James Poulos, Author at CalWatchdog.com

Posts From James Poulos

James Poulos

Anti-vax referendum push falls short

The drive to restore California’s vaccination exemptions through the state referendum process has failed. At stake was Senate Bill 277, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown on a wave of concern that “herd immunity” among California children was compromised by a growing

Brown signs ironic “Made in America” bill

James Poulos October 2, 2015

Known for his propensity to veto legislation that strikes him as ill-conceived, Gov. Jerry Brown surprised some observers by signing a bill critics describe as authorizing an outright lie. Supporters said the new law, passed as Senate Bill 633, merely

CA regulators to punish VW

James Poulos October 2, 2015

Amid a broad crackdown on Volkswagen by federal authorities and state attorneys general, California officials moved to pursue the strictest penalties against the company, whose evasion of emissions regulations was revealed by a state Air Resources Board investigation. Manipulating tests Board chairwoman Mary Nichols,

CA regulators crack down on fuel carbon

James Poulos October 1, 2015

In the wake of a big legislative setback, Gov. Jerry Brown’s wish to use regulations to cut fuel emissions is swiftly coming true. This month, Democratic lawmakers couldn’t muster enough votes to slash gasoline use by half within 15 years. Now, the state Air

CA asset forfeiture reform fails

James Poulos September 30, 2015

After passing the state Senate overwhelmingly, California’s bipartisan attempt to reform asset forfeiture laws ran aground in the Assembly, victim of a powerful lobbying campaign conducted by law enforcement and its allies. Golden State cops teamed with prosecutors to sink the

McCarthy poised for House Speakership

James Poulos September 29, 2015

In a twist as sudden as it was unlikely, Republicans appear poised to make Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Though he could face opposition from the House’s conservative caucus, McCarthy’s reputation — and solid positioning

Chinese firm plans L.A.-to-Vegas train

James Poulos September 27, 2015

For bemused Californians, there’s another bullet train in town, thanks to the Chinese government. More specifically, credit — $100 million worth — goes to China Railway International USA, a venture spearheaded by Beijing’s national railroad, China Railway. The consortium has ponied up

Apple stokes buzz with DMV meeting

James Poulos September 25, 2015

California was poised to make automotive history again as Apple met with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. As the Golden State grapples with divisive choices over emissions regulations, electric and self-driving cars have emerged as the latest home-grown innovation with

CA Democrats push to ease voter registration

James Poulos September 24, 2015

California Democrats succeeded in sending Gov. Jerry Brown legislation that would substantially expand voter registration. The move teed up a significant advance toward one of the party’s longtime statewide and nationwide goals. As MSNBC noted, Democrats see themselves at a

Clinton crisis renews Brown buzz

James Poulos September 24, 2015

With doubts swirling around the Democrats’ leading candidates for president, speculation has returned that Gov. Jerry Brown could enter the race. Even some analysts skeptical than he will jump in have suggested that, under the circumstances, he nonetheless should do so.