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CA fires could reshape pot landscape

As the smoke cleared from California’s wildfires, analysts agreed that the marijuana industry may never be the same. Legal, illegal and quasi-legal pot farms all faced an extraordinary risk from the blazes. And those which were wiped out were not expected

Finance Department urges CalPERS to reduce risk

Dave Roberts October 30, 2015

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System is considering reducing its investment risk with a plan that would be so ineffectual it could lead to a “rate shock” when the pension bills come due, according to the California Department of Finance.

CA sheriffs sue on L.A. gun magazine law

James Poulos October 29, 2015

With gun rights and regulations emerging as a hot-button issue in California politics, the city of Los Angeles has provoked a high-profile lawsuit against a recent prohibition on so-called high-capacity magazines. “This summer, the City Council banned possession of magazines that

Hillary Clinton moves to consolidate support of CA Dems

James Poulos October 28, 2015

Sensing an opportunity to shore up her base and fuel a resurgence, Hillary Clinton’s campaign has moved swiftly to consolidate support and spur new enthusiasm among friends and allies in California. Return visits An early November sweep through the Bay Area

Logistical woes mount for high-speed rail

James Poulos October 27, 2015

A new special report conducted by the Los Angeles Times has thrown very cold water on the California High Speed Rail Authority’s plans for bringing a bullet train to the Golden State. Through an in-depth investigation, the paper revealed embarrassing

Congressional conservatives clash with CA GOP

James Poulos October 27, 2015

In a broad turnabout, the fortunes of California Republicans in Congress have waned as conservatives on the Hill have gained the advantage. The shift, which began with Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., withdrawing abruptly from a race for Speaker he had seemed certain

CA infrastructure spending hits impasse

James Poulos October 26, 2015

With big infrastructure questions still unanswered, Gov. Jerry Brown has found himself at loggerheads with lawmakers in Sacramento. From water storage to road repair and beyond, legislators have not met Brown eye to eye, raising the prospect of a protracted conflict

L.A. homelessness draws federal attention

James Poulos October 23, 2015

Struggling to slow L.A.’s spike in homelessness, city leaders have booked an appointment with the federal government. “Secretary Julian Castro will be in Los Angeles on Tuesday to meet with Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Council members and county supervisors, HUD

Brown may seek new tax increases on 2016 ballot

James Poulos October 22, 2015

California lawmakers have left Gov. Jerry Brown in the lurch. That was Brown’s judgment of the Legislature’s performance, which has left his administration with substantial unfinished business heading into the election year. The consequence may be a fresh round of

Banks, firms not sold on bullet train

James Poulos October 22, 2015

As big banks hesitate to fund California’s high-speed rail project, Sacramento officials have turned back to state coffers to keep the effort going. In calculating the risk of loans that would likely exceed $35 billion, bankers want to see a