As governor, Jerry Brown vetoed a 2017 measure to keep presidential candidates off the California primary ballot unless they release their tax returns. With a stern veto message, he said the Trump-trolling bill would create a political “slippery slope.” “Today we require tax returns, but what would be next? Five...
How Latinos Can Help in Fight Against Climate Change
In California, climate change is a personal issue. We seem to be experiencing its earliest effects much more dramatically than the rest of the country. But Latinos are truly on the front lines. Construction, farming, manufacturing all draw heavily on Latino workers, and they are at greater risk when they...
Why California’s ‘Grayest’ Generation Needs Master Plan for Aging
Watching Gov. Gavin Newsom focus some of his youthful energy on the issue of aging is both refreshing and clearly required, especially given his observation that California is getting grayer in staggering numbers. Newsom noted in his State of the State address in February that California’s over-65 population will nearly...
Earthquakes Can Dry Water Supply. Californians Must Prepare
Recent earthquakes have us all thinking about emergency preparedness. Whether that’s updating the earthquake kit, putting supplies in the car trunk, or finally affixing the bookshelves to the wall, there are steps we can take personally to prepare for the worst. Critical to any earthquake kit is bottled water. This...
California Steers Toward a Future of Self-Driving Cars
California is laying the groundwork for the next, slightly scary phase in its push toward zero-emission transportation: self-driving cars packed with computers using finely tuned algorithms, high-definition cameras, radar, and other high-tech gadgetry. What the driverless cars won’t feature: steering wheels, brake pedals, and gas pedals. Autonomous vehicles, mostly electric,...
Kamala Harris Up, Biden (Way) Down in Latest California Poll
A new poll gives Sen. Kamala Harris a narrow lead among Democratic voters in her home state of California, but otherwise shows the race is still up in the air. That’s probably terrible news for Joe Biden. And the poll is also bound to disappoint Pete Buttigieg. The mayor of...
Lessons Learned by Picking Cantaloupes in San Joaquin Valley
It’s cantaloupe season in the San Joaquin Valley, a time that takes me back to a summer during high school when I picked melons in Huron for farming pioneer Russell Giffen. I didn’t know Giffen. I was merely one of thousands of high school and college students who picked crops...
How to Help Small Business Owners Afford Health Care
Alma Beltran owns a successful small business, but that doesn’t mean she can afford health care for herself and her family. In fact, the Chula Vista entrepreneur, who is president of Graphic Image Label Inc., is facing a hard choice between the health of her loved ones and the health...
In Dynamex Fight, Lawmakers Can Be Pro-Worker and Pro-Innovation
California and the Bay Area have thrived creatively, economically and culturally because we attract top talent, encourage risk-taking and give people the flexibility and freedom to pursue their dreams on their own terms. It’s a successful formula that reflects California’s indomitable entrepreneurial spirit and empowers people to do great things....
A Modest Proposal to Deregulate NCAA Sports
With every new college sports scandal or revelation of an assistant coach who makes more than a CEO, the term “student athlete” becomes even quainter than raccoon coats, goldfish swallowing or phone booth stuffing. (Remember phone booths?) College sports is big business and deserves to be treated that way. College football...