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Rising electric rates spark CA fight

A new plan under consideration by the state Public Utilities Commission has Californians up in arms over the prospect of higher rates for less electricity usage. Dueling schemes “Under the current rules, homes served by Southern California Edison pay higher prices

Union grip on CA elections slips

James Poulos May 31, 2015

After a lengthy streak of outsized influence, California’s private-sector unions have suffered a string of electoral setbacks — shaking up the balance of power in Democratic circles and giving Republicans reason for cheer even when facing down defeat. A perfect storm Although

CA legislators revisit microbead ban

James Poulos May 30, 2015

After a near miss last year, a new push to ban so-called microbeads has gained momentum, clearing the California Assembly. The tiny plastic orbs, especially prevalent in cosmetics and personal care products, like facial scrubs, became the target of environmentalist scorn over recent

Ling Ling Chang announces bid for state Senate in 2016

John May 29, 2015

Assemblywoman Ling-Ling Chang, R-Diamond Bar, has announced her campaign to replace termed-out State Senator Bob Huff. Chang’s campaign for the 29th State Senate district sets up a showdown with former Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang for a seat that Democrats see as an

Bill raising sales tax cap passes CA Assembly

Dave Roberts May 29, 2015

Although Californians already pay some of the highest sales taxes in the nation, a bill that recently passed the Assembly paves the way for the sales tax to go even higher. Assembly Bill 464 increases to 3 percent (from the

CA follows NV lead on desert-style lawns

James Poulos May 29, 2015

Nevada, where lush lawns have largely become a thing of the past, has become a landscaping model for California. Buying brown Although it was once unthinkable for Nevadans to give up on green grass, a combination of incentives eventually succeeded in

CA Assembly passes fast food franchise regs

James Poulos May 28, 2015

As changing consumer tastes roil the fast food industry, the California Assembly passed a so-called “Franchise Bill of Rights” designed to transform the way franchisors like McDonald’s do business. Assembly Bill 525, introduced by Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, would make