Commentary

Housing

Housing legislation

Susan Kirsch, Livable California, Mill Valley I read “California’s hottest housing bill moves ahead—with a break for smaller counties” while sitting in a café in Athens, Greece. I was struck by the irony of being in the birthplace of democracy while Sacramento legislators deliver death by a thousand cuts. Senate Bill 50 marches ahead under […]

By Guest Commentary • April 29, 2019

Economy

Assembly Bill 857

Susan Harman, California Public Banking Alliance, Oakland Dan Walters’ April 28 Commentary on Assemblyman David Chiu’s Assembly Bill 857, the local public bank bill, is a dumb comment on a very smart bill. In his commentary, Walters writes says that shifting local governmental funds away from the Wall Street banks they’re in now will have “virtually […]

By Guest Commentary • April 29, 2019

Economy

Public banks

Brett Garrett, Santa Cruz Cities such as Oakland and Los Angeles are eager to divest from large banks that invest in fossil fuels or engage in unethical business practices. These cities can benefit from Assemblyman David Chiu’s Assembly Bill 857, which will establish a framework for licensing public banks, owned by local or regional government entities. […]

By Guest Commentary • April 29, 2019

Commentary

U.S.-imposed tariffs on Chinese imports threaten California’s innovation economy

The United States has unilaterally imposed a series of escalating tariffs on Chinese imports to pressure China to reform its unfair trade practices and slow China’s rise as a global tech power. This strategy has been ineffective. More troubling, it places California’s robust economy and innovation leadership at risk.

By Guest Commentary • April 28, 2019

Commentary

Some bills are silly, and some are just dumb

Some legislative bills are silly, but one, allowing local governments to create their own banks, transcends silliness and is just plain dumb.

By Dan Walters • April 28, 2019

Commentary

Weekly Walters 04/26/2019

A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.

By Dan Walters • April 26, 2019

Commentary

The best way to help our homeless neighbors is to find them shelter ASAP

While the housing first model does not require sobriety, it clearly encourages sobriety. It has been shown that people who voluntarily sign up for supportive services are more likely to discontinue substance use, participate in job training programs, and attend school.

By Guest Commentary • April 25, 2019

Commentary

School spending popular, taxes not so much

New poll says voters want to raise school spending, but are leery about taxing themselves to do it.

By Dan Walters • April 25, 2019

Commentary

Newsom offers a new approach to California’s water issues

The impacts of a single tunnel are unknown absent further study. No details exist about the size, location, cost, construction timetable or how at single tunnel might operate. What is clear is that a conveyance-only plan is not a viable, sustainable solution for Northern and Southern California.

By Guest Commentary • April 24, 2019

Commentary

Can we protect kids from becoming zombies?

The Legislature has another chance to protect adolescents from too-early school start times. Former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill setting 8:30 a.m. as the earliest class time in most instances, but it's back this year and opponent are trying to keep it from reaching Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk.

By Dan Walters • April 24, 2019