Commentary

Commentary

Softer crime laws will loom large in Brown’s legacy

Jerry Brown's second stint as governor of California has been marked by multiple legislative bills and ballot measures to soften the state's penalties for those who commit crimes. Their effects, whether positive or negative, will be a big part of his political legacy.

By Dan Walters • August 23, 2018

Commentary

Pro-con: Are bio-digesters key to climate change fight?

The dairy industry is responsible for 75 percent of agriculture’s methane emissions, but it has focused on unproven bio-digester technology. California should look at less costly alternatives.

By Guest Commentary • August 22, 2018

Commentary

My Turn: How to make police accountable

Gov. Jerry Brown can undo a mistake from his first term by signing legislation—assuming it is approved by the legislature—that would maintain protections that officers enjoy regarding personal information while allowing the public to evaluate the performance of officers who have previously run into trouble.

By Guest Commentary • August 22, 2018

Commentary

Is maturity finally taking root in Capitol?

Legislative leaders decided to postpone action on legislation dealing with liability of utilities for wildfire damages, and that may be a signal that a more rational approach to policymaking is taking root in the Capitol.

By Dan Walters • August 22, 2018

Commentary

Yes in my backyard

Elizabeth Hansburg, Fullerton I am 42 and the mother of an only child, age 11. I made the choice Angela George is contemplating in your piece—to have one child—and housing costs were definitely a factor. Giving your children opportunities costs money, and money spent on housing is less money available for youth sports, music lessons […]

By Reader Reactions • August 21, 2018

Commentary

My turn: The facts about teacher pensions

CalSTRS provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits for 933,000 prekindergarten through community college educators and their families. Their average benefit is $4,475 per month.

By Guest Commentary • August 21, 2018

Commentary

Pro-con: Regulate animal testing on toiletries?

Legislation by Sen. Cathleen Galgiani would ban the sale of personal care products in California that have been tested on animals. Retailers say it would harm consumers.

By Guest Commentary • August 20, 2018

Commentary

My turn: Here’s how CA can lead the climate change fight

Senate Bill 100 would mandate 100 percent renewable electricity in California by 2045. That will mean better lives for the residents of California — more jobs, less pollution, more innovation and lower costs — and it will reduce state and national dependence on fossil fuel.

By Guest Commentary • August 20, 2018

Commentary

Legislature’s sneaky procedures on display

California legislators routinely use two processes, the "suspense file" and "trailer bills," to bypass full discussion and consideration of legislative proposals, and one big example, affecting the state's criminal justice system, has backfired.

By Dan Walters • August 20, 2018

Commentary

Legislative leaders want to milk more campaign money

The two leaders of the California legislators, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, want to re-establish centralized power in the Capitol and are sponsoring legislation that would give them vastly more power to raise and spend campaign funds.

By Dan Walters • August 19, 2018