As a state, California ranks 8th in per capita state and local taxation. Some politicians may counter that we are "only" 12th when our tax burden is measured as a percentage of personal income, but either way, we are running near the front of the pack in a 50 team league.  Read more >>

It is a poorly held secret that sitting legislators hate term limits more than anyone else. Once elected, these politicians feel a strong sense of entitlement to keep their seats in office. Sure, they will always couch their expressions in terms of "letting the voters decide" about whether they should be permitted to stay in office, but this ignores the fact that the very reason voters approved Proposition 140 back in 1990 was because they accurately perceived that the powers of incumbency -- and lack of rational district lines -- essentially shut the door to challengers.  Read more >>

It's hard to believe that in 1972 the median home price was $34,610. Today, a homeowner could scarcely remodel a closet for that amount as the median home price has increased to $550,000 -- while the $7,000 homeowners exemption has remained unchanged.  Read more >>

If you arrived at your office, shop or business and found the locks had been changed, several thoughts would pass through your mind. If you were an employee, you would wonder if this were a not-so-subtle message from your boss that your services were no longer needed. If it was your own business, you would wonder what son-of-a-bleep did this and, most importantly, how would you serve the customers or clients that depend on your services?  Read more >>

After the bill that would have criminalized spanking was withdrawn as part of Sacramento lawmakers' efforts to showcase their best behavior while their allies fire up an initiative campaign to extend term limits, many Californians thought they would be safe for a while from whacko legislation.  Read more >>