Aging at home, image by evrymmntOPINION – It’s been four years since Governor Newsom signed the executive order for the Master Plan for Aging (MPA) to ensure that all Californians can age well. Great progress has been made on achieving the MPA’s goals, but we’re still in the early stages of implementation.
DEI hands, image by New AfricaThe California Institute of Regenerative Medicine has strong requirements for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. But there is clinker in the CIRM effort – secrecy.
Sold sign in front of a house in a California residential neighborhood. (Photo: Sundry Photography, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Gov. Newsom recently signed 27 new bills to increase affordable housing supply and strengthen accountability for professionals who work in and around the real estate industry. Together, the suite of bills aims to bring transparency and accountability, including the creation of a new enforcement unit within state government.
A pipette and receptacles used in stem cell research. (Photo: CI Photos)The talk at the California stem cell agency this week was of ”boiling the ocean,” the meaning of “unlikely” and “DEI.” All of which involves how $5.5 billion in taxpayer dollars will be used over the next decade or so.
An illustration of California cities that will become part of redrawn political districts for the 2022 elections. (Image: jmrainbow, via Shutterstock)California’s decennial battle to redraw the state’s political boundaries has moved into uncharted territory, a casualty of the pandemic and unprecedented delays in the release of census data. The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced its data – the foundation of political map-making — will be released to all states this year by Sept. 30, a full six months later than the original release date.
Latinos taking the pledge of allegiance in Los Angeles. (Photo: Joseph Sohm, via Shutterstock)OPINION: 2020 has been anything but typical, and for Black communities and communities of color, this year has been especially tough. Yet, we remain hopeful and determined because this election is a golden opportunity to create a Golden State for all of us. With our collective efforts, 2020 could be the year where an electorate that reflects the diversity of our state shows up to be heard and counted.
The forest and fog of Humboldt County. (Photo: Ethan Daniels, via Shutterstock)OPINION: This week, Governor Newsom announced a first-in-the-nation pledge to protect 30% of the state’s land and water by 2030. This historic executive order will require significant conservation action from our leaders. Thankfully, numerous Members of Congress are currently working to pass legislation to protect critical public lands and waters across the state which would help California meet our new “30×30” target.
Youngsters in a California classroom. (Photo: Monkey Business Images, via Shutterstock)OPINION: The clock is ticking for our kids. Within a few weeks, The State Board of Education will determine many K-12 school accountability provisions in our education system for decades to come.