Opinion

Editorial: Are shootings by deputies being fully reviewed?

Published: 12:00 am

It may turn out to be merely a statistical blip that already this year, Sacramento County sheriff's deputies have fired at six suspects. That's more officer-involved shootings for the department than in any recent full year except 2009, when there were seven.

Editorial: State must expand access to food stamps

Published: 12:00 am

Since the Great Depression of the 1930s, Americans have had access to a basic safety net to see them through hard times, from food stamps to unemployment insurance.

Marriage equality gets Wall St. talk, not money

By Dan Morain, Senior editor - Updated: 9:44 am

As the 9th Circuit Court was striking down Proposition 8, the chairman of Goldman Sachs, probably the nation's most powerful investment bank, was taking an out-front stand in favor of same-sex marriage.

Viewpoints: CSUS must redefine the possible to thrive in tough budget era

By Alexander Gonzalez - Updated: 8:33 am

For generations, the California State University's funding model has been a reflection of growth – of population, the economy and enrollment. The state funds the CSU system, and in turn Sacramento State, based on the number of enrolled students. The students, in turn, close the rest of the cost gap by paying tuition.

Issue of the Week: City parking

Published: 12:00 am

Sacramento is considering a long-term lease of city-owned parking downtown to a private company to raise most of its upfront contribution to a new arena – between $120 million to $190 million, once debt is repaid. Thirteen companies have expressed interest. Among the key issues: How long would the lease be? How much would parking rates be allowed to rise? How would the city replace the $9 million a year the parking operation generates for its general fund? The City Council is to discuss the subject Tuesday.

Trudy Rubin: Why we should fear an Israeli strike on Iran

By Trudy Rubin - Updated: 8:32 am

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is refreshingly frank, sometimes stunningly so. He outdid himself on a trip to Europe last week, making headlines on two sensitive topics.

Editorial: Strip term limits from plan for strong mayor

Published: Tuesday, February 7 2012 - 12:00 am

To get a strong mayor plan on the ballot, Mayor Kevin Johnson is making concessions to remove any and all reasons for City Council members to object.

Editorial Notebook: Comcast stiffs fans of classic movies

By Ginger Rutland, Associate editor - Published: Tuesday, February 7 2012 - 12:00 am

I don't watch "Glee" or "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," "Kourtney & Kim Take New York" or "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," Atlanta or Dog Patch. I'm addicted to Turner Classic Movies, Hollywood fare mostly from the 1930s, '40s and '50s.

Capital Public Radio Commentaries

Trains, cars and pedestrians don't mix

The recent fatal smash-up between a Regional Transit Light Rail car and an SUV has some people talking about bigger and better safety gates. Commentator ginger Rutland thinks driver education might be a better solution.
[Text transcript]
Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012

The Swarm blog

Wire opinions

With friends like Egypt - 5:12 am
Nuclear saber-rattling - 5:12 am
Truly revolutionary: Arabs speaking well of Israel - 5:12 am
Payroll tax break shows the need for real reform of Social Security - 5:12 am
Refloating the housing market - 5:12 am
A timely, if unfortunate, Super Bowl halftime gesture - 5:12 am
Regarding U.S. drones - 5:12 am
Should the world bribe Ecuador to protect that country's rain forests? - 12:07 am

Letters to the Editor

Dan Morain

Marriage equality gets Wall St. talk, not money

By Dan Morain, Senior editor - Updated: 9:44 am

California Authors

California Authors Series: Going blind, I see more clearly

By Eva Rutland - Updated: Sunday, January 15 2012 - 10:50 am

The trouble with going blind is you begin not to see. No longer can you drive a car, browse through bookstores and libraries, or read a newspaper or the personal letter you don't want to share with anyone else. You can't see bridge cards, chess pieces, dust on the table, grease spots on your dress or lipstick on your husband's shirt.

Rex Babin Cartoons

Click to enlarge and comment

Head to Head

Head to Head: Are California's emission rules for new cars reasonable?

By Ben Boychuk and Pia Lopez - Updated: Thursday, February 2 2012 - 10:27 am

The California Air Resources Board last week approved sweeping new vehicle efficiency rules requiring, among other things, that 15 percent of cars sold in the Golden State by 2025 are "zero-emission vehicles," such as a plug-in electric.

The Conversation

The Conversation: New help for our wounded warriors

By Foon Rhee, Associate editor - Updated: Sunday, February 5 2012 - 9:34 am

This is Kelly Strong, a veteran of the Iraq War. His family is in a federal program aiding seriously injured vets who need daily help or supervision. It's a blessing – one that only post-9/11 veterans receive.

California Sketches

Full-sized gallery | Story archive

Joyce Terhaar

Public spotlight spurred action in Sacramento Public Library scandal

Sometimes what The Bee provides along with our watchdog investigations is a giant megaphone.

Editorial series

The Bee's editorial series on the sad state of our local parks

Reforming California

What should be the top priority in fixing California's system of governance?

Stuart Leavenworth

Alice Waters eyes Sacramento for next ‘edible schoolyard'

Alice Waters, one of the world's best-known chefs and an icon of the sustainable food movement, is making plans to bring one of her signature projects to Sacramento.

Regs Run Amok

Editorial Notebook: Separating good regs from bad isn't easy

The regulatory reform debate in California just got a little spicier – not a bad thing for a topic that can be rather bland.