![]() And other conferences are debating the problems as well.Ī well-known political reporter from Sacramento tells me he gets calls every few days from groups wanting him to speak to them … about you know what.Ī business group, the Bay Area Council, proposed a constitutional convention to revise California’s constitution, addressing problems that have plagued the state. These people were serious: they gave up a long weekend to debate government structure. ![]() MacNeil/Lehrer Productions produced a 400-person conference, “By the People: What’s Next California?” near Los Angeles this summer aimed at analyzing what’s wrong - and how to fix it. There are several books out on the crisis, including “California Crack Up: How Reform Broke the Golden State and How we can Fix it.” Hmmm There’s a class at the University of Southern California called “The Future of California” that asks the question: “Can California fix itself?” There are a lot of people who don’t think it can. The gridlock that engulfs Sacramento has lowered the esteem of politicians, and caused thousands of Californians to seek solutions on their own to fix their government: This is not good news for those who depend on state aid. ![]() So the governor cut money for schools, universities, health care, social services, parks and practically everything else the state is involved in. It takes a two-thirds vote in the legislature to raise taxes, and the Republicans (like their counterparts in Washington) would not vote for any such increase. Jerry Brown slashed and burned state services. Mostly, they are angry at their government, especially the legislature, which is so polarized it couldn’t agree on a budget until Gov. Yet, Californians are discontented, to the point of disgust. But Silicon Valley seems to be doing well, housing prices in San Francisco remain high, fancy restaurants are packed and tickets to “Richard III” with Kevin Spacey are going for up to $360 each - and are almost sold out. You would think the state is actually broken.
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