Less than one month away from California's first full top two runoff election under its new open primary system, the Golden State's new method for electing its lawmakers has created a drastically different political landscape in California as its proponents promised. For evidence, observers need to look no further than California's 2012 elections for the US House of Representatives where at least five incumbent partisans are facing serious competition.

The Public Policy Institute of California released a study on California's voters that concluded: voters are pessimistic and polarized. The most dramatic change in the electorate has been the sudden rise in percentage and number of independent voters and the overwhelming tendency of young voters (ages 18 - 34) to be more liberal on social issues like the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage.

Prop 37 would require labeling for most genetically engineered foods sold in California. Currently, 40-70% of food sold in California grocery stores has some GE ingredients.

Craft and Commerce is thriving. The nouveau-Boho eatery is situated in Little Italy on the ground floor of an unaesthetic condo building, blocks from a noisy train track. A prior restaurant concept quickly failed here. But soon after C&C took over, they expanded the space.

What’s the secret?

Did California's Open primary make a difference? No question it did. Ballotpedia has credited the reform for taking California from last in the nation with competitive races to first.