California Voices

Ken Pimlott, former chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Executed well, Bloomberg’s fire and forestry proposal will reduce loss of life and property over the next four years, saving the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year.

Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, Rocklin Republican: For decades, Pacific Gas and Electric has methodically executed what the New York Times called its “political playbook”: giving millions and getting its way. As PG&E seeks to exit bankruptcy again, the Legislature and Gov. Newsom must act to loosen its grip on the Capitol by banning it from giving campaign donations.

Loren Kaye, California Foundation for Commerce and Education: If you’re looking for a job or a healthy lifestyle, California remains a dream come true. But there’s a problem. Many Californians can no longer afford California. Here’s what legislators can do to reduce the cost of living.

What used to be called vocational education is making a comeback as education officials recognize the needs of students and the larger society.

Jen Flory, Western Center on Law & Poverty: California doesn’t have the beds or community services that would be required if we start arresting everyone who police deem mentally unwell. The state can’t arrest its way out of the housing crisis. Proposals to do so don’t address the underlying problem, which is that people can’t afford housing, whether they are living with a mental health issue or not.

Although Gavin Newsom promised to jump-start housing construction in California, his first year as governor saw production decline.

Michael Rushford, Criminal Justice Legal Foundation: Building enough housing required to accommodate the 130,000 people living outside in California would be extremely expensive. But there are alternatives. Sacramento County taxpayers, for example, have paid $2.3 million over the past five years to maintain the vacant Boys Ranch sitting on 140 rural acres with 12 buildings. It could easily accommodate homeless people.

Kate Gordon and Lenny Mendonca, Office of Planning & Resource and GO-Biz: California is a high road economic development state. Our innovative spirit includes a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. We are excited to see regions step forward with their own visions for this high road approach to regional economic development. Metro Bakersfield and Kern County is a great example.

Ellen Hanak and Jeffrey Mount, PPIC: Gov. Gavin Newsom has put forward a framework for managing water and habitat in the Delta and its watershed. The many Delta interests should try to make this agreement happen. This is an opportunity—the kind that comes along rarely—to shift from fighting about the Delta’s future to actually shaping it.

Fraud is rampant in California's system of compensating workers for employment-related disabilities and its' concentrated in Southern California.