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Expert says drought did not cause Napa quake
Natural disasters predictably bring up speculation about causes. On radio shows, callers have been wondering whether the ongoing drought or fracking caused the 6.0 Richter scale South Napa Earthquake on Aug. 24. It’s true that, just before the quake, scientists reported that a
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Mexico moves toward free-market oil
After its 1994 peso crisis, Mexico could have chosen more socialism — or move toward capitalism. It chose the latter and has been one of the world’s growth success stories ever since. Tax rates actually are lower than in El Norte (although
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Brown hits CalPERS on pension spiking
A bad month for CalPERS has gotten worse. On the heels of unfavorable news surrounding its investment strategy and leadership, the California Public Employee Retirement System provoked the wrath of Gov. Jerry Brown, who heaped scorn on its latest “pension spiking” plan. “Today
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Kiplinger: CA taxes highest — and state hostile to retirees, too
Over the years, when I’ve reported that the nation’s CEOs continue to rank California as the most anti-business state in the country, I’ve gotten some blowback in emails and comments that question whether the ranking was manipulated. This is goofy
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Dems stop bills to ease gas price hike
Perhaps the last chance to head off a California gasoline price hike that could exceed 50 cents per gallon by 2020 just was defeated on the state Senate floor. Sen. Andy Vidak, R-Hanford, offered amendments to a bill, AB2492,
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Farm workers protest CA labor bureaucrats
Gerawan’s oppressed workers are protesting today. For a year we have reported on the farm workers for Gerawan putting up with high-handedness, bureaucratic delay and abuse by state labor officials. The workers entered into a contract with the United Farm Workers 20 years
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Bill would push unionizing franchise workers
The franchise market in California, a keystone of small business in the state, soon could change radically. The California Legislature last Thursday sent a bill to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk that would effectively supersede the contractual agreements between California-based
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MADD angry at ridesharing regulations
Does ridesharing cut down on drunk driving? Mothers Against Drunk Driving says yes. MADD has entered California’s heated debate over new regulations of the state’s burgeoning ridesharing industry, arguing that the service cuts down on drunk driving. The national group, which combats drunk driving
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iPad scandal latest in long line for L.A. Unified — but different
The abrupt decision Monday by Los Angeles Unified Superintendent John Deasy to suspend the district’s $1 billion iPad program after reports that he manipulated the decision that led to Apple winning the big contract is hugely juicy. The program already
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Arrested for DUI, Sen. Hueso voted to ban beach booze
It could be a case of, “Do as I say, not as I do.” State Senator Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of drinking and driving. He reportedly spent the night drinking wine and tequila in the State Capitol
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