Whose State? Our State!

The central political question of the 2016 presidential race was inequality - of all kinds. But instead of the progressive populist working alongside us to create a utopia, we got a greed-mad demagogue who uses hate to whip up votes. Did you know that in February 2017, Richmond became the first city in the nation to call on Congress to initiate Trump impeachment hearings? Gayle…

#EveryNewHome: This Is What Climate Leadership Looks Like

I don’t know if you saw the big news last week, but California just became the first U.S. state requiring all new homes to include solar panels starting in 2020. This. Is. HUGE. There is no faster, easier and common sense way for Californians to reach our climate goal of 100% renewables than by solarizing every new home built across our state. At the same time, we can tax oil and…

It’s Time for Californians To Demand Medicare-For-All

Healthcare isn’t about policy and it isn’t about numbers. It is about giving medical attention to every citizen who needs it – regardless of whether they can afford to see a doctor, receive urgent treatment or pay for life-saving medication. That’s why when it comes to universal, single-payer, Medicare-for-All healthcare, there can be no compromise. Everyone in California deserves access…

Repeal the Costa-Hawkins Act – Make Rent Affordable to ALL

There are few things more important than having a roof over our heads. But as we know, California is in the grips of an affordable housing crisis like this state has never seen, with more and more working families, fixed-income seniors, and young people – our very own neighbors and friends – being priced out of our cities because they can’t afford the skyrocketing rents. There’s a reason for…

The California Progressive Alliance

What Do We Believe? We moved! Click here to visit our new CPA website!  The California Progressive Alliance (CPA) is a statewide independent volunteer network of progressive individuals, groups, and organizations united by our shared belief that a better California is possible by reclaiming our government from the corporate interests that have overshadowed the voice of the people.…

California Must Ban All Business with Wells Fargo

I was outraged to see Wells Fargo investors vote last week in their annual shareholder meeting to increase pay and compensation for the bank’s executives – despite the degree of fraud and scandal that has made Wells one of America’s most notorious, criminal corporations. While protesters rallied outside the shareholder meeting in Iowa, CEO Tim Sloan – who earns 291 times the average…

Celebrating May Day: Solidarity with working-class heroes everywhere

I was born on May 2nd in Chicago to a unionized carpenter and a homemaker and factory worker. My mother was in labor on that year's "Labor Day." I'm proud of my family and the city in which I was born. This year again, as my birthday rolls around, I will have a special moment of silence and solidarity thinking of the Martyrs of Chicago and of working-class heroes everywhere. We remember and…

Nader: Citizen-Mayor Gayle Roars through Richmond California

This article was originally published on Counterpunch, April 27, 2018.  By RALPH NADER Richmond, California—a city of 110,000 people, most of whom are minorities— is located on beautiful bays and coves next to San Francisco. Hovering over Richmond is the giant Chevron oil refinery. For decades, the city’s residents had to breathe air polluted by Chevron, endure the costs of Chevron’s…

The Endorsements Are Pouring In

With less than six weeks to go before the June 5 primary, we’re seeing a surge of endorsements for my candidacy for California Lt. Governor – proving that a growing number of people and organizations have confidence, like I do, that we can win! My campaign is now endorsed by Bernie Sanders’ Our Revolution national and over 30 state chapters – more than any candidate has received nationwide.…

‘Yes, I’m Running as a Socialist.’ Why Candidates Are Embracing the Label in 2018

By FARAH STOCKMAN This article was published in The New York Times on April 20, 2018.   HOUSTON — There was no question on primary night in Texas last month that Franklin Bynum would win the Democratic nomination to become a criminal court judge in Houston. The 34-year-old defense attorney had no challengers. But for his supporters who packed into a Mexican restaurant that evening,…