PPIC's Publications RSS Feed

Immigrants in California

Tue, 7 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Stress Relief: Prescriptions for a Healthier Delta Ecosystem

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

California is at a critical juncture on policy for the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta. This report summarizes the results of a wide-ranging study of cost-effective ways to improve the health of the Delta ecosystem. It highlights the need for science-based, integrated management of the many sources of ecosystem stress. The report also recommends improvements to the highly fragmented system of oversight that now involves dozens of federal, state, and local agencies.

This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

Several companion reports contain related findings:

Aquatic Ecosystem Stressors in the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta (Mount et al. 2012) summarizes the science of Delta ecosystem stressors for a policymaking audience.

Costs of Ecosystem Management Actions for the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta (Medell�n-Azuara et al. 2013) assesses costs of water management actions.

Integrated Management of Delta Stressors: Institutional and Legal Options (Gray et al. 2013) lays out proposals for institutional reform of science, management, and regulation.

Scientist and Stakeholder Views on the Delta Ecosystem (Hanak et al. 2013) presents detailed results of the two surveys conducted by the report�s authors.

Where the Wild Things Aren�t: Making the Delta a Better Place for Native Species (Moyle et al. 2012) outlines a realistic long-term vision for achieving a healthier ecosystem.

Stress Relief: Prescriptions for a Healthier Delta Ecosystem, Summary

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Costs of Ecosystem Management Actions for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

Several companion reports contain related findings:

Aquatic Ecosystem Stressors in the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta (Mount et al. 2012) summarizes the science of Delta ecosystem stressors for a policymaking audience.

Integrated Management of Delta Stressors: Institutional and Legal Options (Gray et al. 2013) lays out proposals for institutional reform of science, management, and regulation.

Scientist and Stakeholder Views on the Delta Ecosystem (Hanak et al. 2013) presents detailed results of the two surveys conducted by the report�s authors.

Stress Relief: Prescriptions for a Healthier Delta Ecosystem (Hanak et al. 2013) summarizes the overall research project and the recommendations it generated.

Where the Wild Things Aren�t: Making the Delta a Better Place for Native Species (Moyle et al. 2012) outlines a realistic long-term vision for achieving a healthier ecosystem.

Scientist and Stakeholder Views on the Delta Ecosystem

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

There is broad scientific recognition that a wide range of ecosystem stressors are responsible for the declines in native fish populations in the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta. But science and policymaking have been at odds about the roles of different stressors and the potential of various management actions to improve ecosystem health. In the summer of 2012, PPIC conducted two confidential surveys on the impact of ecosystem stressors: one sought input from scientific experts and the other focused on stakeholders and policymakers. This report analyzes the results and examines the implications of both surveys.

This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

Several companion reports contain related findings:

Aquatic Ecosystem Stressors in the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta (Mount et al. 2012) summarizes the science of Delta ecosystem stressors for a policymaking audience.

Costs of Ecosystem Management Actions for the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta (Medell�n-Azuara et al. 2013) assesses costs of water management actions.

Integrated Management of Delta Stressors: Institutional and Legal Options (Gray et al. 2013) lays out proposals for institutional reform of science, management, and regulation.

Stress Relief: Prescriptions for a Healthier Delta Ecosystem (Hanak et al. 2013) summarizes the overall research project and the recommendations it generated.

Where the Wild Things Aren�t: Making the Delta a Better Place for Native Species (Moyle et al. 2012) outlines a realistic long-term vision for achieving a healthier ecosystem.

Integrated Management of Delta Stressors: Institutional and Legal Options

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Despite some recent progress, the current institutional landscape for regulation and management of stressors in the in the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta is highly fragmented. A modest but powerful set of institutional changes can help produce better environmental outcomes while containing management costs�which are likely to exceed several hundred million dollars annually. This report lays out proposals for institutional reform.

This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

Several companion reports contain related findings:

Aquatic Ecosystem Stressors in the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta (Mount et al. 2012) summarizes the science of Delta ecosystem stressors for a policymaking audience.

Costs of Ecosystem Management Actions for the Sacramento�San Joaquin Delta (Medell�n-Azuara et al. 2013) assesses costs of water management actions.

Scientist and Stakeholder Views on the Delta Ecosystem (Hanak et al. 2013) presents detailed results of the two surveys conducted by the report�s authors.

Stress Relief: Prescriptions for a Healthier Delta Ecosystem (Hanak et al. 2013) summarizes the overall research project and the recommendations it generated.

Where the Wild Things Aren�t: Making the Delta a Better Place for Native Species (Moyle et al. 2012) outlines a realistic long-term vision for achieving a healthier ecosystem.

College Readiness as a Graduation Requirement: An Assessment of San Diego�s Challenges

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Four large California school districts�Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Oakland�recently adopted ambitious new graduation standards designed to increase college readiness. Evidence from San Diego indicates a need for major interventions to help students succeed under the new policies. In conjunction with this report, the authors developed the a�g On Track Model, which can help districts identify middle-school students who will have difficulty completing the new requirements.

This research was supported with funding from the Donald Bren Foundation.

College Readiness as a Graduation Requirement: An Assessment of San Diego�s Challenges, Summary

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Education

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Some findings of the current survey:

A strong majority of Californians favor Governor Brown�s K�12 funding proposal, which would direct extra money to lower-income and English Learner students.
Most Californians believe that targeting funds in this way will improve the academic achievement of disadvantaged students.
An overwhelming majority also favor giving local school districts more flexibility over how state money is spent.

Job Approval Ratings:
Governor Brown [PDF]
California State Legislature [PDF]

Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings:
Governor Brown [XLS]
California State Legislature [XLS]

This survey was supported with funding from The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation, The Silver Giving Foundation, and the Stuart Foundation.

Californians' Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Marriage

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PDT

The Impact of Budget Cuts on California�s Community Colleges

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Student enrollment rates in California�s community colleges have dropped to a 20-year low in the wake of unprecedented cuts in state funding. Colleges have reduced staff, cut courses, and increased class sizes�all of which have led to declines in student access.

This research was supported with funding from the Donald Bren Foundation, the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, and The James Irvine Foundation.

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Some findings of the current survey:

The state water bond and high-speed rail system lack majority backing, but both would gain support if costs were reduced.
Californians remain supportive of the citizens� initiative, but they also favor procedural reforms.
Californians support both a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants and tougher border control.

Job Approval Ratings:
President Obama [PDF]
Governor Brown [PDF]
California State Legislature [PDF]
U.S. Congress [PDF]

Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings:
President Obama [XLS]
Governor Brown [XLS]
California State Legislature [XLS]
U.S. Congress [XLS]

Mood of Californians:
General Direction of Things in California [PDF]
Economic Outlook for California [PDF]

Time Trends for the Mood of Californians:
General Direction of Things in California [XLS]
Economic Outlook for California [XLS]

This survey was supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.

Undocumented Immigrants

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 PDT

California School District Revenue and Student Poverty: Moving Toward a Weighted Pupil Funding Formula

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Governor Brown has proposed a new funding system�known as a weighted pupil formula�that would direct more revenue to California school districts serving many economically disadvantaged students. This report examines the relationship between funding and student disadvantage and addresses questions about converting the current school finance system to a weighted pupil formula.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of The Silver Giving Foundation and the Stuart Foundation.

Rethinking the State-Local Relationship: Social Services

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 PDT

California lawmakers may soon consider realigning some of the state�s largest social safety net programs. Their deliberations are being driven in part by federal health care reform�which will reduce the number of uninsured residents and reshape the county-run health safety net. This report examines federal, state, and local relationships in the social services arena and outlines key issues for policymakers to consider.

Rethinking the State-Local Relationship: Health Care

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 PDT

The federal Affordable Care Act will transform California�s health care safety net. It could also affect California�s long-standing division of responsibilities between state and local governments. This report outlines key issues that state policymakers will need to consider as they grapple with the costs and opportunities of health care reform.

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Some findings of the current survey:

There is widespread support for Governor Brown�s budget proposal, including his plans to target education funding and pay down debt.
A record-high share of Californians say working illegal immigrants should be offered a path to legal status.
Two in three Californians support a nationwide ban on assault weapons.

Gun Regulation:
Guns in Homes [PDF]
Role of Government [PDF]
Assault Weapon Ban [PDF]
Worry About Shootings [PDF]

Job Approval Ratings:
President Obama [PDF]
Governor Brown [PDF]
California State Legislature [PDF]
U.S. Congress [PDF]
Senator Boxer [PDF]
Senator Feinstein [PDF]
Their Own State Legislators in the Assembly and Senate [PDF]
Their Own Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives [PDF]

Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings:
President Obama [XLS]
Governor Brown [XLS]
California State Legislature [XLS]
U.S. Congress [XLS]
Senator Boxer [XLS]
Senator Feinstein [XLS]
Their Own State Legislators in the Assembly and Senate [XLS]
Their Own Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives [XLS]

Mood of Californians:
General Direction of Things in California [PDF]
General Direction of Things in the United States [PDF]
Economic Outlook for California [PDF]

Time Trends for the Mood of Californians:
General Direction of Things in California [XLS]
General Direction of Things in the United States [XLS]
Economic Outlook for California [XLS]

This survey was supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.

California's State Budget: The Governor's Proposal

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 PDT

California Health Care: Planning for a Better Future

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 PDT

California is preparing to implement sweeping health care reform, even as it contends with fiscal distress and worsening health care coverage, cost, and quality problems.

This publication is part of a briefing kit that highlights our state�s most pressing long-term policy challenges in 10 key areas:

budget

climate change

corrections

economy

education

health care

housing

population

water

workforce

We gratefully acknowledge the support of PPIC�s Donor Circle and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

SURVEY Please take 3 minutes to tell us what you think of this publication.

California Corrections: Planning for a Better Future

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 PDT

California is pursuing historic changes to its adult corrections system. These changes will have a substantial impact at the state, county, and community levels.

This publication is part of a briefing kit that highlights our state�s most pressing long-term policy challenges in 10 key areas:

budget

climate change

corrections

economy

education

health care

housing

population

water

workforce

We gratefully acknowledge the support of PPIC�s Donor Circle and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

SURVEY Please take 3 minutes to tell us what you think of this publication.