With 1 million signatures in and several potential challengers, the recall drive against Gov. Gavin Newsom may be causing him to reconsider some of his more progressive policy positions. In his recently unveiled $4.5-billion stimulus program, he offered — get this — tax relief, not tax hikes. The so-called “Equitable Recovery for California Businesses and […]
In this time of New Year’s resolutions, here’s one for California: Stick to the basics. Unfortunately, our elected leadership believe that any problem needs a government solution. This mindset has caused California to lose focus away from important functions that are properly within the purview of government. Here’s a short list of matters that our […]
So why should Californians care about a runoff election for two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia occurring Jan. 5? The answer is simple. The outcome of that election will have major implications for national politics and that includes profound impacts on California. Unlike Las Vegas, what happens in Georgia will not stay in Georgia. It […]
“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” is the question posed by the Roman poet Juvenal from his “Satires.” It is literally translated as “Who will guard the guards themselves?” The quote has several variations including, “Who watches the watchers?” and “Who will watch the watchmen?” Our question is “Who fact-checks the fact-checkers?” As the name suggests, “fact-checking” […]
Huntington Beach was awarded the official title of “Surf City” by the U.S. Patent and Trade Office in 2006 based on its historical beach culture, music and active outdoor lifestyle. A great case could also be made to have the entirety of California designated as the “Serf State” based on its excessive taxation, burdensome regulations […]
A popular meme making the rounds shows a row of Porta-Potties engulfed in flames. Underneath is written, “If 2020 Were a Scented Candle.” No two ways about it, 2020 has been a very bad year for millions of Americans who have suffered from all the fallout associated with the pandemic. Many have been furloughed or […]
This column has previously described Prop. 19, which barely passed with 51 percent of the vote, as a steak laced with cyanide. It may look good, but you don’t want to eat it. While there are some benefits from expanding property tax “portability” to allow homeowners to transfer their Proposition 13 base-year value to anywhere […]
Although election results are not yet official, it is clear that Proposition 15, the $12 billion property tax hike also known as “split roll,” has failed. But, true to form, the proponents are not giving up their 42-year goal of destroying Proposition 13. Recall that the proponents – mostly public-sector labor interests – had huge […]
2020 was supposed to be the year – the year when Proposition 13’s enemies finally inflicted a near fatal wound on the iconic property tax reduction initiative adopted by voters more than 40 years ago. As of this writing it appears that they have come up short. Since 1978, tax-and-spend interests – mostly public sector […]
By now, nearly half of all Californians have already voted in the general election. But that means millions have not and many of them may still be confused about the myriad of choices they confront. This column is for those who may still be undecided on which propositions present the biggest threats to taxpayers and […]
