Image by PeopleImagesOPINION – Less than two years ago, I achieved a lifelong dream: I became a small business owner. It was supposed to be the start of a better future for my family. Instead, it’s been a fight for survival.
Image by OcusFocusOPINION – California lawmakers have an opportunity to help small businesses suffering in the wake of the devastating fire in Los Angeles to rebuild stronger and more prepared for whatever the future might hold, with straightforward investments and protections.
The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolieWhat is a “resolution” in the California Legislature? Although resolutions and concurrent resolutions are mentioned several times in Article IV of the California Constitution, neither term is defined in that document.
Image by artzenterOPINION – The Monterey Peninsula’s water system is extensive — made up of 680 miles of pipeline and 100 water storage tanks — and provides reliable service to 100,000 residents and businesses throughout the region. Unfortunately, a planning agency that has never managed or operated a water system is distracting Cal-Am from the important business of planning for the future by attempting a hostile takeover of the water system.
Gas burning with blue flames on the burner of a gas stove. Image by HJBCOPINION – After this past election, it is refreshing to hear California’s political leaders identifying that affordability is a message they received loud and clear from the voters. A great first step toward affordability is to stop adding more expenses to daily living.
Landfill with burning trash piles. Image by Collab MediaOPINION – California has long been a leader in the fight against climate change, but in the crucial battle to reduce methane emissions from landfills, we are falling behind. It’s time for the California Air Resources Board to address this problem before it’s too late.
Smoke blanketing California's coastline. Image courtesy of NOAA website. A wave of life-threatening air pollution is now being reported widely as refugees from the devastating fires in Los Angeles return to what is left of their homes. Research being funded by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine could help uncover how fine particulate matter from wildfires, vehicle emissions, and industrial sources affects stem cells and brain development.
Image by SmileStudioAPAt the end of bills in the California Legislature, there may be “plus sections,” which are uncodified provisions that may do a number of things, such as expressing legislative intent, making legislative findings and declarations, or explaining why a bill may have a certain designation, such as a special statute or an urgency statute.
Image by Scharfsinn86OPINION – California recently withdrew its EPA waiver request for its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation in anticipation of the Trump administration’s opposition. However, CARB need not abandon ACF; the regulation could be reformed as a “feebate” incentive, which would circumvent federal preemption and could also have other advantages over an inflexible standard.
Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Photo courtesy of the California Assembly Democratic OfficeAs Assembly Majority Leader, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry guides her party’s legislative strategy, coordinates with committee chairs and helps ensure the efficient progression of bills. As chair of the bipartisan Legislative Women’s Caucus, she helps promote policies and budget priorities that improve the well-being of women, children and families.