Government Performance & Accountability

Los Angeles County working to modernize voting machines
150 150 Ed Coghlan

A group called Verified Voting works to make sure that not only do people have the ability to vote but that it is properly counted when they do. They are currently working with Los Angeles on a widescale upgrade to voting technology.

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Video: Palo Alto continuing open data push for city government
150 150 Cheryl Getuiza

The city is using technology to create a more inclusive form of local government. Months after its launch, we wanted to find out how if citizens are answering the call to become more engaged.

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Video: Redistricting quirk leaves some unrepresented, others with two state senators
150 150 Alexandra Bjerg

A quirk resulting from the 2011 redistricting process has left nearly 4 million Californians without an elected representative in the state’s upper legislative chamber for the next two years, while others are temporarily represented by two state senators.

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CALPIRG transparency report raises broader questions on public access
150 150 Robb Korinke

Last week CALPIRG released a new report on Transparency in City Spending, evaluating transparency efforts in 30 of the nation’s most populous cities.

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The San Joaquin Valley’s response to the Governor’s budget
150 150 Niki Woodard

In effect, the sentiment can be surmised as one of pleasant surprise, somewhere along the lines of “wow, I’m sure glad I didn’t place a bet on that one.”

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New California Senate Bill 113 would encourage teen voter pre-registration
150 150 Alexandra Bjerg

The legislation, introduced by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), hopes to encourage teens applying for their learner’s permit or driver’s license at the DMV to pre-register to vote.

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Lakewood organization demands transparency, accountability from local elected leaders
150 150 Cheryl Getuiza

When we hear about citizens taking action, we want to share their efforts. The Lakewood Accountability Action Group is a nonprofit “holding elected officials accountable for their action or inaction.”

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California property tax gets low grade for transparency
150 150 Fred Silva

With all the talk about the property tax and who pays more, residential or commercial property, there is a more basic issue that is missed: Where does the money go?

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State of the State: Leading toward a more effective government
150 150 Bill Hauck

Today, Gov. Brown spoke of an improving California economy; indeed, it does seem that California is on the mend. He also pointedly spoke to what our state government should be, for which he must be congratulated.

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