Image by Jacob LundOPINION – By December, 73 out of 120 state legislators will have left the building in just two years. As term limit reform kicks in, some critics have grumbled that this turnover is damaging, because we’re losing established leaders and decades of accumulated experience. What’s being overlooked is the leadership and experience we’re gaining.
Image by Boryana ManzurovaOPINION – California’s housing crisis is large and multidimensional — from a desperate lack of affordable rentals for low- and moderate-income families to an equally severe lack of affordable homeownership opportunities for all but wealthy Californians. If we unite behind land use reforms, renter protections, and policies to make homeownership more accessible and affordable, we can ensure all Californians have a decent place to live, and that those who want to own their own home can do so.
Image by Jim ValleeOPINION – There will be another primary election on Tuesday, and the result will be another indictment of this state’s failed top-two primary experiment. It’s time we go back to a system in which we let voters from all parties — Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Greens – select a candidate in primary elections and then let a battle of contrasting political ideas play out in the fall.
Image by tab62OPINION – The opioid epidemic in California is an urgent matter that requires immediate action, particularly with regards to its effects on veterans and their families. It is time for lawmakers in Sacramento to take decisive action and stand up for our veterans in their time of need. We need leaders – policymakers who will lead by example and influence – to optimize better treatment methods for our veterans and help tackle an untapped salient issue, long overdue.
Image courtesy of California Fuels & Convenience AllianceOPINION – While California lawmakers’ focus on addressing retail theft is much needed, it’s time we shed light on the alarming surge in burglaries, looting, and arson that is wreaking havoc on businesses across California. We have to do more to help prevent these crimes, rather than simply reacting after the damage is done – not only to protect economic stability, but more importantly, to protect the well-being of our communities.
Image by Drazen ZigicOPINION – While we understand creative solutions are necessary to pull California out of its current budget situation, and we’re not the only community that could be hit hard with cuts and delays, the reality is that our state’s most vulnerable population is at risk. It’s critical policymakers and the Administration take a closer look at what programs and services they are considering and how those served would be impacted.
Image by MehaniqOPINION – As a nearly 30-year career firefighter, responding to countless man-made and natural disasters, I know better than most Californians how crucial stable funding is in our ability to remain fully staffed and prepared at all times. Californians count on our readiness to minimize injury, property damage and loss of life in a crisis. If a dangerous ballot initiative prevails in November, California’s public safety response will be in peril.
Image by MMD CreativeOPINION – CHCs and primary care physicians have long served as a safety net for communities of color. For far too long, our physicians, nurses and staff have witnessed the devastating challenges our patients face to access regular care for chronic health conditions, finding specialty care doctors who accept Medi-Cal, and accessing affordable medications.
Image by uphaksorn ThongwongbootOPINION – There is a brewing crisis in Orange County, one where the most vulnerable — seniors with disabilities, single mothers, families living below the poverty line — have lost access to vital health care services. The focus for all involved right now must be on patients — those who are facing upheaval, worse health outcomes, farther distances to travel for care, and a much greater burden on their families. For these vulnerable Californians, their worst fears have come true.
Image by by-studioOPINION – After a big year of action in 2022, our state had some monumental wins in 2023 but also undercut this progress with actions and policies that move us in the opposite direction on environmental protection and climate leadership. In 2023, California’ took two steps forward and one step back.