California economy

Grizzly Bear Project seeks property tax increases

There could be a property tax increase in your future — if the Grizzly Bear Project gets its way. Project head Anthony York is a veteran reporter who has “covered California politics for close to 20 years. Before launching the

Despite strong profits, Farmer Bros. gives up on CA

Chris Reed February 8, 2015

A highly profitable coffee distribution and production company with deep roots in Los Angeles County and a national clientele is closing its primary Los Angeles facility and preparing to move to Texas or one of several states promising lower taxes,

The unexpected check on an Indian casino free-for-all

Chris Reed February 7, 2015

When state voters approved Proposition 1A in 2000 — the measure paving the way for the broad expansion of Indian casinos in California — opponents warned that once casinos were a big money generator, there would be a free-for-all driven

CA spends more than other states

John Seiler February 5, 2015

How does California government spending, state and local, compare to that of other states? On average, it’s more. That’s according to a new study by the U.S. Census Bureau, “State Government Finances Summary: 2013. Economy-Wide Statistics Briefs: Public Sector.” According to

AZ not CA nabs giant new Apple center

John Seiler February 2, 2015

As noted in my article today, “CA tech juggernaut jumps above rest of state,” the Silicon Valley wizards are doing well — even as manufacturing jobs have been halved since 1990. This is emphasized by a new development: Apple is

CA Dems also splitting on social-services spending

John Seiler January 31, 2015

As noted in a previous blog, “CA Dem vs CA Dem on taxes,” California’s virtual one-party state is developing fissures. One is over taxes. Another is over spending on social programs. New Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los

Fracking with no freshwater — or water — increasingly common

Chris Reed January 29, 2015

The next great environmental fight in California is likely to be over hydraulic fracturing, the energy extraction process that uses underground water cannons to blast away rock and reach oil and natural gas reserves. Gov. Jerry Brown appears ready to

CA road use tax could morph into social engineering experiment

Chris Reed January 28, 2015

The prospect that Californians will face a new state levy is certain to cause grousing and considerable comment. But a proposal that is increasingly making waves has far-reaching implications and possibilities that have yet to be acknowledged. This is from

State of the Union won’t help shrinking CA middle class

John Seiler January 20, 2015

California is a place where middle-class jobs are vanishing faster than a politician’s word of honor. But it’s not surprising President Obama discussed this problem in last night’s State of the Union Address. His solution has three parts: 1. Raise

Food stamps up in CA, down in Kansas

John Seiler January 19, 2015

Despite the economic recovery, poverty is increasing in California. It’s one of the few states to see an increase in the use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.