Image by Jae Young JuOPINION – As the panic over the “fentanyl crisis” mounts, we risk returning to outdated, ineffective strategies. Instead of performative policies that seek to punish, we need evidence-based, community-focused solutions that seek to help and rehabilitate.
West Hollywood Homelessness Wild Tents Camp. Image by welcomiaOPINION – The problem of homeless encampments is completely out of control, and so I applaud Gov. Gavin Newson’s recent strong executive action, seeking to compel local governments to deal with the intractable issue, particularly now that the U.S. Supreme Court has given the legal green light to do so.
Diverse cultures, image by BobbozOPINION – As the author of Assembly Bill 884, I am committed to ensuring that every Californian, regardless of their language preference, can fully engage in our democratic process. In a state as diverse as ours, it’s clear that our voting system needs to evolve to truly represent all voices.
e-cigarettes, vaping, image by Yana Tikhonova OPINION – As students return to campus this month, the presence of vaping is becoming normalized and more prevalent. It’s shocking that our youth’s awareness about the harm these products can cause remains stubbornly low.
Stormwater. Image by Toa55OPINION – Warm fall temperatures might be pleasant if you work in an air-conditioned office and can enjoy early morning walks with your dog. But if you’re a student in the Los Angeles Unified School District, chances are those hot days are harming your ability to learn.
Offshore wind farm at sunset. Image by Bjoern WylezichOPINION – With a recent vote by the California Public Utilities Commission to authorize purchase of up to 7.6 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, California is increasingly committed to a plan to pursue renewable energy offshore. The success of this endeavor hinges on a robust scientific understanding of the technology’s potential impacts.
Image by GajusOPINION – As a former foster youth who is also transgender, finding a home where I felt safe was a struggle for most of my life. Governor Newsom has a chance to ensure that youth who are transitioning out of foster care have the safety of a home where they can be themselves by signing a bill headed to his desk, AB 2802 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego).
Image by MDV EdwardsOPINION – After COVID-19, many companies adopted work-from-home policies, leading to smaller office footprints. As a result, the commercial real estate industry, as a whole, has taken a major economic hit. We see it with our own eyes, and the statistics reinforce what we already know: California’s downtown commercial districts are vacant and struggling.
Probation and judge's gavel. Image by Andrii Yalanskyi.OPINION – The California State Auditor’s recent report on Los Angeles County’s Probation Department highlights a critical crisis that demands immediate state intervention.
Image by welcomeinsideOPINION – When asked what issues Californians are most worried about, you will almost always hear about the cost of housing. That’s why such a broad and diverse group of housing advocates, developers, lenders, builders, housing management experts and non-profit organizations have joined together in opposition to AB 3190.