Posts in Special Reports
☆ Perspective: Why Laissez-faire homeschooling laws protect academic success

Jamie Heston (past Homeschool Association of California board member, “15 year veteran homeschooling expert” and consultant) explains the benefits of gov’t-hands-off homeschooling. While some call to constrict homeschool laws, Heston charges that they remain flexible in CA — to encourage rigorous out-of-the-box, individualized options. An Opp Now exclusive.

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☆ FUHSD board members: Community engagement essential

Soon-to-be-second-term Fremont Union High School District board members Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto (current president) and Rosa Kim (current VP) chat with Opp Now about cultivating board–constituent relationships — where both are informed and engaged with the other’s needs, platforms, and actions. An Opp Now exclusive.

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☆ Brian Holtz recommends diverse geolibertarian reads

SCC Libertarian Party Campaigns Committee chair Brian Holtz unpacks an array of impactful (geo)libertarian writings, which include Wes Benedict’s Introduction to the Libertarian Party. The latest in Opp Now’s favorite political book perspective series, in which contributors analyze texts they’ve found accessible, informative, and enriching. An Opp Now exclusive.

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☆ SCC Sheriff-elect eager for criminal justice reform

Sheriff-to-be Bob Jonsen chats with Opp Now about his top Dept priorities moving forward: care access and job-skill programs in local jails, recruitment/retention, and overall accountability to quash “this constant cloud of controversy.” An Opp Now exclusive.

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☆ Mark Hinkle: Atlas Shrugged and my brush with socialism

Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association president Mark Hinkle considers how Ayn Rand’s renowned “Atlas Shrugged” (albeit fictitious) echoes the terrifying realities of socialism — that he’s experienced firsthand. The latest installment in favorite political book analyses. An Opp Now exclusive.

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☆ Are school board campaigns too expensive?

Former Fremont Union High School District board candidate Andy Arness parses the financial barriers involved in running for school board. If putting a Candidate Statement in locals’ voting guides cost several thousand dollars (not to mention other campaign expenses), are competent candidates finding themselves unable to run? An Opp Now exclusive.

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☆ Local libertarian weighs in on school privatization option

Brian Holtz — SCC Libertarian Party Campaigns Committee chair and Purissima Hills Water District director in Los Altos Hills — speaks with Opportunity Now about how a completely community-run K-12 education system might operate. School privatization may be strengthening across other states, but local legislators still face accusations of advancing “right wing power” via free market education systems. An Opp Now exclusive.

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Special ReportsJax Oliver
☆ It wasn't about turnout: How Mahan won, a district by district analysis of mayoral race

Labor/left media and advocates continue to struggle to find reasons to explain Chavez' close loss to Mahan in the mayoral race. Only problem: their preferred narrative (low voter turnout in ESJ) isn't backed up by the district by district data. An Opp Now exclusive.

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Special ReportsJax Oliver
☆ Finding the elusive center: Oliverio's post-election analysis

A disappointing election for the local progressives, as Chavez loses a close one and Bien Doan prevails in D7. Labor/left is spinning all sorts of excuses, but are there any real structural conclusions to be drawn, or is it all just the efficacy of ground games? Planning Commissioner Pierluigi Oliverio discusses with Opp Now co-founder Christopher Escher. An Opp Now exclusive.

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Special ReportsJax Oliver
☆ Council candidate: Volunteer, support campaigns, run to protect local liberties

Alexander Kent ran for San Carlos City Council (7.2% of votes) to “offer an independent / devil’s advocate voice” free of purchased loyalties and mindless one-sided dogma. Post-election, Kent shares what he’s learned about how individuals defend a culture of responsibility at the local level. An Opp Now exclusive.

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Special ReportsJax Oliver
☆ California's "housing element": an over-faith in bureaucracy

Housing quotas (elements) set by the government, unsurprisingly, do not meet the housing needs of the consumer market. Scott Beyer of Market Urbanism Report takes a look at San Jose's Housing Element, and finds a case study in how incompetent gov't bureaucracy and over-regulation contribute mightily to our housing crisis. An Opp Now exclusive.

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Special ReportsJax Oliver
☆ Arguments against special district elections don't withstand scrutiny, city leaders say

With Matt Mahan (D10) and Sylvia Arenas (D8) moving on to new elected positions, the question of how to choose new councilmembers for those districts becomes urgent. Special election or appointment? Local leaders opt for special election. An Opp Now exclusive.

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Special ReportsJax Oliver