should Celebrate Monterey’s Birthday
Monterey turns 250 next month. The rest of the state should claim the date as its birthday too. Monterey’s beginnings are the closest thing California, an orphan of a state, has to a birth story. Admission Day—September 9, 1850, when California became an American state—isn’t a birthday, since California was a province of Spain and […]
Where’s the “science” that Governor Newsom continues to preach?
Listening to the daily COVID-19 virus updates from Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti, brings to mind one of the best-known quotes from Clara Peller who was a manicurist and American character actress who, at the age of 81, starred in the 1984 “where’s the beef?” advertising campaign for the Wendy’s fast food restaurant […]
Past Time for a Haircut
As history reveals, poor economies make for political trouble. That’s why Gov. Gavin Newsom’s move to Stage 3 of his recovery plan, which means under certain conditions—and in all but 11 counties–hair salons and barbershops will open, is both an economic plus and good politics. Long, shaggy hair will be sheared and join the haircuts […]
Unleash private enterprise to jumpstart California’s economy with these four moves
Two months into California’s economic lockdown, it’s time to start working on creating a V-shaped economic recovery. Gov. Gavin Newsom has shown strong leadership during the past couple months in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Now he needs to unleash the power of private enterprise to protect our livelihoods. He made the right decision in […]
Assembly to Newsom: Don’t count on feds to rescue California from deep budget cuts
California shouldn’t rely so heavily on money from the federal government to close its budget deficit, a bipartisan chorus of lawmakers told the administration of Gov. Gavin Newsom during an unusual hearing Tuesday. Almost every member of the state Assembly spoke out about Newsom’s proposal to slash billions from the budget amid the pandemic-induced recession. […]
Innovation in Biofuel Industry Creates Economic Opportunities
Silicon Valley quickly solidified San Francisco as the land of innovation. For decades, entrepreneurs and companies have flocked to the city and its surrounding areas with ideas that can elevate their industry to the next level. Whether it’s the development of new products, manufacturing capabilities, or processing techniques, innovation drives economic growth. And if successful, […]
Fitness Facilities Can Help Communities in Recovery from COVID-19 Slowdown
The COVID-19 outbreak has been a difficult time for people across the country. We are working hard to do everything necessary to keep our communities healthy by staying inside and following social distancing guidelines. However, as we do that, a major concern remains how to help small businesses stay afloat in a safe and responsible […]