☆ A few of our favorite things: Opp Now contributors recall 2023's impactful reads/watches (1/5)

Image by Wikimedia Commons

As we give 2023 the door and make way for '24, Opp Now asked local political commentators and officeholders/candidates to break down the books (or articles, films, podcasts—you name it) that stood out to them this year. Media that inspired them. That challenged them, that expanded and, well, maybe even changed their thinking. Below, Opp Now's first installment features exclusive responses from Pierluigi Oliverio, Rich Crowley, and Marc Joffe.

Pierluigi Oliverio, San Jose planning commissioner:

The “Real Time with Bill Maher” show has been a welcomed breath of fresh air as he eloquently and comedically calls out the absurdity and contradictions in politics in Washington and Sacramento. His critiques spare no one on the political spectrum and provide thoughtful-provoking discussion to free-thinking people.

Rich Crowley, Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility vice president:

Actually, the most highly impactful event I experienced in 2023 was our 55th wedding anniversary trip to Boston and the Fall Foliage Tour of New England that followed. With all the tense back-and-forth of local, state, and National events, this trip gave my wife and me the ability to unwind and relax among the beautiful landscapes of these scarcely populated parts of our nation. Upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and even Martha’s Vineyard provided the setting for the perfect tour while we enjoyed great American History and fantastic sea food along the way. We returned re-energized with a new view of the fabulous country we call home!

Marc Joffe, Cato Institute policy analyst:

I find California Insider on YouTube to be quite valuable (full disclosure—I have been a guest on this show). Siyamak brings on guests from a variety of perspectives and conducts a polite, in-depth discussion with them. This is a good way to learn about a variety of California policy issues.

Related:

• Pat Waite kicks off Opp Now’s favorite political book series

• Pierluigi Oliverio and Larry Sand continue Opp Now’s favorite political book series

• Poetry: Revolution happens in the most unexpected places

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Opp Now enthusiastically welcomes smart, thoughtful, fair-minded, well-written comments from our readers. But be advised: we have zero interest in posting rants, ad hominems, poorly-argued screeds, transparently partisan yack, or the hateful name-calling often seen on other local websites. So if you've got a great idea that will add to the conversation, please send it in. If you're trolling or shilling for a candidate or initiative, forget it.