How Did We Get Here?
A politician, a pastor, a PR exec, a psychologist and a professor try to get at the root of the ugly discourse in our country
The drivers of divisiveness were decades in the making. From the 1950s to 1980s, the “Big Three” networks of ABC, NBC and CBS created a sort of monoculture — a shared set of TV shows, water cooler talk and facts that society could agree on. Today, the news media is fractured, and we can’t even agree on the facts.
What’s Holding Up Valley Rail?
The need and the plan are there, but bureaucracy once again slows progress
The project has been caught in spiraling delays, and launch dates have been pushed back to 2030. The San Jose Regional Rail Commission broke ground on just one of the half dozen proposed new stations as of late summer 2024.
Sponsored
FRIENDS OF SACRAMENTO ARTS
ARTS EVERY DAY FOR EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SCHOOL
Friends of Sacramento Arts (FOSA), a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to ensure equitable access to comprehensive arts education in the Sacramento region’s public PK-12 schools.
Legendary Trial Lawyer Joe Genshlea Still Lives 2 Blocks From the Land Park Home Where He Grew Up
At 86, the star of 3 one-man shows is still writing and fulminating
For years, Joe Genshlea has been known as one of the best trial lawyers in California. Regularly lionized as such by his peers — including his being voted into the state’s Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame in a ceremony presided over by California Supreme Court Associate Justice Ming W. Chin — Genshlea’s reputation could give you the impression he’s a fiery, hellfire-and-brimstone orator.
The Way We Work: Harjinder K. Shergill-Chima
A glimpse into the daily life of the director of the California State Lottery
Under Director Harjinder K. Shergill-Chima’s watch, the lottery (which is self-funded) has an “unheard of” administrative budget that’s just 4 percent of revenue.
Campaigning Through Cancer
Former Folsom mayor and restaurateur Rosario Rodriguez to add Sacramento County Supervisor to her titles in January
As she was simultaneously running Sutter Street Taqueria (which she founded), serving as mayor on the Folsom City Council and running for the 4th district supervisor seat she won outright in the March 2024 primary, Rosario Rodriguez was being treated for Stage 1 breast cancer, which had been diagnosed in November 2023.
California Seeks Biden Administration Approval for Controversial Diesel Truck Ban
CalMatters: California’s top air quality regulator urged the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency to “immediately” approve the state’s regulation phasing out diesel trucks.
What Does a California Lobbyist Do?
Often referred to as the third house of the state legislature, lobbyists spend long days advocating for their clients
California is one of only 10 states that has a full-time professional legislature, and last year, companies and industries spent a record high $480 million on lobbying efforts in the state.
OPINION: Do We Need a Retirement Age Reset?
Is a retirement age of 65, which BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink wrote recently, “originated during the Ottoman Empire,” still relevant? Financial advisor and news contributor Kelly Brothers weighs in.
The Way We Work: Caroline Beteta
A glimpse into the daily life of the CEO of Visit California
On paper it’s a dream job of nonstop travel, but the reality is that most days she’s stuck in her office until 7 p.m. Thankfully she has a secret weapon: white space.