California Voices

PG&E plunged more than two million people into darkness, many for several days, in October. The utility, whose downed power lines in 2018 ignited fires that killed 85 people and destroyed 10,000 homes, has resorted to what it calls “proactive de-energization” to avoid starting more fires. This well-meaning preemptive move to protect the public has […]

Jeff Davi, Carmel Realtor: For over a century, the Monterey Peninsula relied on the Carmel River as its primary source of water. But the State Water Board has issued orders that will preclude most of that use in the future. A California American Water desalination plant would would remove salt from seawater and make it drinkable, averting what could be a water crisis. The California Coastal Commission should approve the project.

Hundreds of bills will be introduced in the Legislature this year but there are a few items that should top the session's agenda.

Liz Bergeron, Pacific Crest Trail Association: Shortchanging our public lands is shameful and shortsighted given their value. The Pacific Crest Trail Association not only supports tackling the maintenance backlog, we support full and permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

California politicians often make sweeping policy decrees, then fail to check how the money to implement the policies is spent.

The state Supreme Court is making it easier for conflicts of interest in local bond issue transactions to go undetected. Think: baseball.

It's a new year and a new decade, but California still faces a mélange of contradictions.

Joe Buscaino, National League of Cities: Presidential candidates must commit to helping solve our housing and homelessness crises. Candidates should tell voters what their plan is to make sure every person has a place to call home. And whoever is elected in November must commit himself or herself to fulfilling a pledge to provide housing for all.

Stacy Torres, UC San Francisco: Before you toss off an “Ok Boomer” or a head-shaking, “Kids these days,” first consider our linked lives and destinies. Young people must understand that supporting policies to help elders increases their livelihoods. And elders can be more proactive in pushing for programs and policies that invest in young people’s well-being and growth.

Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute: California has a chance to model what a truly resilient water system looks like, combining nature and technology to make the most of every drop and dollar. Reuse reduces the need to divert water from streams already stressed by rising temperatures and shrinking snowpack and can curb ocean pollution associated with sewage outfalls.