The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) describes economic development as “the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized.” In a nutshell, it is what makes our world, our state, our cities, and our communities thrive… or...
Theft by Deception, Bribery, and Secret Societies
Theft by deception generally means the use of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another. This term came to mind while watching the results and associated mayhem of the 2020 presidential race. Listening to all of the rhetoric about red versus...
Does Size Matter to You?
My question of the day is does size and shape matter to you? When it comes to my body, I am very much so concerned with shape and size. When I look at myself in certain swimsuits, I look super wide, but when I see myself next to other people that are bigger than me,...
Outside the Kentucky Derby Gates
Every year, thousands of people travel to Churchill Downs to witness America's most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby. Also dubbed 'the Run for the Roses,' it is America's most exciting two minutes in sports as the actual race only lasts that long, even as the...
Black and Homeless in California
More than half of America’s homeless populations are Blacks, despite making up only 13% of the general population. We may have left slavery behind, but segregation practices and near-slavery policies continue to deny African American communities the rights to good...
Disappearing Middle Class in California
I remember the story of a family of five living in a beauty salon without running water because they had an income and an existing lease. According to the poverty and housing assistance criteria (as set by the federal government), the family was not 'homeless enough'...