Editorials
California budget delays costly
As California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger joined several other governors this week in asking for a slice of the federal bailout pie, he also declared a state fiscal emergency and called the Legislature into a special session.
Do legislators feel our pain?
Do they feel our pain? Not if we're talking about California legislators. In a year burdened with a huge state budget deficit, talk of laying off or furloughing state employees, pleas for a federal bailout and the possibility state vendors will be paid with IOUs, lawmakers doled out thousands of dollars in promotions and raises to their staffs.
Obama's picks have centrist look
During the presidential campaign, we kept hearing about Barack Obama's leftist leanings: His liberal voting record in the U.S. Senate, his past tendency to "pal around" with terrorists, his alleged plan to "redistribute" wealth and, of course, his seeming willingness to cede power and influence to the bullies of the world -- at the risk of national security.
College football needs a playoff
One of the satisfying things about football games is that a clear-cut winner almost always emerges from the field of play. Lobbyists, computers and money are not involved. But ever since a confederation of lawyers and corporate sponsors conspired to create college football's Bowl Championship Series, that has not been the case in the NCAA's top competitive division.
Parents: Butt out!
It's tough enough being a teen without petty, callous adults imposing their will inappropriately. We were reminded of that last week when an L.A. federal court jury convicted a Missouri mother in a landmark case related to a 2006 Internet hoax that drove a 13-year-old girl to suicide.
Improve mobile home safety
This month's fire in Sylmar reminded state legislators of the potential for devastation in mobile home parks. The fire ought to get local officials' attention as well.
Look around and be thankful
As we wind up this Thanksgiving weekend, The Californian's Opinion staff reflects on the many things around us we can be thankful for:
It's not just Junior's wish list
Today might very well be the day we learn whether the economy rebounds in 2009 or slides further into the abyss.
Thanksgiving in a time of unequaled strife
Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent American author, wrote letters to five U.S. presidents, asking each of them in turn -- Zachary Taylor, Millard Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln -- to establish a national "day of our annual Thanksgiving." It was Lincoln, whose nation was in the grip of a terrible and bloody Civil War, who finally agreed. Lincoln commissioned Secretary of State William Seward to write the Thanksgiving proclamation on his behalf. Following is the proclamation.
Charities need a break in these tough times
If times are tough for average Americans, how tough can they be for those who are in need, even under good circumstances?
A unique way for government to fight blight
The foreclosure crisis has created a glut of vacant homes around the country, many of which have become increasingly run-down because of vandalism or general neglect.
Obama may be a boon for high-speed rail
Supporters of California's high-speed rail plan got themselves a friend in the White House when Barack Obama was elected president Nov. 4.
Schools, city pooling their resources
The City of Bakersfield and the Kern High School District are on to something. With capital improvement dollars at a premium in these daunting financial times, but service demands steadily increasing by the year, the two struck a deal to share resources. Specifically, they'll become partners in a new public swimming pool.
Lowlife on the loose
He swaggered into the courtroom, showboating every step of the way.
Overhaul California's nurse license system
California's flawed nurse licensing system jeopardizes patients and health-care employers. It needs a prompt and thorough overhaul.
Join Californian's Sounding Board
Be part of the solution. Speak your mind. Join the Opinion section's Sounding Board. Help The Californian's editorial board develop its positions on community issues and concerns during 2009. Express your opinions through written contributions to the Opinion section and directly by e-mail to the Opinion section staff.
Seniors locked into 401(k) losses
It's bad enough that we are all seeing our retirement nest eggs eaten away by the current economic meltdown. But an IRS rule threatens to inflict more losses on older Americans.
Adjust system, not just bosses' salaries
A well-intentioned ordinance designed to exclude Kern County supervisors from setting their own salaries has caused an unintended problem that should be fixed.
Schools must cash tech check
It's a windfall for California public schools: a $250 million grant from Microsoft for new computers, software and training, part of a $1.1-billion class-action lawsuit settlement against the company.
Cost of smog high for California businesses, too
Smog takes a physical toll on the human body in many ways, most of them well documented.