Commentary

Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders announced this week that they have a deal on a new state budget to take effect on July 1. Facing the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic plunge, they said, “we have agreed on a budget that is balanced, responsible and protects core services — education, health care, social […]

Re “What’s the end game for state budget?”; Commentary, Dan Walters, June 18, 2020 While I appreciate Dan Walters’ attempt to share some history of California budget squabbles leading up to passage of Proposition 25 of 2010, I am disappointed his reporting skips over facts that do not fit his desired narrative. In leaping nine […]

Re “Is California’s last youth fire camp worth saving?”;  June 8, 2020 From what I read in this article, it’s really a no brainer. The words of those who experienced the fire camps and we’re so much better for it, say it all. I would rather see my tax dollars doing double duty. 1. Turning […]

After months of being confined to our homes, thousands of people have been shouting in the streets, risking their lives in the midst of a pandemic to fight structural racism and to be heard. It’s time to listen. When Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed me the first ever senior advisor on Social Innovation for the state […]

The challenges of running meal programs for children during the COVID-19 pandemic means more kids will struggle with access to the nutritious meals.

There are signs that budgets and K-12 school reopening plans being shaped now may fail to recognize science as part of the academic core.

It would be horrific if our state budget cut back on the critical health and human service programs already in place for seniors and people with disabilities.

Southeastern Los Angeles County is a "corridor of corruption," in the words of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. The Legislaure is finally doing something about one example.

As the economy reopens and we seek some semblance of normalcy, we must not forget the essential workers we once ignored, like my father, a long-haul trucker.

Facing a vicious circle of conflicting demands and priorities, the California Public Employees Retirement System is turning to debt - a risky scheme to borrow billions of dollars in hopes of juicing its investment returns.