At least 75 cities, counties, and public entities in California are considering cutting public pension benefits as well as raising the amount employees must contribute. Four localities, including San Francisco, will probably have pension-related ballot initiatives in November.

As California undergoes implementation of the federal health care reform legislation over the next four years, the experiences and challenges Massachusetts has faced in its implementation of its own state-run health care reform can serve as a helpful guide. 

There is one state industry that's thriving during the current economic downturn, prison labor. Though profit margins are down, California's inmate labor program remains one of the few solvent aspects of the state government. 

"People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?"  The year was 1992, and Rodney King spoke these words on live television to calm the angry mobs, which had been rioting for three days. They were outraged by the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department officers who faced criminal charges for brutally beating King on video.

According to the latest Rasmussen survey, 75% of Americans believe the lack of spending cuts is largely to blame for the punishing state budget crises.  On the other hand, 13% believe taxpayers' reluctance to pay higher taxes is the primary culprit, while 12% are undecided. 

Bookending the Fourth of July parade story in the latest edition of my local town weekly are two telling and (unfortunately) common stories – both dealing with budget problems.  On one side of the picture of Uncle Sam marching through downtown is the headline “Police station needs work".  On the other side, “Property, sales tax in decline”.