A new batch of laws targeting crimes that have increased a “sense of social anxiety” among Californians reflects support for stronger penalties following a decade of easing punishments, but experts say they don’t signal a return to the “tough-on-crime” policies of decades past. The laws taking effect on New Year’s Day will tackle property crimes, retail … Read more
As ballots continued to be counted, initial results for California’s 10 ballot measures showed voters roundly rejected a measure to allow cities to expand rent control and approved propositions to borrow billions for climate projects, affirm same-sex marriage and extend a tax for health care programs. They also overwhelmingly approved a high-profile initiative to toughen … Read more
The Yes and No on 33 campaigns have collectively spent more than $140 million. CalMatters fact checked some of the more pervasive claims made by both sides. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published: October 18, 2024 at 5:22 p.m. Read original article here Denial of responsibility! … Read more
There is a legitimate debate to be waged over the current two-thirds voter threshold for approval of local bond measures in California. Some feel it’s too stringent, undermining the will of the majority. Others argue it’s an appropriately tough hurdle to ensure that there is broad consensus before saddling future generations with additional tax debt. … Read more
“No man is happy but by comparison.”— Thomas Shadwell, poet laureate, United Kingdom (1689-1692) If you want to better understand the true nature of a proposal, consider a counterproposal. Looking at competing proposals forces you to reckon with the details of each idea. Which is why every proposition on the California ballot should have a … Read more
In a stunning, last-minute reversal, Gov. Gavin Newsom is scrapping the anti-crime measure he and Democratic legislative leaders just announced. It had been designed to compete with one backed by Republicans and prosecutors that is already headed for voters in November. In a statement, the governor said Democrats “are unable to meet the ballot deadline … Read more
By ADAM BEAM | Associated Press SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers on Monday abandoned their attempt to repeal the nation’s only law requiring voter approval for publicly funded affordable housing projects, a provision added to the state Constitution more than half a century ago that aimed to keep people of color out of white neighborhoods. Most … Read more
Seven years ago, California’s Supreme Court declared broad support for the historic right of voters to make law through the initiative process. Ruling in a case dubbed “Upland,” the court said that while governments are subject to voter-approved constitutional restraints on raising taxes, tax increases proposed via initiative need only simple majority votes for enactment. But the decision embraced … Read more
Californians vote on many ballot measures, but rarely participate in significant public discussions about the measures’ contents and impacts. This isn’t just about apathy. Rather, it’s an example of “rational ignorance,” a term coined by economist Anthony Downs in 1957, to define this democratic reality: Since your individual vote doesn’t much matter among millions of … Read more
For nine years, I begged Alameda County agencies to give my intermittently homeless and schizophrenic ward the care she needed to stay alive and well. Last September, some 12 years after I became her legal guardian, she fatally overdosed on meth and fentanyl. The mental health system operating in California counties like mine could not save my … Read more
