Places Archive

Oct 24, 2009 | 0 Comments

Neiman Marcus deserves your support in Walnut Creek

Vote yes on Measure I.
by Don Blubaugh
For weeks, I have contemplated how best to write about the Walnut Creek flap over Neiman Marcus coming to town. I have a vested interest. I live here and worked hard during my tenure as city manager to help shape the future of Walnut Creek.
There are many avenues to [...]

Oct 20, 2009 | 0 Comments

Reform Fever!

In short, people are fed up.
by Clint Reilly
Before the progressive movement swept through California in the early 20th century, there was a growing sense throughout the state that Sacramento had ceased working for regular Californians.
Shackled by special interests and rife with corruption, the capitol had become a playground for corporate lobbyists who exerted unfettered control [...]

Sep 11, 2009 | 0 Comments

Politics as it should be

In praise of civility.
by Don Blubaugh
I was riveted to the television recently watching the events of Ted Kennedy’s death and all that followed leading to his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Three things struck me about the events. First was the outpouring of love from his family members. It is easy in the world of politics [...]

Jul 25, 2009 | 1 Comment

Newspapers Aren’t Dead

Technology is just changing the rules.
by Toby Brink
For the past few years, bloggers, TV reporters, industry analysts and even some newspaper people themselves have argued that daily newspapers are dead.
There are several reasons why this is not the case.
Those that predict newspapers’ demise cite dwindling subscription rates, dramatic cuts to editorial staff and coverage, and [...]

Jun 27, 2009 | 0 Comments

When is enough, enough?

It’s time to get involved and stop the violence in Oakland.
by Jayson Landeza

When I look at the some of the tragic events of this past month, I am struck by the increasing level of violence and depravity that we are witnessing in the East Bay.
On May 11, Iva Rene Lett, a 97-year-old resident of Oakland’s [...]

Jun 22, 2009

Well done, San Francisco

Every now and then, our city officials get something right. At first blush, San Francisco’s new police chief looks like a fantastic choice. George Gascón, a William Bratton protégé, will have his hands full with the City’s eclectic mix of problems. Let’s hope he can deliver.

Jun 20, 2009 | 0 Comments

Focus on triple bottom line is good business

America did not become a great nation by playing the victim.
by Toby Brink

Lately, news headlines have been dominated by discouraging economic news — the mortgage crisis, toxic assets, layoffs, scandals and the financial meltdown.
Yet America did not become a great nation by playing the victim. Challenging times bring opportunity. Americans always rise to the challenge.
Americans’ [...]

Jun 09, 2009 | 2 Comments

Constitutional convention needed to fix California

Desperate times call for drastic measures.
by Don Blubaugh
In May, voters soundly rejected efforts by the governor and Legislature to balance the state budget. The state is on shaking fiscal grounds. Voters no longer trust our state leaders.
How did we get here?
For years, Sacramento politicians have responded to various interest groups each wanting its piece of [...]

May 26, 2009 | 0 Comments

California is about to take local money, again

The Prop 13 hangover never ends.
By Don Blubaugh
IN 1978, WHEN voters approved Proposition 13 they set in motion intended and unintended consequences. What was intended was a reduction in property taxes that were climbing rapidly because of the inflationary spiral on housing values. Voters approved the measure and property taxes were slashed by 57 percent. [...]

May 04, 2009 | 3 Comments

To Create Jobs, Incubate Businesses

There’s more to economic stimulation than bricks and mortar.
by Toby Brink
The federal government has recently invested nearly $800 billion to stimulate the economy. “Shovel-ready” projects are suddenly all the rage.
There is no doubt that infrastructure investment is important to our quality of life and to our global economic competitiveness. But is a massive investment in [...]