Guest Commentary

Commentary

My turn: Why excluding convicted felons from juries is a bad idea

A citizen who bears the mark of a felony conviction poses no more of a threat to a jury than does any other citizen who has at some point lied, cheated, stolen, made a mistake, but has never been caught. And like those citizens, prospective jurors with a felony criminal history ought to be allowed to take part in jury selection, to help ensure that our juries reflect our citizenry.

By Guest Commentary • November 21, 2018

Commentary

My turn: L.A. teacher’s union can avert a strike and help kids. Here’s how

The Los Angeles Unified School District should stop subsidizing health insurance for retirees who are entitled to these federally funded insurances or subsidies. That money could be used to reduce class sizes, raise teachers' salaries, and hire more staff.

By Guest Commentary • November 20, 2018

Commentary

My turn: A (very) open letter to Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom

As Gavin Newsom begins the somber duty of declaring disasters, issuing statements of reassurance and condolences, and lowering the capitol flag to half-staff, here are some disruptive ideas for keeping the spirit of California up–ideas he may not hear from those around him responsible for putting out the day-to-day fires.

By Guest Commentary • November 20, 2018

Climate Change

My turn: How Gavin Newsom can be the climate leader we need

California oil regulators have issued more than 21,000 new drilling permits on Brown’s watch. Continued permitting is undermining California’s ability to meet its own climate goals and those of the Paris agreement. Will Newsom finally stop this drilling free-for-all?

By Guest Commentary • November 20, 2018

Commentary

My turn: California Republicans missed the future

Donald Trump's statements on immigration, gender equality, and the environment damaged the Republican brand in California. While many of us continued to work on solution- and people-oriented policies, a vocal minority of the Republican Party viewed Trump’s election as a reason to double down on his rhetoric.

By Guest Commentary • November 19, 2018

Commentary

My turn: Voters showed heart by supporting housing for people with mental illness

Proposition 2 passed with more votes than any proposition on the statewide ballot. The outcome underscores the extent to which people across this state recognize homelessness as a crisis that is tearing at the fabric of our communities.

By Guest Commentary • November 19, 2018

Commentary

My turn: We must do a better job with birth control education

New research finds a troubling disconnect between the community college students’ desire to avoid pregnancy and how they act when it comes to preventing it. Students do not consider themselves to be at risk of pregnancy, nor do they express worry about getting pregnant, despite not wanting to have a child while in school.

By Guest Commentary • November 19, 2018

Commentary

My turn: A chance to finally solve the Delta quandary

Deal-making on water is hard. But facing the impending State Water Board regulations, parties in the San Joaquin River basin might be motivated to reach a voluntary accord. Gov. Jerry Brown ad Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom are pushing for it.

By Guest Commentary • November 18, 2018

Commentary

My turn: Hope must not be squeezed from our souls

The rupture in society has returned, led by too many leaders who forget that words matter, especially when they are mired deeply in the pools of the discord and distrust that exists today, and when they are given widespread exposure on the mountain of social media outlets available. Is it worse than the divisions of the last century? If so, how can it be erased?

By Guest Commentary • November 17, 2018

Commentary

My turn: Confessions of a volunteer in Congressional District 10

You learn a little bit about people when you politick them at their door. Mostly, you learn that they’re busy. They know the tax bill was wrong. They just don’t have time to yak about it. They have Little League games to get to.

By Guest Commentary • November 15, 2018