Citizens Initiative and Recall

Passing a major reform in Sacramento has the same odds as a novice knocking out the champ at a martial-arts competition. This is particularly true when it comes to reforming ballot-box budgeting. I’ve introduced eight measures on this topic over the...

An initiative that would simplify how Glendale transfers tens of millions of dollars from the city-owned utility to pay for general public services is officially going on the April ballot. City Hall officials say the changes, which the City Council...

We’re at that time in the political season where voters are getting hit at every turn with election advertising like being the target in a combat video game. It peaks every four years when elections coincide with presidential elections because...

It was a busy week at the state capitol as lawmakers scrambled to get bills to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk before recessing on Friday until January. One bill written by Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) that increases protection for public safety...

The California Supreme Court appeared inclined Tuesday to give sponsors of ballot initiatives the right to defend them in court, a key issue in the federal dispute over Proposition 8. During an hour of arguments, several state high court justices...

A bill that prohibits cities and counties from enacting bans on male circumcision is headed to Gov. Jerry Brown's desk after passing the state Assembly unanimously Tuesday. The Senate unanimously passed the measure last week. The legislation, written by...

The ongoing drama over Glendale’s elephant-themed float for the Tournament of Roses Parade continued on Tuesday, with the builder of the design calling criticism from animal rights activists unfair. Last week, People for the Ethical Treatment of...

The proposed California bullet train will undergo major design changes, involving more than half of the route that traverses the Central Valley, the authority building the system said Wednesday. The plan for building a 114-mile segment of the system...

State Sen. Carol Liu could do little to assuage fears about funding cuts during a recent address to local education officials, describing them as “heartbreaking.” She also warned of competing November ballot tax initiatives that could end up...

By spring, dogs and their owners will be able to enjoy off-leash play time together in Crescenta Valley Park. But the changes at the park required to make this possible came in at a price more than double the original estimate. Los Angeles County...

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) on Friday sought to allay concerns that a local aviation firm might be the target of Al Qaeda. Schiff said the FBI confirmed that Pasadena’s AeroVironment Inc., which makes the unmanned drone planes used by the U.S....

While reading the Sunday edition, I came across two articles about the proposed Americana at Brand expansion. One was a full-page ad saying that Glendale faces an $8-million deficit this year with threats to services like police, fire and parks. Then it...