Looks like the ABC’s of our regional agencies all end up spelling MTC. If Prop 5 passes, Bay Areans can expect to see massive tax hikes to pay for BAHFA’s next multi-billion-dollar housing bond. But who runs BAHFA—and ABAG, for that matter? Marin Post’s Bob Silvestri argues that the MTC is truly calling the shots. Voters may have questions about this transportation agency, which stands to profit from billions in easy bond money.
Read MoreProp 5 will release a massive infusion of affordable housing bonds into local elections, like the Bay Area’s dead-but-not-forgotten RM4. Yet what does “affordable” mean? In his comprehensive post-mortem of that $20 billion boondoggle, Marin Post’s Bob Silvestri examines how BAHFA’s cure for housing is worse than the disease. Lower-income property owners end up paying to house high-income residents. Even vulnerable, fixed-income homeowners are forced to pay more taxes.
Read MoreLocal election "experts" recently framed their analysis of the upcoming election around a whopping piece of misinformation, falsely asserting: "Let's first talk about the Bay Area—of course, overwhelmingly Democratic." The truth: in Santa Clara County, there is no majority party. Allow us to hit "repeat" on our Opp Now exclusive article examining the same, from 3/24.
Read MoreA recent California law that targeted satirical “misinformation” around the election has recently been struck down as being unconstitutional. This bill would have resulted in any satirical messaging deemed deceptive (relating to the election) being banned. The court found that this was an infringement on the First Amendment. Nat'l Review reports.
Read MoreIn an exclusive Opp Now comment, SJ Housing Commissioner Roberta Moore joins the resounding local chorus of Proposition 5 criticism. Moore argues that—by lowering California's “infrastructure” bond approval requirement from two-thirds to 55%—Prop 5 makes it easier for gov't to spend more of our money on less essential projects.
Read MoreSo asked Elton John almost 20 years ago—and today, his question's being echoed by Bay Areans concerned about BATA's proposed toll hike to $10.50 (or $11.50 for folks not pre-registered or using FasTrak) by 2030. {BATA's rationale? Bridge maintenance.} If this all sounds familiar, says Contra Costa News, it should: via 2018's RM 3, we've already recently increased Bay Area tolls by a whopping 60%.
Read MoreMany voters are confused about initiatives that empower gov't tax-raising schemes (Prop 5) or gift $1 billion to a failing, shrinking SJ school district (Measure R)—and for good reason: in a decisive report, SCC's Civil Grand Jury observed (in 2022) that local ballot measures are regularly designed to “deceive” voters through feel-good, misleading, or straight manipulative language.
Read MorePerhaps a well-told story (or mural, like SF Post Office's “Indians by the Golden Gate,” above) is the best way to learn not just history's facts—but its struggles, nuances, and questions. In this Opp Now exclusive, history profs recommend books for better knowing and navigating life's currents: spanning from CA's indigenous peoples, to colonial Indian ethics, to a Nazi German town that still “puzzles” historians.
Read MoreThe LA Times’ Michael Lens discusses that CA’s biggest cities aren’t building housing fast enough to keep up with population increases. He suggests the solution lies in reforming local zoning laws (already commonly sidestepped by SJ developers) and building planning practices—starting with prioritizing more multifamily apartments.
Read MoreIn the excellent Free Press, Victor Davis Hansen explains why innovative communities like Silicon Valley's need more “Renaissance People.” The Renaissance person (or “polymath”) engages thoughtfully with a variety of disciplines, and is better equipped than narrow specialists to lead and combat gov't overreach. Hansen's comments, below, echo Bay Area school leaders' rising criticisms of today's "compartmentalized" education system.
Read MoreSan Francisco's now-infamous Dream Keeper Initiative looked the other way when contracted nonprofits bought first-class flights, luxury meals, and (yep) concert tickets on the City's dime. Today, SF Chron dives into the initiative's former leader Sheryl Davis—who paid herself $11,000 to produce an interview podcast linking to her personal website (which advertised her children's book).
Read MoreSupe Ellenberg recently slapped Prop 36 (reinstating felony charges for repeat theft/drug crimes and mandating drug treatment for certain offenders) with labels “draconian, expensive, and misleading.” Below, Tom Wolf—founder of Recovery Education Coalition—and Greg Totten—CEO of CA District Attorneys Ass'n—daylight the misinformation in her strange accusations, and why they believe Prop 36 will restore safety to the Bay. An Opp Now exclusive.
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