Guest Commentary

Surely, we will learn the answers soon from the experts, rather than from the rambling rants from the left and right know-nothings. But, meanwhile, shouldn’t our leaders start doing something about the tone of our discourse? And shouldn’t we as citizens, as voters, send them a message?

No issue is more important than water. It is our state’s lifeblood. However, the Legislature has refused to place a serious water bond on the ballot for more than four years, even as the Colorado River is drying up, we are draining our underground water supplies, and most of the last 10 years have been dry. That’s why Proposition 3 is so important.

California Citizens Redistricting commissioners drew the fairest lines we could and did not take into consideration incumbency. As a result, we have several highly competitive seats. Reformers across the nation are envious of what Californians have done. We are on the right side of history in this fight. For that, Californians should feel pride.

Proposition 4 would authorize $1.5 billion in bonds for children's hospitals. Pro: The Children’s Hospital Bond will ensure children’s hospitals continue to offer life-saving care. Con: Taxpayers would pay an average of $80 million per year for the next 35 years, most of it to assist private hospitals.

Proposition 11 would affect paramedic services. Carol Meyer, Yes: For patients suffering from a cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without CPR or a defibrillator can decrease their chances of survival by 7-10 percent. Jeff Misner, No: We’re the last people you want to see in your day. But when we do show up, you want us to be our best. Life hangs in the balance.

Too many of our high poverty children-of-color have been stuck in failing public schools. The middle class and upper class have good options and opportunities. But public charter schools CAN most help our children with the greatest need.

California’s two recent governors, Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, have been unusually skilled at water policy. Both responded effectively to urgent floods and droughts in ways that also brought long-term improvements. The next governor will face similar water problems. And he will see opportunities, expectations, and pitfalls along the way.

California plays a central role setting auto rules and has a responsibility to lead the world’s fight against auto pollution. President Trump wants to revoke that unique authority. California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols must defend it.

Housing, food, healthcare, and other costs are soaring. Real wages are stagnant. And for UC lowest paid employees, most of whom are people of color, a raise means nothing if your job gets outsourced the next day to a private contractor that pays much less.

What is the hardest, dirtiest job you’ve ever had? This is a question that we need to be asking all of our elected and prospective elected leaders, as it is an important lens for how they experience blue-collar Californians.