California Keeps Repeating Its Own Election Lie

Spring Elections Aren’t Primaries. Let’s Stop Calling Them That

My fellow Californians, your government is lying to you. Without conscience or remorse. About two very important subjects: democracy and elections.

The lie is not new. It is 14 years old. And in our polarized era, it is a bipartisan falsehood—parroted by both political parties and defended by media of all types—including, perhaps, the newspaper or website where you are reading this column.

The lie is not hidden. The state uses your tax money to publish it in the voter guide and ballots it sends you.

So, what is this lie?

It’s that the …

Anti-Recidivism Coalition Executive Director Sam Lewis

On a Clear Night, the Stars Seem Like You Can Grab Them

Sam Lewis is the executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. He previously served as the director of Inside Programs where he created the Hope and Redemption Team, engaging formerly incarcerated staff to lead rehabilitative …

Root & Rebound Executive Director Carmen Garcia

We Don’t Exist Alone in the World

Carmen Garcia is the executive director of Root & Rebound. Before joining the Zócalo program “What Is a Good Job Now?” For the Formerly Incarcerated—supported by The James Irvine Foundation—Garcia …

Amity Foundation President and CEO Doug Bond

I’m Not a Big Dancer, but I’ll Dance for My Wife

Doug Bond is president and CEO of Amity Foundation, overseeing dozens of contracts including four residential campuses serving people with histories of criminal justice system involvement, addiction, and homelessness. Before …

The Road to Climate Hell Is Downhill—and Scenic

Death Valley’s Present Is a Window Into the Future

If the world really is going to hell, you should get your brakes checked. The ride is going to be very downhill.

I learned that lesson, among others, after my own …