Parched California, image by grafvisionOPINION – The fires that scorched Southern California last month were the opposite of a “natural” disaster. They were driven by the fossil fuels we burn around the clock.
Artist Asher Bingham. Photo courtesy of Megan Jamerson, KCRW 89.9 FM, Los AngelesAs people struggled to cope with the immense loss from the Los Angeles fires earlier, artists stepped into offer help, from teaching free classes to victims of the fire, drawing pictures of destroyed houses or just offering much-needed entertainment to give people a break from the devastation.
Image by California Conservation CorpsOPINION – Since its inception, the CCC has been the hidden gem in California’s natural resource work, providing an astounding 81 million hours of tree planting, fish habitat improvement, back country trail construction and maintenance, rural and urban park improvements and energy conservation – on top of critical emergency response on nearly every California natural disaster.
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.
Image by Toa55OPINION – California’s refusal to fairly compensate prison labor is an affront to our most basic principles of human dignity – one that now has direct consequences on hundreds of incarcerated firefighters.
Los Angeles, photo from Wikimedia commonsCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: While most political junkies have their eyes on DC in the wake of Donald Trump’s successful bid to return to the White House, we’re looking south, where Los Angeles voters delivered a seismic shift to the region’s politics, passing Measure G, which expands the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from five members to nine, and Charter Amendment DD, which creates an independent redistricting commission for the city.
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.
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.
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.
Real estate growth chart. Image by Mohammed Haneefa NizamudeenOPINION – It sounds crazy: The $12,000-a-month apartment. How can an average American afford to pay $12,000 per month for an apartment? But it’s really not as far-fetched as you may think.