Posts Tagged: Contra Costa County

Justice reform: Policymakers must follow the path defined by voters

Illustration of an effort to assure the scales of justice are balanced. (Image: Lightspring, via Shutterstock)

by ANNE IRWIN posted 09.01.2022

OPINION: Two weeks ago, another attempt to recall Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón failed decisively, with proponents unable to muster support from even 10 percent of voters despite spending over $8 million on this latest effort. Like the June primary results, this failure reminds us that L.A. voters, like voters across California, continue to support meaningful justice reforms and candidates who embrace them.

Inside a Capitol fight over housing

Crowded housing on a San Francisco hillside. (Photo: Radislav Leyck)

by Nik Bonovich posted 10.26.2017

The housing crisis — “debacle” might be a better way of putting it — has no quick or easy solution.  For decades, housing production has not kept up with population growth in California, leaving Californians to struggle with soaring bills, longer commutes and more people living under one roof.

Ask Emily: Health and taxes

Tax form image via California Healthline

by EMILY BAZAR posted 02.24.2017

K.A. Curtis gave up her career in the nonprofit world in 2008 to care for her ailing parents in Fresno, which also meant giving up her income. She wasn’t able to afford health insurance as a result, and for each tax year since 2014, Curtis has applied for – and received – an exemption from Obamacare’s coverage requirement and the related tax penalty, she says