Report California’s Political Reforms: A Brief History By Eric McGhee Apr 30, 2015 How does political reform happen in California? This report explores the dynamics that led to recent redistricting and primary system overhauls. It finds that the keys to success or failure are the coalitions policymakers build—and the tools they can use to fight or promote reform. This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare Jun 1, 2002 This is the twenty-sixth PPIC Statewide Survey and the third in a new series that will focus on population growth, land use, and the environment. The current survey focuses in particular on public perceptions, individual actions, and policy preferences relating to environmental issues. Some findings of the current survey: Most residents believe little progress has been made in solving environmental problems over the past twenty years, and they are pessimistic about improvements in the future: 78% believe there has been only some or hardly any progress since the early 1980s, and 79% have only some or hardly any optimism that environmental problems will be under control 20 years from now. Nearly half of all adult Californians (49%) have little or no confidence in government to understand and solve today's environmental problems. A solid majority (62%) believe that there is enough evidence that global climate change is real and that some action is warranted. 59% say policymakers should not allow more oil drilling off the California coast, even if this means higher gasoline prices for California drivers.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on the Environment By Mark Baldassare Jul 26, 2006 Some findings of the current survey Eight in 10 residents believe global warming will be a very (49%) or somewhat serious (30%) threat to California’s future economy and quality of life. Sixty-five percent of all adults and 70 percent of likely voters favor having the state make its own policies on global warming. The proposal to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 receives majority support from residents across all regions, racial/ethnic, and demographic groups. Seventy percent of all adults say they would seriously consider purchasing or leasing a hybrid vehicle, with 57 percent saying they would even if it were more costly. This is the 69th PPIC Statewide Survey and the fifth in a three-year series made possible with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Alyssa Dykman, Rachel Lawler Sep 16, 2020 Key findings from the current survey: A slim majority of likely voters support Proposition 15, which would change how commercial property is taxed. Well below half of likely voters support Proposition 16, which would repeal the state’s ban on affirmative action in the public sector. Joe Biden leads Donald Trump by a wide margin, with 60 percent of likely voters favoring Biden/Harris and 31 percent favoring Trump/Pence. Most Californians remain concerned about contracting COVID-19, but a slim majority believe the worst is behind us.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Alyssa Dykman, Rachel Lawler Jul 29, 2020 Key findings from the current survey: Most Californians support policies to address climate change, including laws to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Two-thirds say air pollution is a serious threat, with Latinos and African Americans most likely to say it is a health concern. Majorities oppose offshore drilling and favor protecting marine sanctuaries. In light of COVID-19, 74% support always wearing masks in public.
Report Interest Group Influence in the California Initiative Process By Elisabeth R. Gerber Nov 1, 1998 Perhaps the most dramatic change in the California political system over the past two decades has been the increasing use of the initiative process. Between 1976 and 1996, Californians voted on 106 statewide ballot initiatives. Spending on initiative campaigns has grown commensurately, peaking in 1996 at an all-time high of $140 million. Many observers argue that the initiative process has been captured by wealthy economic interests able to "buy" favorable initiative legislation. This background paper presents evidence to the contrary. Despite their vast monetary resources, economic interests are generally unable to enlist the sympathy of a sufficiently large number of people to pass new laws through the initiative process. Economic groups more often and more successfully use their resources to oppose ballot measures and thereby maintain the status quo.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Education By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Alyssa Dykman, Rachel Lawler Apr 22, 2020 Key findings from the current survey include many California parents see school closures for COVID-19 as somewhat of a problem and are concerned with providing productive learning at home. An overwhelming majority of parents approve of school districts’ handling of closures and Governor Newsom’s handling of K–12 education. As optimism wanes about the economy, views on school bonds are mixed.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, Deja Thomas Feb 22, 2024 Schiff, Porter, and Garvey lead in the top-two primary for the US Senate, while Trump is poised to capture all of California's delegates in the Republican presidential primary. Majorities see the situation at the US-Mexico border as a major problem.
Fact Sheet California’s New Electoral Reforms: The Fall Election By Eric McGhee, Daniel Krimm Nov 8, 2012
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Alyssa Dykman, Lunna Lopes Oct 24, 2018 Key findings from the current survey: Gavin Newsom remains ahead of John Cox in the governor’s race; Dianne Feinstein continues to lead Kevin de León in the race for US Senate. Two closely watched ballot initiatives—Prop 6, which would repeal recent gas tax increases, and Prop 10, which would expand local rent control authority—are trailing. A majority of likely voters favor the Democratic candidate in their US House district—and Democrats are more likely than Republicans to be enthusiastic about voting.
