Opinion

A lifeline for Central Valley communities facing extreme heat and high utility costs

Image by Oleksandr Filon

OPINION – With each passing year, the impacts of climate change become more severe, and the need for reliable, affordable energy becomes more urgent. The “Unlock the Grid” package of bills offers a practical and forward-thinking solution that addresses both the immediate needs of our communities and the long-term sustainability of our energy system.

Opinion

SB 100: the clean energy plan that keeps California hooked on gas

Choices between clean renewable energy and oil production. Image by a-poselenov

OPINION – California has long been a climate leader, but now we face a critical choice: continue investing billions in a system that keeps us hooked on natural gas, or embrace nuclear energy to fully decarbonize the grid.

Opinion

Time for California to act: save community pharmacy and sign SB 966

Image by Halfpoint

OPINION – Patients rely on the quality care services provided by pharmacists and pharmacies. On behalf of pharmacies and the patients for whom we provide care, I urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 966, by Senator Scott Wiener, District 11, encompassing San Francisco and parts of San Mateo County.

Opinion

Stop attacking our heroes

OPINION – Patriotism is front and center in this year’s election and that’s a good thing. But this election has also seen the continuation of a troubling trend: attacking those who serve. It’s deeply unpatriotic and we should call it out. 

Opinion

California’s students deserve climate-safe schools

Image by EyeEm Mobile GmbH

OPINION – Upgrading California’s schools to be climate-safe will be a monumental task, but it begins with a plan. That’s why we support SB 1182, recently passed by the California legislature, which would require the state to create a master plan to enhance the health, safety, and resilience of our schools.

Opinion

The tragic missteps of drug-induced homicide laws

Image by Jae Young Ju

OPINION – As the panic over the “fentanyl crisis” mounts, we risk returning to outdated, ineffective strategies.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.

Opinion

Enough is enough: one Democrat’s take on homeless encampments

West Hollywood Homelessness Wild Tents Camp. Image by welcomia

OPINION – 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.

Opinion

Why AB 884 is a vital step for California’s diverse democracy

Diverse cultures, image by Bobboz

OPINION – 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.

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