November 2019

Are robots coming for your job? Why is pay falling behind as productivity rises? What about college? And could unions save California's middle class?

Editors note: This commentary is in response to: “California needs to take these three actions needed to improve our energy system—and the environment,” Nov. 16, 2019. Kathryn Phillips and Evan Gillespie of the Sierra Club wrote a commentary relative to what steps California should take to address the risk of wildfires. First, having the Sierra […]

Trump promises 'crackdown' on California homelessness. Aging guest workers still waiting for their pay. Former felons get right to sit on juries.

James Gallagher, Republican Assemblyman: PG&E’s mismanagement is the primary culprit in multiple wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed homes and businesses in Northern California. But there has been little focus on the government’s mismanagement. That, too, has been a significant contributor to our current woes. That needs to change.

Oscar Serna is still waiting for wages he is owed from working in the farm fields of California and Texas more than 70 years ago.  Serna was 16 when he came from Mexico and was hired under an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico governments to work in the fields, where he picked oranges and […]

People with former felony convictions can vote in California, but they can't serve on juries. A new law is going to change that.  

Eric Jaye, Democratic political consultant: Google famously implores their company with the slogan, “Don’t be evil.” It is true the company has not always matched that aspiration. But with a bold upgrade of its political advertising standards, Google is delivering a powerful public good.

It’s a Catch-22: to get good credit, consumers must first have good credit scores. Programs like the one run by the nonprofit Mission Asset Fund bridge informal traditional lending practices with the mainstream financial system. 

California loses battle for Trump's taxes. State to sue Trump administration over Delta water shipments. Power shutoffs leaves residents hungry.

Pacific Gas & Electric turned off power to Ana Patricia Rios’ neighborhood in Sonoma County for eight days in October, three at the beginning of the month and five near the end. The mother of three young boys watched twice as nearly all of the food in her refrigerator spoiled. She threw out at least […]