It’s a new year but we have the same old problems here inCalifornia. We cannot get distracted by more sensational stories in places like Venezuela or even Minnesota.

Many major U.S. cities have huge deficits. (We’re talking toyou, San Diego.) Overregulation and oppressive taxation will not solve this problem. Besides, our tax base in California is quickly disappearing.

Most people have heard that the oil refineries are leavingbut apparently Leprino Foods, which supplies mozzarella cheese to all the major pizza companies in the U.S., is also leaving the state.

No pun intended but maybe a double crisis - pizza and gas -will be what it takes to get Californians to vote differently.

Let’s make 2026 the year we paint California purple!

#GOP #RNC #DNC #independentvoters #democrats #republicans #nolabels #forwardparty #coalitionpurple @openprimariesorg#statespending #californiaeconomics

Attack mode has become the norm for everyday discourse, and this can create situations where even friends and family are unable to listen to each other. Since we are in the middle of the holiday zone between Thanksgiving and the New Year we want to focus on what the holidays are supposed to be about.

Thanksgiving should remind us of all the reasons we have tobe thankful, and the rest of the season should be about peace and kindness.

When we are with people who have forgotten this we can commit to being the oneswho bring joy to those around us.

We suggest one of two strategies for avoiding the status quothis holiday season. Instead of giving up alcohol for Dry December try taking a break from talking about politics. If that doesn’t work go to Plan B. When someone starts talking about divisive topics just state your views politely andengage respectfully with those who have opposing views.

We suspect most people just want to feel comfortable havinga conversation so you might be surprised at the results. And however things turn out you can be at peace and enjoy the holidays!

#GOP #RNC #DNC #independentvoters #democrats #republicans #nolabels #forwardparty #coalitionpurple @openprimariesorg #holidayconversations #civildiscource #politcalphilanthropy

Government hypocrisy has reached new heights in America. California legislators want to save democracy by ignoring voter-approved constitutional amendments that prevent politicians from redrawing congressional district lines. They don’t seem to understand that democracy does not exist if the California Constitution is meaningless.

Meanwhile politicians in Florida plan to end all vaccine mandates for children in the name of bodily autonomy. This seems a bit inconsistent with their views on abortion but maybe ideological consistency is not one of their values.

It’s important to reassess our values and to question “established” science but this must be done in a thoughtful way.

A “let’s break it and then fix it” approach is simply a recipe for disaster. We need more centrists in government who will bring reasonable approaches to problem solving. We are well overdue for a new political party that will commit to responsible governance.

#GOP #RNC #DNC #independentvoters #democrats #republicans #nolabels #forwardparty #coalitionpurple @openprimariesorg #redistrict #gerrymander #vaccines #publichealth