THE GRINCH THAT STOLE SEASONAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Good morning!

The holiday season is now in full swing, but San Francisco city councilors have long been playing the Grinch that stole seasonal job opportunities. So-called “Fair Workweek” legislation, which passed in the City by the Bay in 2014, placed a slew of scheduling restrictions on local businesses, penalizing them for making schedule changes within two weeks of shifts and requiring them to offer extra shifts to existing employees before hiring new ones. This regulation, which other cities such as Los Angeles have since pursued, deprives young jobseekers the rite of passage of earning early-career work experience over the holidays. Even existing employees often can’t pick up last-minute Christmas rush shifts that they depend on for some extra shopping money because employers are hesitant to offer them due to the associated penalty. No surprise: Uncovered emails reveal that local union and activist groups helped devise and write the legislation.

Throughout California unfunded pension liabilities — the difference between what governments owe their retired employees and the cash they have on hand – are growing fatter than Santa’s gift bag and decidedly less jolly. In the face of these ballooning obligations, municipalities often cut services and raise taxes to fund  retirement packages for government employees. The result is a disaster for taxpayers. As CPC fellow Edward Ring points out, hope is on the horizon. 

Last week, we learned that the California DMV is selling information to third parties. According to Vice News, revenue from data sales rose from $41.5 million in 2013 to nearly $52 million in 2018. The question that remains is how California’s DMV data-selling will be affected by the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which takes effect in four weeks.

On Monday, the Los Angeles Times reported that the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California representing unions is feuding with Governor Newsom. “The final straw for the trades came on Oct. 13, when Newsom vetoed three bills that would have increased the number of development projects paying union wages.” Newsom has been accused of vetoing the bills to curry favor with the California Building Industry Association. 

In the race to secure the Democratic nomination, presidential candidates are working hard to gain the support of unions nationwide. California, in particular, has been ground zero for many campaigns gunning for the 495 pledged delegates the state has to offer. Yet, as CPC contributor Larry Sand points out, when the candidates choose to side with groups like teachers unions, they choose to stand against parents seeking to give their children a better education.

If you’re looking to buy a house in California, you’ll likely have to make a six-figure down payment. Is it any wonder that many Californians (and politicians) are clamoring for more “affordable housing?” While the state government’s pursuit of such a policy may begin with good intentions, Ed Ring says the consequences are disastrous. In his analysis, Ed shows that  building “affordable housing” causes more harm than good for local communities. 

Finally, CPC president Will Swaim and board member (investor and author) David Bahnsen celebrate the 100th episode of their “National Review’s Radio Free California Podcast. This week, the pair cheer the simultaneity of two events — their 100th anniversary and the decline and fall and utter failure of Kamala Harris for President. They also consider the implications of Planned Parenthood’s victory over reporters in the “Baby Body Parts” trial, and discuss Victor Davis Hansen’s revisionist take on how Republicans lost California. Laugh, cry, rage against the machine — and listen to the Radio Free California Podcast right here.

Upcoming Events:

No Safe Spaces Premiere
Today, the free speech documentary No Safe Spaces opens nationwide. The film features Dennis Prager and Adam Carolla speaking with college students and faculty about university safe spaces and also covers the issue of the cancel culture plaguing universities. To find a theater near you, click here.

Conversation and Book Event with Ambassador Nikki Haley
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library host former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday, December 9 for a discussion about her new book, With All Due Respect: Defending America with Grit and Grace. Tickets are $89 per person and include a copy of her book. To register for this exciting event, click here.

New Year’s Eve at the Reagan Library 
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in 2020. Enjoy an elaborate night of celebration, extensive hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations, gourmet desserts, and a champagne toast at midnight with all of the party essentials-hats, horns, streamers, and more! General admission tickets are $155. To reserve your spot, click here.

The Role of Religion in Politics and the Role of Politics in Religion
The Pepperdine School of Public Policy hosts Rabbi Stu Halpern on Thursday, February 6 to discuss his new book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land: The Hebrew Bible in the United States. He will be joined by Pepperdine’s Wilfred McClay and Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik for a dynamic conversation on the role the Bible has, can and should play in the American public conversation. To register for this exciting event, click here.

Franklin and Washington: The Founding Partnership
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson will speak at the Commonwealth Club on Monday, February 10 and discuss his joint biography of our two most influential Founding Fathers. Tickets are $20 for non-members and will include a book-signing as well. For more information, and to register, click here.

If you have items for events anywhere in the state, please send them to me!

As always, if you’d like to join our movement to save California, we invite you to support us. Click here to donate to CPC.