Sacramento

The California Economy vs. Sacramento

sac-capital_CA.jpg

Over the past few years California’s plight has taken on mythic proportions — a cautionary tale of progressive woe among conservatives, but a beacon for a future enlightened capitalism among its woke supporters. The current battle over the potential recall of the preening governor, Gavin Newsom, likely will enhance these extreme interpretations on both sides, but likely will not be sufficient to make the changes needed to restore the state’s legendary promise.  read more »

SoCal Desalination Plant Inches Towards Approval

pier-at-oxnard-california.jpg

In a rare and commendable display of political courage and common sense, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been working to finally grant permits to construct a second major seawater desalination plant on the Southern California Coast.

But don’t count on this new water source just yet. Despite clearing major hurdles, self-described environmentalists and their allies in the media haven’t surrendered.  read more »

California and Urban Cores Dominate Overcrowded Housing

LosAngeles-aerial-crowded-housing.jpg

Concern about overcrowded housing has been heightened by its association with greater COVID-19 infection risk. As a disease transmitted by human proximity, exposure is increased by being in overcrowded and insufficiently ventilated spaces where sufficient social distancing is not possible. Exposure density for a person is intensified by the amount of time spent in such circumstances.  read more »

Peak Progressive?

tent-city-los-angeles.jpg

In the minds of most progressives, as well as some horrified conservatives, California is the harbinger of America’s future.  read more »

Governor Preen: Newsom's Woke Posturing Masks California's Dismal Economic Record

newsoms-ca-dismal-economics.jpg

If Hollywood were to cast a governor and future president, and if a straight white male were still politically acceptable, he would look like California’s Gavin Newsom. The 53-year-old governor, a former mayor of San Francisco, Newsom handsomely epitomizes the preening politics of the California elite class that has nurtured and financed his career from the beginning.  read more »

California and Its Contradictions: Rumblings of Realignment Beneath a Solid-Blue Surface

Gov_Gavin-Newsom.jpg

California remains deep blue, but the good news from this week’s elections is that it has not yet achieved complete ballot-box unanimity.  read more »

The Roots of California's Tattered Economy Were Planted Long Before the Coronavirus Arrived

los-angeles-skyline_dave-reichert.jpg

California is in far worse shape economically than the great majority of other states also struggling through the pandemic. COVID-19 may be the primary cause of our current distress, but the evolving structure of our economy has exacerbated this calamity. The worst part is our state leaders should have known this all along.  read more »

Newsom Vows to Fast Track Toward Germany's Failed Climate Goals

CA_Energy_Prices_vs_US_Average.png

Governor Newsom announced on Friday September 11th that he is about to take one giant step toward following Germany’s failed climate goals which should be a wake-up all for governments everywhere. Like Germany, California’s renewables are becoming an increasing share in intermittent electricity generation, but at a HIGH COST.  read more »

Blackouts and Fires: California's Summer Attractions

bolinas-ridge-fire.jpg

In the soft warmth of spring the swallows famously return to Capistrano, but in recent years they are followed by what seems inevitable summer power outages and fires. This is not as pleasant an experience for Californians as the return of our favored feathered companions.  read more »

California's Dysfunctional Electricity Policies May Lead to More Blackouts

ca-imports-most-energy-of-us-states.png

Since intermittent electricity from wind and solar cannot provide continuous uninterruptable electricity, the state continues to rely on the Southwest and Northwest states for its power, and continues to be proud of “leaking” emissions to other states electrical generation so California can claim in-state emission reductions to meet its insatiable electricity demands.  read more »