Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

iPad scandal latest in long line for L.A. Unified — but different

The abrupt decision Monday by Los Angeles Unified Superintendent John Deasy to suspend the district’s $1 billion iPad program after reports that he manipulated the decision that led to Apple winning the big contract is hugely juicy. The program already

Cartoon: Pension reform

John Seiler August 25, 2014

Fact-checking Tom Steyer on climate change

John Seiler August 23, 2014

I continue to contend that “climate change” is a meaningless phrase because the climate obviously changes. But how? To what effect? It’s like saying “baby change” about an infant. How? Is he well and growing? Is he ill? “Climate change”

Is Gov. Brown disinterested in pension reform?

Chris Reed August 20, 2014

Later today, the governing board of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System is expected to pass rules giving state employees 99 ways to spike their “pensionable pay.” Gov. Jerry Brown only objected to one of the 99 bonuses. This is

Covered CA premiums set to spike

Troy Anderson August 19, 2014

For some time, Obamacare critics have warned that health insurance premiums would skyrocket once the Affordable Care Act went into effect. Now they say the leap in premiums, as calculated by state Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, is just the

Cartoon: Militarization of police

John Seiler August 17, 2014

LAUSD system does not compute

John Seiler August 14, 2014

You’d think a state that’s still by far the center of the global computer industry could produce government computer systems that work right. They don’t. From the Daily News: Ditching Los Angeles Unified’s new computer system, school counselors in the

Feds abdicate on own rules for CA bullet train $

Chris Reed August 14, 2014

The Obama administration has given the state $3.5 billion in funds for its bullet train project. But the 2009 stimulus funds that were the source of most of the federal bequest came with lots of strings attached, as is common

Bill would allow liens for unpaid wage claims

Dave Roberts August 13, 2014

California labor law soon could become even more problematic for business. Assembly Bill 2416 is by Assemblyman Mark Stone, D-Monterey Bay. It would allow employees with unpaid-wage claims to file liens on the property of business owners. Stone said it would thwart “wage

LAPD’s big data covered up big mistakes

James Poulos August 13, 2014

At the leading edge of the “big data” trend, the Los Angeles Police Department has found itself in hot water. From underreported murders to misclassified assaults, a fresh spate of scandals has started to brew, just as Police Chief Charlie Beck was