Report Do Local Realignment Policies Affect Recidivism in California? By Mia Bird, Ryken Grattet Aug 20, 2014 In the aftermath of California’s corrections realignment, recidivism patterns did not change dramatically among offenders released from state prison to county supervision. But early evidence suggests that offenders did better if they were released to counties that emphasized reentry services rather than traditional law enforcement.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey of Los Angeles By Mark Baldassare Mar 16, 2005 Some findings of the current survey Los Angeles residents are stunningly unhappy with some key indicators of quality of life: Large majorities say traffic congestion on freeways and major roads (74%) and the availability of affordable housing (64%) are big problems in the county today, up markedly from just two years ago (67% traffic, 54%affordable housing). Assessments of police protection and the quality of parks, beaches, and recreation facilities have fallen considerably from the ratings given only one year ago. In addition, only one-third of county residents give excellent or good ratings to the condition of streets and roads (32% today, 51% in 2004) and public schools (36% today, 43% in 2004). County residents are more likely to believe that the county will be a worse place to live in twenty years (37%) than a better place (24%). Only 28% of the likely voters in the city of Los Angeles say that they trust their city government to do what is right just about always or most of the time. Crime and gangs remain the top issue concerning county residents (21%), followed by education (17%), and traffic (10%). One-third of county residents hope to leave Los Angeles County in the next five years. This survey – the third in an annual series of PPIC surveys of Los Angeles County – is a special edition of the PPIC Statewide Survey, which periodically includes regional and special-theme surveys. The intent of this survey is to provide an objective, in-depth profile of the public opinions, policy preferences, and economic, social, and political trends in Los Angeles County – the most populous county in the nation.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process By Mark Baldassare Nov 30, 2005 Some findings of the current survey: Voters Are Angry 60% of California voters considered the special election a bad idea. 68% said things in California are generally going in the wrong direction. Only 17% of special election voters think they can trust elected officials to do what is right always or most the time. 78% of the special election voters think that the state government is run by a few big interests rather than for the benefit of all of the people. Majorities disapprove of the governor’s performance in office (56%) and the job performance of the state legislature as well (66%). An overwhelming majority (76%) disapprove of the way that the two branches of government are working together in making public policy. Voters support the idea of limiting initiatives to November general ballots (53%), requiring the governor to have the approval of the legislature before calling special elections on initiatives (54%), increasing public disclosure of funding sources for initiative campaigns and signature-gathering efforts (85%), and requiring televised debates on initiative measures (77%). This is the 61st PPIC Statewide Survey and the fourth in a series of surveys focusing on Californians and the initiative process, as well as state and national issues. This special survey series is funded by The James Irvine Foundation.
Report Obesity Among California Adults: Racial and Ethnic Differences By Helen Lee Sep 28, 2006 The prevalence of obesity has risen markedly in California over the past decade, paralleling nationwide trends. The costs and consequences associated with excess weight have led some researchers to argue that obesity now constitutes a greater public health threat than other leading health risks, such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. This study offers a detailed examination of obesity in California, paying particular attention to racial and ethnic differences. In addition, it explores how both individual characteristics and neighborhood environments relate to obesity risk. Finally, it considers the effectiveness of a variety of obesity prevention efforts and interventions.
Report Water and the California Economy By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Richard Howitt, Brian Gray ... May 30, 2012 California’s economy can grow and prosper despite droughts and water shortages caused by a changing climate—but only if threats to the water system are addressed now. So far, innovative water management has supported the needs of a growing population but serious concerns remain, including water supply reliability and declining groundwater basins. This research was supported with funding from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
Report Factors Determining California’s Share of Federal Formula Grants, Second Edition By Tim Ransdell Feb 25, 2004 This introductory report in the Federal Formula Grants and California series describes the major factors used by federal formula grant programs to allocate funds to states and describes how California’s share of programs varies by the factors employed. A companion document, published in conjunction with the first edition of this report in December 2002, illustrates California’s historical shares of various federal grant programs from 1991 through 2001. The companion report has not been updated because the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has discontinued publication of the annual source for most of the data underlying the report.
California Counts, Report Emergency Department Care in California: Who Uses It and Why? By Helen Lee, Shannon McConville Aug 19, 2008 Californians make more than 10 million visits to hospital emergency departments annually. Many of these could be avoided with timely care from family physicians or outpatient clinics. This issue of California Counts presents a comprehensive portrait of emergency department care from several perspectives. Among its findings: The Central Valley and Los Angeles are home to some of the most crowded emergency departments in the state; patients with Medi-Cal coverage visit emergency departments more than do the uninsured; and Hispanics and Asians are less like to use emergency care than whites.
Report Financing California’s Community Colleges By Patrick Murphy Jan 14, 2004 This report describes funding trends for the CCC system and assesses its ability to meet its future challenges. It finds that CCC revenue growth has fallen behind that of other systems in both California and the rest of the nation, and that CCC’s complicated allocation system is ripe for reform. The author identifies two ways to improve the system’s resource picture. The first is to fund CCC at the level the legislature guaranteed following the passage of Proposition 98 in 1988. The second is to raise community college tuition and fees, currently the lowest in the nation, while maintaining broad access to the system through the increased use of grants, tax credits, and financial aid programs.
California Counts, Report Immigrant Pathways to Legal Permanent Residence: Now and Under a Merit-Based System By Joseph Hayes, Laura Hill Jun 4, 2008 How do immigrants become legal permanent residents in the United States? The process is complicated and often takes years to accomplish. This study examines how current federal immigration policies operate, focusing in particular on how the policies affect California, which is home to 27% of the nation's immigrants. The authors also examine how changes to federal immigration policy proposed last year would alter the composition of legal immigrants in the United States. The proposed legislation would replace the current system -- which gives priority to applicants based on family reunification and employment -- with a system that places greater emphasis on employment and skills.
Report Perceptions of Local Fiscal Stress During a State Budget Crisis By Max Neiman, Daniel Krimm Dec 21, 2009 City and county governments in California have been hit hard by the state’s budgetary and economic difficulties, which have meant high unemployment and cuts to public services. This research details just how local governments are dealing with these fiscal troubles, using a survey of local officials. Among the most common local responses: even more cuts in public services, hiring freezes, and reduced contributions to reserves. This research was supported with funding from the California State Association of Counties.
