The Commission on Presidential Debates may soon lower the polling threshold to 10% for access to the stage. But don't be fooled. An independent will still be excluded. Here's why.

At its upcoming meeting, there is a good chance that the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) will respond to pressure from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), from groups like ours, and from the public -- and will change one of its criteria for access to the final 2016 debates.

It may be because I live on the east coast and not too far from the epicenter of his stay, but it appears as though the entire county is thrilled to host the pope on his six-day visit to the United States. And it is not only Catholics who appear to be excited, but non-Catholics and even atheists as well.

It’s safe to say the last thing Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom expected was that his 2013 book, Citizenville, would become the inspiration for a statewide contest that’s currently underway. It will hand out $25,000 prizes to California adults who come up with the most innovative ideas for combating underage drinking, showcasing the state’s environmental successes and improving state transportation.

Article II, Section 5(c) of the California Constitution says,

“The Legislature shall provide for partisan elections for presidential candidates, and political party and party central committees, including an open presidential primary.” (emphasis added)

However, if you visit the California secretary of state’s website, here’s what it says:

How are presidential primary elections conducted in California?

Last March, President Obama announced a comprehensive plan to bring high speed Internet to more Americans. Specifically, rural areas and low-income households. The Broadband Opportunity Council aims to bring faster Internet to the 75 million that are without a high speed connection in their homes.

At its core, politics is a matter of convincing other people that policy choices that conform to personal ideology best serves the public interest. Consciously or not, personal ideology is usually a surrogate for the public interest or general welfare. In other words, most people believe that their personal policy choices best serve the public interest.

America’s political news-makers are as responsible for perpetuating the hyper-partisan structure of contemporary politics as the politicians themselves.

As deeply divided as Americans are now on political issues, Bernie Sanders is having the unique effect of being even more polarizing to some voters while also attracting others who wouldn't normally touch someone so fiscally liberal. His populist message is resonating very strongly with people who are tired of a country where working people still struggle to make ends meet, but also with opponents of crony capitalism across the political spectrum.

Perhaps one of the least thought out and most tired observations made with respect to the Syrian refugees arriving in Europe is that they have smartphones and tablets. The implication being that if these people can afford to buy smartphones and tablets, they do not need the help of western nations to survive.

Unfortunately, this sentiment misunderstands the Syrian refugee crisis, and indeed all refugee crises, to an alarming degree.

NAPA VALLEY, CALIF. - The Napa County Board of Supervisors will vote on an upcoming proposal to decide whether or not political party central committees will have to reimburse county election offices for conducting their elections.

The vote was tentatively scheduled for September 22, and now has been postponed pending county counsel’s direction.