Posts From James Poulos
Back to homepageAssisted suicide back from the dead
Physician-assisted suicide has returned to California’s political agenda. After years off the table, the issue gained new life in the wake of Brittany Maynard’s high-profile decision to end her life. Maynard, 29, an assisted-suicide activist living in Oregon, advertised her
Read MoreCA tests 4-year community college plan
On the heels of a high-profile presidential push for free community college, California has committed to an expansion program for the typically two-year schools. In what could be a model for advocates who support President Obama’s agenda for free community college
Read More1st and goal for NFL in L.A.
After years of speculation, planning, wrangling and setbacks, pro football is as close to returning to Los Angeles as it’s ever been. But even this late in the game, a touchdown is by no means assured for the NFL. Even
Read MoreClintons could influence Boxer successor
Through their political ups and downs, Bill and Hillary Clinton managed to steadily expand their network of professional and personal relationships. In addition to supplying them with a formidable base of loyalty and resources heading into 2016 and Hillary’s expected presidential
Read MoreRecreational pot’s hazy CA future
A majority of Californians now favors the legalization of marijuana — not just for medical purposes, but recreational use. The state’s voters legalized medical marijuana with Proposition 215 in 1996. But so far, the state has not followed Colorado, Alaska,
Read MoreCovered CA facing 2015 adjustments
After posting some of the biggest numbers in the Obamacare firmament, Covered California is putting the squeeze on Golden Staters. Amid concerns that bureaucratic and administrative rules will reverse initial gains, the statewide exchange is stressing the substantial increase in
Read MoreSacramento aims to police the police
After a politically punishing year for law enforcement departments from Los Angeles to New York, California legislators are riding the wave of controversy, drafting a spate of bills that would use the power of state government to assert more control over how police
Read MoreLAPD’s fresh push for higher pay
With a potentially damaging sense of timing, the Los Angeles Police Department has embarked on a fresh push for higher pay — enlisting the services of a public relations firm to help accomplish the goal. The LAPD hired the top-flight
Read MoreBoxer’s departure draws CA contenders
Sen. Barbara Boxer’s announcement last week she wouldn’t seek re-election in 2016 provided ambitious California Democrats a rare new opening for statewide office. With a number of well-known political figures contemplating a run to replace her, the future of the state Democratic
Read MoreBrown’s budget draws careful criticism
Fresh from his historic inauguration to a fourth term as governor, Jerry Brown unveiled his proposed 2015 budget with a Friday press conference that swiftly attracted reactions from Sacramento and beyond. All told, Brown envisions a general fund totaling $113.3 billion.
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