Commentary

Commentary

Maybe there’s a U.S. Senate race after all

A new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Dianne Feinstein and challenger Kevin de Leon, both Democrats, is tightening.

By Dan Walters • September 27, 2018

Commentary

My turn: How the next governor can ease the housing crisis

California is 75,000 units short each year on needed new homes and yet housing projects have been delayed for years because of time-consuming permitting, mitigation and local approval processes, or litigation abuse invoking environmental regulations. All that adds to costs. If policymakers don’t take a hard look at how to lower building costs, we will never build enough housing to alleviate this crisis.

By Guest Commentary • September 26, 2018

Commentary

Brown OKs one good education bill, vetoes another

Gov. Jerry Brown had two opportunities to improve educational outcomes. He embraced one, a bill to extend the ability of some community colleges to award four year degrees, but vetoed another, which would have protected sleep-deprived adolescents from having to attend early classes.

By Dan Walters • September 26, 2018

Commentary

Gov. Brown is deciding Hollister Ranch legislation

Hollister Ranch legislation: Pro: Jerry Brown has an opportunity to make good on that promise of ensuring equitable access to our public lands for all Californians, especially those who are least able to do so. Con: In an era where public confidence in politics and politicians is eroding, signing Assembly Bill 2534, would be short-sighted and dangerous. No policy outcome is worth undermining our democratic institutions and process of governing.

By Guest Commentary • September 25, 2018

Commentary

My turn: NBA Comes Home to Inglewood

We have a unique opportunity to build an arena that truly belongs to the L.A. Clippers, our players, employees, and fans. This arena is key to our future success. It’s also key to the ongoing success of a city that has seen a tremendous economic turnaround since it was abandoned by professional sports.

By Guest Commentary • September 25, 2018

Environment

Hollister Ranch

Bob Dornin, Goleta The Coastal Commission, represented by the California Attorney General, finalized a settlement of years’ long litigation with Hollister Ranch in December 2017. The Legislature intervened in the last minutes of the legislative session by passing Assembly Bill 2534. That was an inappropriate attempt to undermine a settlement, and I urge Gov. Jerry […]

By Reader Reactions • September 24, 2018

Climate Change

My turn: The Legislature confronted California’s new normal

One way or another, everyone feels the impact of wildfires: ratepayers being asked to help shoulder the costs of wildfires; people hundreds of miles away from the flames coping with worsened air quality; and others who compete for housing with those who have lost theirs. How the Legislature addresses intensifying wildfires is one of the most pressing issues.

By Guest Commentary • September 24, 2018

Commentary

The high cost of a zero-emission California

Reaching Gov. Jerry Brown's goal of a carbon-neutral California would require massive expenditures on the electrical grid and for zero-emission vehicles.

By Dan Walters • September 24, 2018

Commentary

Proposition 5 would give homeowners who move a property tax break

Proposition 5 would give homeowners who move a property tax break. Pro: Proposition 5 would help ease the state’s shortage of housing by encouraging more turnover of single-family homes in existing neighborhoods. Con: Proposition 5 would take upward of $1 billion a year away from crucial local services like fire protection.

By Guest Commentary • September 23, 2018

Commentary

California an economic model? Not quite

Those who boast of California's economic prosperity ignore the 16 million Californians who are living in poverty or near-poverty.

By Dan Walters • September 23, 2018