Now more than ever.

From the Decisions Newsletter

This essay is Part 3 in a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.

In this third installment, we focus on what is meant by representation and whether the actions of local boards to fill vacancies truly honor that concept.

This essay is Part 2 in a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.

In this second installment, we focus on the right to vote by reviewing the 2005 and 2012 decisions to forgo elections, and the efforts of voters to guarantee their place in city democracy.

This essay is Part 1 in a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.

In this first installment, we examine the integrity of elections by reviewing the 1994 Council contest. In this race, a field of 16 candidates competed for three seats, and the Council majority sought to place its thumb on the scales leading up to Election Day.

This starts a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.

There is a valuable community interest in groups hosting debates for candidates.

There is a valuable community interest in groups endorsing and supporting candidates for these offices.

Trying to do both presents conflicts of interest and is disrespectful to the voting public. Here are ways we can change that.

In June 2022, the City of Thousand Oaks started the process of environmental review for the City’s General Plan update. This is the last of a three-part series of key topics for consideration.

In June 2022, the City of Thousand Oaks started the process of environmental review for the City’s General Plan update. This is the second of a three-part series of key topics for consideration.

In June 2022, the City of Thousand Oaks started the process of environmental review for the City’s General Plan update. This is the first of a three-part series of key topics for consideration.

This essay is adapted from the forthcoming book TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, detailing the political and self-governance history of Thousand Oaks.

A history of the acquisition and development of the East Side parcel next to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, including the recent proposal for a six-story, high-end residential complex.

This essay was written 10 years ago on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks; I publish it here again on the 20th anniversary.

To our fellow Thousand Oaks residents,

As former Planning Commissioners, we feel a strong connection to our amazing city and are concerned with the wholesale changes being contemplated for our General Plan today.

The city of Thousand Oaks is conducting a comprehensive review of its General Plan. The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) was formed in 2019 to help with this review and to offer advice for future City actions relating to the General Plan. I’m honored to serve on the GPAC and hope to share what I know from my experience in city governance to guide our recommendations.

This essay is adapted from the forthcoming book TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, detailing the political and self-governance history of Thousand Oaks.

You might think journalism and data science don’t really go together, but on that, I differ. Below are some thoughts on the topic and lessons we can draw from data science on how to make journalism better and more effective in these times.

With the increasing speed of information coming at us, how do we know what’s true and what’s not, or even worse – what’s fake?

Figuring out what’s true and false is tough, and then understanding what to do about it can be even tougher. But we should recognize one aspect between lies and the truth.