california insider opinion

In an insightful interview with renowned economist Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics, the conversation dives deep into California’s staggering $68 billion budget deficit in 2024. Thornberg’s analysis sheds light on the intricacies behind this financial shortfall, challenging common misconceptions about the state’s economy and fiscal health.

In a recent interview, Susan Shelley, a prominent California columnist and member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group, sheds light on a lesser-known consequence of recent legislation: the imposition of a new death tax on inherited properties in California. Here are the key points from Shelley’s insightful discussion:

California’s Controversial Electricity Bill: Charging by Income Raises Eyebrows

Michael Bornman, a retired captain from the LA County Sheriff’s Department, sheds light on the critical challenges at the intersection of crime, mental health, and law enforcement. Bornman’s insights highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach to address visible disorder and the evolving role of law enforcement.

Today episode: Oakland’s Housing Quandary: The Real-world Struggles of Property Owners in Oakland | Jonathan Madison

Former LA County Sheriff, Alex Villanueva, has sounded the alarm on a crisis gripping the county’s law enforcement. Eight suicides within a year, an unprecedented surge, raise concerns about workload and working conditions. Villanueva points to UnderSheriff Luna’s ineffective leadership, depleting resources as officers depart faster than new recruits can replace them.

“Based on what we found 55 out of 58 counties are right now upside down. We have close to $200 billion in unfunded or unrestricted net deficit. Yet the legislature and the governor are signing budgets without even having solid financial data on how their state is running.”