Disorganization, city-county feuds impede California’s efforts to reduce homelessness

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/19 3:00A Cal Matters

By Dan Walters Over the last five years, the state government has spent some $24 billion to ameliorate homelessness, which, according to polls, is California’s most troublesome issue . Despite that immense financial commitment —and billions more...

Around Town: Opera on the Pier, LA Times Food Bowl & More!

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/19 3:00A Sean Besser

SUB HEAD: SMDP s Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Opera on the Pier, LA Times Food Bowl , International Coastal Cleanup Day, Future Sounds of Jazz Festival, and much more! Rosie O’Donnell Lunchtime Show at...

Summer shows winding down

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/19 3:00A Charles Andrews

LA PHILHARMONIC courtesy photo So don’t put off seeing these great ones. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: LA OPERA, MADAME BUTTERFLY – What a way to start the new season! With Korean soprano Karah Son in her signature role. And you can see it broadcast live...

Gavin Newsom can’t prove price gouging at the pump but wants new refinery law

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/18 3:00A Cal Matters

It’s time to blow the whistle on the farcical efforts of California’s politicians — especially Gov. Gavin Newsom — to reduce the state’s high gasoline prices. Newsom’s demand that the Legislature,...

There are prison rehabilitation success stories, Prop. 36 jeopardizes future ones

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/18 3:00A Cal Matters

In November, California voters will decide whether to reclassify certain theft and drug penalties and unwind a 2014 criminal justice reform, Proposition 47. Below, a formerly incarcerated Californian...

California needs Prop. 36 to help bring accountability to the fentanyl crisis

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/18 3:00A Cal Matters

In November, California voters will decide whether to reclassify certain theft and drug penalties and unwind a 2014 criminal justice reform, Proposition 47. Below, a formerly homeless man believes...

In Los Angeles County and San Francisco, government reform is on the ballot

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/3 3:00A Cal Matters

By Dan Walters In long-term impact, the most significant measure on California’s Nov. 5 ballot may be one that, if passed, would overhaul governance in Los Angeles County , home to a quarter of the state’s nearly 40 million residents. The...

California’s fast food workers got a $20 minimum wage, but is it working? It’s debatable

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/2 3:00A Cal Matters

By Dan Walters Every session of the California Legislature seems to produce at least one bill that generates high-octane political debate and media attention. As the 2023-24 session winds down this week, Senate Bill 1047 , which would impose rules...

California’s water workforce is aging. Promoting the next generation of workers is essential

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 9/2 3:00A Guest Author

By Travis Hinkle A career building and maintaining California’s water and wastewater treatment systems may be unglamorous, failing to spring to mind — at least it did for me — when young people contemplate their future careers. However, the state...

California’s Medi-Cal ballot measure creates winners and losers

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 8/31 3:00A Cal Matters

California voters will help settle a feud between Gov. Gavin Newsom and health care providers over how to spend the proceeds of a special tax on health insurance premiums. Below, a mother of a child...

Medi-Cal needs reliable funding and this ballot measure could make it happen

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 8/31 3:00A Cal Matters

California voters will help settle a feud between Gov. Gavin Newsom and health care providers over how to spend the proceeds of a special tax on health insurance premiums. Below, a community clinic founder argues that the measure will protect...

Needle distribution is harming children, I know because it harmed mine

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 8/30 3:00A Guest Author

This week, my family went on an evening walk. While on Lincoln Blvd, my 6 year old son tripped on a ridge in the sidewalk and grabbed onto a nearby planter box to steady himself. As soon as his hand...

September at the Market

Santa Monica Daily Press (Life) 8/29 3:00A Guest Author

Goodbye summer and hello Fall. Are you sad that all your summertime favorites will disappear? Good news. There’s still time to indulge in the very best summer has to offer. We anticipate a tremendous fall harvest season on the way, here at your...

As Kamala Harris ascends, Gavin Newsom’s political future is cloudy

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 8/28 3:00A Cal Matters

Last week, in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention that nominated Vice President Kamala Harris as a successor to President Joe Biden, California Gov. Gavin Newsom sat down for a podcast interview to discuss what had just happened....

Los Angeles County needs better representation, but adding more politicians is a tough sell

Santa Monica Daily Press (Opinion) 8/26 3:00A Guest Author

By Jim Newton Los Angeles voters will get a chance this fall to fundamentally restructure the way their government is organized, a rare opportunity to reconsider how communities are represented and services are delivered. They may blow it....