What politicians mean when they cry “socialism”

As soon as the Democrats in the House of Representatives, marshaled by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), passed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) by a bipartisan vote of 228–206 last night, Republicans began to say that the Democrats were ushering in “socialism.”

Population-Based Fire Planning

The combination of human-caused and natural fires kept the fuel-load low enough to prevent intensely hot fires from which the eco-system cannot recover. A simplistic model is that low temperature burns allow for a cycle of wildflowers, replaced by stump-sprouting brush, replaced by trees,

The Filibuster, Explained

Traditionally, the Senate filibuster was reserved for only the most controversial issues, but its use has escalated in recent years, often slowing business in the chamber to a halt. Some lawmakers acknowledge that the filibuster, which has effectively set a 60-vote supermajority requirement

Groundbreaking state budget passed by Governor and Legislature

The largest climate package in state history, Governor Newsom highlights over $15 billion in funding to tackle wildfire and drought challenges, build climate resilience in communities, promote sustainable agriculture and advance nation-leading climate agenda

Freedom to Vote Act

The team of Democratic senators working on a voting rights measure described as a bill “to expand Americans’ access to the ballot box and reduce the influence of big money in politics, and for other purposes.” The senators have called their effort the “Freedom to Vote Act.”

Construction of $3.5 trillion infrastructure package

Details of the $3.5 Trillion Infrastructure Package by Heather Cox Richardson This week, lawmakers will begin to construct the details of the $3.5 trillion infrastructure package they declared their intention to pass. On August 11, the Senate approved a budget...

Newsom Needs to Stay

Newsom Needs to Stay by Susan ChandlerChair, South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club You will soon (if not already) be receiving a ballot in your mail on which you will be asked to recall our Governor, Gavin Newsom.  VOTE NO! You may conclude that because California is a...

The Dog Caught the Car

In the light of day today, the political fallout from Texas’s anti-abortion S.B. 8 law and the Supreme Court’s acceptance of that law continues to become clear.

By 1:00 this afternoon, the Fox News Channel had mentioned the decision only in a 20-second news brief in the 5 am hour. In political terms, it seems the dog has caught the car.

Too Close to Home

As I write this narrative I remain indoors because the smoke level outside is too hazardous here in the foothills. This is our new reality.

Just Vote NO

Some of you may conclude that because California is a “blue” state you need not worry about this recall. Some of you may be satisfied with Newsom’s record as governor and feel no need to vote. Some of you may want Newsom out of office and feel this is the best way to get rid of him. You would be wrong on all of these points.

Conservancy invests $19 million in wildfire resilience

“The governor’s early action budget represents a strategic shift, investing funds directly into high-risk regions and putting communities in the driver seat to ensure projects not only reduce wildfire risk but also improve local economies and ecology,” said Deputy Secretary for Forest and Wildfire Resilience Jessica Morse. “The Sierra Nevada Conservancy is bringing a fast, thoughtful and community-based approach to help remarkable mountain communities not just survive fires but thrive.”