August 2020

Reader Reactions

How should the state fund core courses at UC?

I wish that the three UC deans had made some specific suggestions as to how the funding for core instruction might be achieved.

By Guest Commentary • August 4, 2020

California Divide

“Pervasive failure to investigate:” Report finds lack of scrutiny in cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women

For generations, order and cleanliness had been Christina Lastra’s family’s way of fighting off poverty. But the day in July 1991 when her mother’s mysterious death was ruled an accident marked the end of the orderly life Lastra had been leading in Humboldt County. “We didn’t get peace. No one ever even thought of looking […]

By Laurence Du Sault • August 3, 2020

Education

UC Regents want to investigate top salary cuts

Two key members of the UC Board of Regents are in favor of a model that would reduce top salaries to help offset pandemic expenses. Also, next year’s UC budget has more money for policing and the stage has been set for a likely September vote about a telescope in Hawaii.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • August 3, 2020

WhatMatters

Schools, unions leave parents in dark

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, August 3. Online learning plans up in air A week before some California districts start school, many parents remain in the dark about what online learning will look like as teachers unions and districts negotiate instruction plans — in some cases behind closed doors. Major points of contention include the […]

By Emily Hoeven • August 3, 2020

Capitol

Reject Assembly Bill 1720: Utility ratepayers must be protected from higher bills

The Legislature should reject Assembly Bill 1720, which would force the procurement of expensive energy resources on the backs of ratepayers.

By Guest Commentary • August 3, 2020

Capitol

Approve Assembly Bill 1720: Two energy storage projects would create jobs

Assembly Bill 1720 will help the state move forward building clean energy storage and create jobs through infrastructure projects.

By Guest Commentary • August 3, 2020

Commentary

A proposal to transform California’s juvenile justice system

The Elevate Justice Act would raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 17 to 19, producing effective changes for youth in the adult justice system.

By Guest Commentary • August 3, 2020

Dan Walters

Two mayors seek more authority

The mayors of two large California cities, Sacramento and San Jose, want to become "strong mayors" with executive authority, but are learning that it's politically difficult.

By Dan Walters • August 3, 2020

Commentary

A white kid’s experience from the back of the bus and what he learned along the route

I look back on my days in the back of an express bus to high school and remember the Black worker who stood up for me. Now it’s my turn to stand up for Black people.

By Guest Commentary • August 2, 2020

Commentary

California economy faces tough slog

In just a few weeks, California's economy went from boom to bust, leaving Californians wondering what the future holds.

By Dan Walters • August 2, 2020