School reopenings will likely take center stage in 2021 as one of California’s biggest political battles. It’s a battle all the more noteworthy because it pits two groups that are often allies — unions and Democratic lawmakers — against each other. This week, the state’s two largest teachers unions — the California Teachers Association and […]
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Posted inCalifornia Wildfires
Whack and stack: PG&E’s toppling of trees creates new hazards
In an attempt to prevent wildfires, the utility is removing vegetation from around power lines. But it’s leaving downed trees on people’s property that are “little fire bombs waiting to ignite,” one expert says.
Posted inMy Turn
Legislation would hurt small businesses that have turned to online sales
As a birthplace for innovation, California should promote and encourage online commerce for small businesses, not stifle it.
Posted inMy Turn
California is running out of time to protect student loan borrowers
Legislation in the state Senate would make California the first state in the nation to establish basic consumer protections for student loan borrowers.
Posted inCommentary
A new skirmish in ‘tort wars’
A perennial issue in the California Legislature is the scope of personal injury lawsuits, known to insiders as “tort wars.” This year’s skirmish is over using lawsuits to go after alleged tax cheats.
Posted inCommentary
When a $5 co-pay meant a week’s work
Juan Haines, San Quentin News: I’ve had my new set of teeth for about five months. Today, my friends compliment me on my smile. I put on a little weight and my health is much improved. And I appreciate that the governor and the Legislature have ended the $5 co-pay.
Posted inReader Reactions
What is transparency?
Re: “A law intended to create more transparency misleads voters. This bill will fix it,” Sept. 5, 2019: Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblyman Mark Stone claim their bill will increase transparency for local bonds and parcel taxes. But the opposite is true. Their bill would relegate important taxpayer information to being buried deep in the […]
Posted inWhatMatters
Legislature’s final week, rent control, for-profit colleges, Newsom channels Reagan, and alligators
Rent cap deal is far from done. Before Newsom, Reagan battled feds over automobile emissions rules. PG&E searches for a Plan B.
Posted inWhatMatters
School bonds, breaking up with PG&E, trade war, Stephon Clark, and rabbis
Multi-billion dollar school bond may land on March ballot. Housing bill advances. Municipalities look to break free from PG&E.
Posted inCommentary
A law intended to create more transparency misleads voters. This bill will fix it
Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblyman Mark Stone: A law intended to create more transparency misleads voters and makes it harder to pass bond and parcel tax measures. Senate Bill 268 would fix it.