Have we had enough of the Washington gridlock on immigration issues? When our elected federal leaders find themselves incapable of fixing a decades-old problem, California not only has the right but the obligation to act in its own interests. Virtually all Americans agree that our immigration system is broken. If...
Will PG&E Customers Pay More in Bankruptcy? Not if Watchdog Can Stop It
The consumer watchdog arm of the California Public Utilities Commission says millions of Pacific Gas & Electric customers should not have to bear the brunt of the utility’s misdeeds if it was responsible for two of the most destructive wildfires in California. “We should definitely not assume that because PG&E...
Werner: Don’t Blame Environmental Law for California’s Housing Crisis
California is facing a housing crisis of unprecedented proportions. Lower-income residents across the state must choose whether to pay for rent or food. People who can’t cover housing costs are forced to leave their homes, their neighborhoods and even the state. But as legislators resume discussions regarding policy solutions, we...
My Turn: We Must Reduce Fire Risk. Here Are Steps California Must Take
Winter rain cannot wash away the tragedy of the 2018 fire season for Northern California, the deadliest in state history. If the fires of 2017 were a wakeup call, the 2018 megafires were an air raid siren. We must take immediate steps to reduce fire risk, protect our rural communities, and ensure...
My Turn: Higher Ed Is a Prerequisite for Our Future. Community Colleges Are Key to That.
Pick an issue, any issue, and you’ll hear from the well-meaning throngs that theirs is a top priority for California’s long-term success. But the multitude of issues and solutions won’t bring about real, lasting change without addressing the common denominator that could make or break the Golden State: higher education....
California Results Will Roll In Days or Weeks Late. It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way
Opinion by Byrhonda Lyons. If you’re thinking about staying up all night to watch election results come in, grab your coffee. It will probably be a long night or week or month, the price we pay for enabling more procrastinators to vote. The holdup? Voters here prefer voting by mail...
Top 10 California Results To Watch For Tonight
Tonight’s California returns will be watched nationally for their potential impact on the makeup of Congress, but there are major statewide decisions being made as well—the outcome of the race to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown, how U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein fares in her run for a fifth term, and what becomes of Proposition 6,...
A California User’s Guide to Political Polls: Six Easy Tips
Another day, another poll in California. This latest batch of numbers comes from UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies, which echoes other recent independent polls in showing Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom leading Republican businessman John Cox by a healthy margin in the governor’s race, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein fending...
Face-Off for Governor: Gavin Newsom vs. John Cox
Republican John Cox and Democrat Gavin Newsom, the candidates for California governor, begin by talking to CALmatters' reporters and editors about how they'd run the Golden State differently from the current officeholder, Gov. Jerry Brown. Other Covered Topics The two also discuss at these timestamps: — Improving schools (1:20) —...
Face-Off for Lt. Gov: Ed Hernandez vs. Eleni Kounalakis
Need last-minute prep to decide between Ed Hernandez and Eleni Kounalakis for lieutenant governor on your California ballot? Then view this video of the candidates — both Democrats — answering questions from CALmatters on their qualifications and positions on the issues. The video begins with this: Why are you running...