Newsletters
Legal weed, an opioid tax and judicial ethics
Steyer gets a GOP name check. High anxiety over Newsom's weed license backlog. A tax even a CA Republican could love. High-speed make-nice. A judicial slap.
Gavin Newsom
Commentary
What if Dianne Feinstein steps down before her term ends?
Feinstein’s senior senator moment brought back speculation that she may decide to step down before her current term ends in 2024, when she will be 91 years old. That would allow Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint her successor. So who would he pick?
Commentary
Why not try a ‘faster’ speed rail system first? It could work now
Technology exists today to employ faster-speed rail service as soon as the tracks, right of way, and system controls are in place. This would be the most cost-effective approach toward making the Central Valley portion of the high speed rail project fully operational.
Politics
Charter schools are a flashpoint in California’s teacher strikes—here’s where and how they’ve grown
As teachers strike this week in Oakland, the conflict over charter schools in California is being portrayed in sweeping terms. But a CALmatters analysis of statewide charter enrollment data paints a far more nuanced picture, in which charter growth is more a collection of densely concentrated hotspots than a statewide phenomenon.
Commentary
Delta interests should seize the opportunity to cease water fights
By proposing to build one cross-Delta tunnel instead of two, Gov. Gavin Newsom has opened the door for a grand compromise on water in California. The Delta’s many interests should seize this opportunity.
Newsletters
Soda taxes, unions and California’s ongoing water crisis
Another teachers strike. Public employee unions take a hit in numbers. Becerra polices the police. And the soda tax is back.
Reader Reactions
Newsom vs. Trump
Nazario A. Gonzales, Los Gatos Gov. Gavin Newsom keeps baiting the bear, Donald Trump. Now the bear strikes back. Why should the feds subsidize this fantasy high-speed rail which no one will ride? Newsom should back off, do his job and forget the presidency for the next 6 years.
Commentary
Housing is a right. Lawmakers should work to provide it
When it comes to basic needs and rights, we cannot trust the market to work for everyone. That’s why government intervenes in the market to provide public education, affordable health care, food and water.
Affordable housing should be no different.
Newsletters
Trump, Newsom head for high-speed fight
Trump wants that high speed rail money back. Lawmakers want the bullet train to go to San Jose. Charter transparency gets a vote. And the soda tax is back.
Commentary
My turn: To fulfill clean water law, state must focus on L.A.’s small systems
Small water systems with the smallest number of customers face the greatest challenges in providing cheap, drinkable tap water. Most small water systems in L.A. County—and statewide—provide safe and affordable drinking water. The problem is that some do not. If we take the human right to water seriously, the place to start is with small water systems.