I spent about 20 years writing newspaper election endorsements – for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Sacramento Bee and, most recently, the Los Angeles Times.
It was time-consuming but meaningful work that helped generations of voters navigate the often-complicated and typically overcrowded California ballots. But as of last week, none of those once-robust newspapers has a functioning, standalone editorial board.
It’s a real loss, not just for the journalists who lost their jobs, but for the readers who appreciated the amount of work that went into the meticulously reported and tightly argued ballot recommendations, particularly the less-interesting propositions and candidates in local races. No matter whether you agreed with their ballot recommendations, readers knew that editorial pages were one of the few places they could get deeply reported arguments based on clear principles rather than emotion or self-interest.
I’m no longer part of an editorial board; I write under my own byline now. But I’m examining the Nov. 3 ballot measures in same methodical, critical way – interviewing representatives from both sides of a measure, subject experts and stakeholders, and immersing myself in relevant studies, policy papers and sometimes entire books.
I’m doing this so I can make wise choices on Nov. 3 and to share what I have learned with others. This election season, you will find independent assessments of all 14 state ballot measures by me or my Golden State colleague Paul Thornton – emphasis on “independent.” Our coverage and opinions are not for sale. We are journalists and ordinary Californians with no secret agenda.
That’s what makes Golden State valuable to you. But sadly, honest journalism is less lucrative than shilling for one side or the other. (Have you seen the kind of money special interest organizations, industry groups and wealthy people drop on ballot measures?)
That’s why we rely on support from readers who want the real scoop and not the misleading or incomplete soundbite version found in mailers or slick TV ads.
Here's how you can help
- If you’re already a free subscriber, consider upgrading to a paid subscription. It’s just $6 a month or $60 a year.
- If you’re a paid subscriber – thank you! – then consider giving someone you care about a gift subscription. They are on sale through Election Day for 50% off for 12 months, so buy more than one.
- Give a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation. Anything helps, but if you’re able to, please consider becoming one of our founding members with a $1,000 gift.
- And if you’re loaded, with cash or an abundance of time, and want to do more to support and shape Golden State, email me directly.
