Research
Zev: Legendary L.A. Politico Reflects
Yaroslavsky on Mayor Bass and the politics of homelessness
Features
Table Talk
Karen Bass: On Housing ‘My People’
Mayor takes on L.A.’s most difficult issue with deep determination
Research
The “Lie Factory”
Generative artificial intelligence is changing — and improving — life for humans. Can humans control it?
Profile
Congressman Ted Lieu: Regulating Tech
Congress grapples with a new challenge that may test its unity, expertise
Research
Special Report: Schools and Intolerance
Battered by COVID-19, schools now confront intolerance
Table Talk
Gavin Newsom: California’s governor on the state of the state
Newsom defends California’s work on homelessness, immigration and guns — and his power to effect change
Profile
The Candidates for L.A. Mayor
One woman, one man. One Black, one White — two very different people, with one ambition in common
Research
Be Afraid: Climate Change
When it comes to the climate, fear may help inspire much-needed urgency
Table Talk
Karen Bass and Rick Caruso: A Blueprint Debate
Debate: Caruso and Bass debate homelessness, public safety and whether to charge Donald Trump
Research
Special Report: Abortion in California
Without Roe, some states move to restrict abortion. California chooses the opposite course, offering services and protection
Profile
Defending Democracy — One Voter at a Time
Stunned by Trump’s 2016 victory, Jason Berlin devoted himself to voter registration. He’s built an organization.
Research
Voting Rights and the Path to the Ballot
UCLA’s Voting Rights Project melds law, tactics and social science to protect the vote
Research
The California Surplus: What to Do With All This Money?
With California flush, is this the moment to take on tax reform?
Table Talk
Eric Garcetti: Reflections from L.A.’s mayor
Crime and COVID, rising homelessness and restive politics — Garcetti looks back on nine years as chief executive of Los Angeles.
Profile
Antonia Hernandez: The Optimism of Experience
Shrewd philanthropy and political acumen guide the work of the California Community Foundation
Research
L.A. Housing: Racism, skyrocketing prices and now a homeless crisis
How housing has shaped the landscape of Los Angeles. And vice versa
Research
The power of work: Labor in L.A.
Organized labor is redefining California’s culture and politics
Table Talk
Mike Dukakis: The State of Politics
Gov. Mike Dukakis and journalist Bill Boyarsky reflect on crisis and recovery — and retirement
Profile
Barbara Lee: A Life of Service and Action
From her childhood in El Paso to representing California’s East Bay: unyielding dedication to progress
Research
Biden Wins. Now What?
Joe Biden is the 46th president of the United States. What awaits him and the country?
Research
The dangerous myth of whiteness
Aaron Panofsky and colleagues examine the history and growth of white supremacy and its relationship to terrorism
Table Talk
Table Talk online: How Trump Lost. How Biden Won.
UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck reflects on the 2020 campaign
Profile
Focus on Policing: Bernard Parks
The former LAPD chief and Los Angeles city councilmember considers American policing and its critics
Research
Voting in a Pandemic
The pandemic has scrambled political assumptions. The 25th District in California supplied a case study
Research
Special Report: The League of Women Voters
At age 100, the League combines a history of protest with a commitment to fairness and civility
Table Talk
Adam Schiff: Political Warrior
Congressman Adam Schiff has watched with horror as Donald Trump assaults democratic norms. Schiff speaks with Blueprint.
Research
Closing Note: Hope in the Ruins
This year of crisis has upended politics, public health and policing, among many other walks of life. It now moves to an election.
Table Talk
Joseph E. Stiglitz: A Nobel Laureate Reflects
One of America’s leading economists discusses taxes, growth, the minimum wage and basic fairness.
Research
Special Report: Health care
Sacramento and Washington each debated health care. Both produced results, but one with common purpose, the other with acrimony
Profile
Mary Nichols: A Lifetime in Search of Clean Air
She began by being the first lawyer to sue under the Clean Air Act. Now, she oversees California’s response to climate change.
Research
The Facts About Immigration
President Trump and his supporters claim illegal immigrants are bringing danger to America. They’re not.
Profile
A New Leader, An Old Problem: Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Elected this year, Councilman Harris-Dawson replaces Bernard C. Parks and brings a new perspective to the problems of L.A.’s 8th District.
Profile
Bob Hertzberg on the Big Issues
“What’s the problem you’re trying to solve? What does the research say about how to get there? And then how do you convince people?”
Research
Vaccines Are Safe and Effective. Full Stop.
The naysayers are dangerous. Saving lives through vaccines and public health
Research
Are Polls Reliable?
The polls in 2016 suggested Hilary Clinton would win the election. Can they still be trusted?
Research
Special Report: Long Beach Faces Climate Change
One city’s efforts to move beyond debate over climate change and begin preparing for its effects
Table Talk
James Fallows: America Up Close
James and Deborah Fallows traveled America to examine the strength of its towns and cities. They report back.
Profile
Anthony Rendon: A New Speaker for a Changing State
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon reflects on leadership in the age of Twitter
Profile
Karen Bass: On Truth, Power, Public Office
Karen Bass is a native of Los Angeles and a rising force in Congress
Research
Trump in the Media: Authentic, Messy and Oddly Effective
Donald Trump knows how to grab the limelight. Then what?
Table Talk
David Axelrod: Institutions — and truth — put to test
The political strategist and CNN commentator discusses the state of American politics
Research
New Strategies for Communities Under Stress
Activists confront a history of pressure and progress in Boyle Heights
Research
Reconsidering the Single-Family Home
Has the single-family home outlived its usefulness? A UCLA professor dares to question
Research
World Lessons, Learned at Home
Homelessness takes on different forms and requires different responses around the world
Table Talk
Antonio Villaraigosa: Reflections on Los Angeles and California
The former mayor and veteran California politico takes stock of his city and state
Profile
Boyarsky on Dukakis: Political Veterans Reflect
Veteran journalist Bill Boyarsky confers with veteran politician Mike Dukakis.
Research
Obamacare’s Survival May Depend on States
As Trump attempts to dismantle Obamacare, California leads the fight to preserve it.
Research
Brown v. Trump on Climate Change
Jerry Brown and Donald Trump see the world differently. One will prevail.
Research
Will California get its way on weed?
Washington hesitates in response to state efforts to legalize marijuana.
Table Talk
George Gascón: The Fight For Justice
George Gascón, former LAPD officer and now district attorney of San Francisco, discusses sanctuary, policing and public safety.
Research
Homeboy Industries: A History of Violence. A Hope for the Future.
At Homeboy, researchers discover a model that works.
Table Talk
Norman Lear: Culture Warrior
Norman Lear reflects on a career of influence and consequence.
Profile
Labor’s Maria Elena Durazo and a Life of Activism
Maria Elena Durazo has influenced Los Angeles politics for decades as a leader of a revived labor movement. Now she’s running for office.
Research
Americans on Immigration: Protect Borders, Welcome Those Here
Americans favor citizenship for those here, but worry about allowing more in.
Research
Los Angeles Communities in Flux
As change roils Los Angeles communities, academics and city planners absorb new challenges.
Research
The Movement of People and Things
Margaret Peters looks at the history of trade and immigration, both at the center of today’s Washington.
Table Talk
Xavier Becerra: Leading the Resistance to Trump
Xavier Becerra, California’s attorney general, discusses immigration in Trump era with Blueprint editor Jim Newton.
Profile
L.A.’s Power Broker: Herb Wesson
Herb Wesson, L.A. City Council president, wields great power at City Hall. Here’s how.
Table Talk
Eric Garcetti: L.A. Water, Past and Future
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti discusses water with Blueprint’s Jim Newton.
Table Talk
Gov. Jerry Brown: The Long Struggle For The Good Cause
Jerry Brown has been fighting for the environment for decades. He reflects on that history.
Research
Wages, Unions and The End of the Middle Class
Why are working people falling behind? A leading UCLA researcher examines the causes of widening inequality.
Sketches
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” – On Popeye
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: The Supreme Court on spinach
Landscape
The Roadway of the American Future
Ann Carlson on transportation safety, climate change and dark politics
Takeaway
Closing Note: Toward Transit That Works
New ideas to guide the future of transportation — in Los Angeles and beyond
Landscape
The Long Road to Irrelevance
California’s GOP once contributed to the good of the state. Now, it’s mostly a foil.
Takeaway
Closing Note: Of Urgency and Action
Quick solutions are impossible, but there is reason to persevere
Landscape
Los Scandalous City Hall
As scandals ripple through Los Angeles City Hall, a look back at misdeeds for the ages
Landscape
When Crime Rises and Falls
With violent crime falling but property crime rising, city leaders struggle for answers
Takeaway
Closing Note: A Time to Act
Artificial intelligence may do great things or great harm, depending on whether Congress gets it
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Wit and Wisdom for the 4th
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Wit and wisdom!”
Landscape
The Passing of Lions
The passage of time: Jerry Brown in retirement, Dianne Feinstein preparing to leave
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” — Country Humor
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Country humor
Landscape
Whither the California Electorate?
As California prepares to re-elect Gavin Newsom, Angelenos face a choice for their future
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Secrets!
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Secrets!”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Note to George Santos: Lie Bigger
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Lie big!”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Elon Musk and Brain Implants
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Brain Implants?”
First Person
San Francisco Recall: A Parent’s View
While pundits looked for trends, parents thought about their kids
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Reflections on Art Buchwald
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Buchshots.”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Of Aliens and Trump
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Ransom of the Donald.
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” — Official Humor
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: White House clowns
First Person
I Nerd Out Over L.A. Elections
A veteran California journalist admits his fondness for very local politics
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” — In memory of Edwin Edwards
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: An appreciation
Editor's Note
Closing Note: Of challenges and opportunities
Los Angeles faces a difficult future, but does so with resources and potential
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Catnip and Dog Biscuits
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Catnip and Dog Biscuits
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Happy New Year
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Happy New Year!
Landscape
The Costs of War
A new book explores the ways public opinion shapes war and research informs opinion
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — White House Wildlife
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: The White House Zoo
First Person
Governing Los Angeles
Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez on governing through crises
First Person
The Struggles of Family
Zachary Slobig on the combined effects within his family of COVID-19 and national policing protests
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Oops!
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Joe Biden, Gaffe Machine
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — What A Year
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: What you didn’t know . . .
Side Note
Closing Note: Hope in the Ruins
This year of crisis has upended politics, public health and policing, among many other walks of life. It now moves to an election.
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” – A Community of One
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Solitaire
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Some Advice
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Pardon Me
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Job Posting
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Job Posting
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Insults
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Insults
Exclusively Online
“Lighter Look” — Threats
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Threats
Exclusively Online
A Lighter Look — “Believe It Or Not”
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Believe It or Not
Exclusively Online
The Electoral College and Democracy
Online Table Talk: Martin Gilens on the Electoral College
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” — “A revival or a hanging”
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “A Revival or a Hanging.”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — “I do solemnly swear…”
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “I do solemnly swear.”
Editor's Note
Blueprint: In Defense of Thinking
Hofstadter warned of anti-intellectualism in America. A word to the wise
Takeaway
Closing Note: Start with Truth
The crying need for truth in an era of lies, distortions and stupidity
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look”
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs. This month: On lies, lying and liars
Editor's Note
Welcome to Blueprint: Talking Politics
In this, our 9th issue, we look at the state of American political discourse. It’s rough.
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look”
Rick Meyer begins a new column in this issue of Blueprint. “A Lighter Look” presents some of Meyer’s less-serious observations on American government and politics.
Landscape
Public opinion and the editorial page
The Los Angeles Times editorial page editor considers editorials and their place in contemporary political life.
Landscape
Los Angeles teachers strike and win
The public backs teachers, and charter schools may suffer.
First Person
What do voters care about?
Our correspondent-turned-canvasser brings home notes from the field.
Exclusively Online
What’s a county supervisor to do?
Los Angeles Count Sheriff Alex Villanueva thumbs his nose at reform. Can the county supervisors rein him in?
Takeaway
The Other Side of Discord
Is there a solution to discord? It’s not just about being polite.
Editor's Note
Welcome to Blueprint on Homelessness
Blueprint turns to homelessness, a growing tragedy in California and beyond
Landscape
40 Years Later: How Has Proposition 13 Fared?
California’s historic initiative protected homes, hurt services and schools
Exclusively Online
Police Unions Get Welcome Setback
Police unions were delivered a rare setback when Gov. Jerry Brown signed two open-government measures. That’s a good thing.
Editor's Note
Federalism: New Tests of an Old Idea
Welcome to Blueprint’s look at federalism in the Age of Trump.
Landscape
L.A. Grapples With Homelessness, Not Always Well
A case-study in Los Angeles’ struggle to address homelessness
Exclusively Online
Trump and policing — the consent decree
Donald Trump and former AG Jeff Sessions say consent decrees have increased crime. Are they telling the truth?
Landscape
LAPD Shootings Revive Old Worries
A pair of shootings raises questions about LAPD’s practices. The early answers are encouraging.
Landscape
Time Running on California’s Water Future
As time runs out on his governorship, Jerry Brown tries to complete a long effort to re-do California’s water system.
Takeaway
Battle lines drawn: Now what?
In the clash over California and national values, the stakes are high and the research compelling.
Editor's Note
Welcome to Blueprint on Philanthropy
This issue, we set out to look at the intersection of policy and philanthropy, as well as some of L.A.’s leading philanthropists.
Landscape
California Faces Its Future
As the race for governor accelerates, the issues become clearer.
Landscape
L.A. and Ethnic Politics
Recent special election tests the status of L.A.’s shifting demographics.
Takeaway
Where Good Intentions Meet Good Works
Upshot of much research on policy and philanthropy: They reinforce one another, to society’s benefit.
Editor's Note
Land of Immigrants
There are few issues in America more combustible than immigration. This issue of Blueprint examines it from many angles.
Landscape
Los Angeles Pursues 2024 Olympics
Down to two finalists in the campaign for the 2024 Summer Olympics: Los Angeles and Paris.
Landscape
Tom Steyer: Gadfly or Governor?
Billionaire investor Tom Steyer eyes his future in California politics.
Landscape
UCLA Poll Finds Fear for Immigrants
New Luskin poll finds Angelenos concerned for undocumented neighbors.
Takeaway
From Assumptions to Facts
Immigrants breathe life, culture and money into American society.
Editor's Note
California and the Changing Climate
Blueprint looks at the future of water in California.
Landscape
Mark Gold: Grand Challenge for a Proven Advocate
Mark Gold, once of Heal the Bay, bring his advocacy skills to UCLA’s Grand Challenge.
Landscape
Hollywood Diversity: On the Set and Behind the Scenes
Hollywood strives for diversity, with mixed success.
Exclusively Online
Blueprint Hosts a Lively Evening
Hundreds turn out for an evening discussion of inequality and its ramifications.
Takeaway
Solutions Worthy of The Water Challenge
Time is running out to address climate change; thankfully, there are many ideas for doing so.
Exclusively Online
Jerry Brown on the Earth
Video special: Gov. Jerry Brown discusses environmentalism, politics and his own history.
Editor's Note
Searching for Sustainability
Blueprint looks at the latest research and thinking on climate change.
Editor's Note
The Dangers of an Unequal Society
With our second issue, Blueprint moves its focus to income and wealth inequality, subjects at the center of modern American politics.
Landscape
Ananya Roy: A Leading Voice for Change
One of America’s most forceful advocates for economic justice brings her work to UCLA.
Landscape
To Vote or Not to Vote?
Declining voter turnout is alarming to many in politics. What if it’s not apathy but a rational response to an increasingly unresponsive political system?
Landscape
Working Poor, Working Hard
One young Los Angeles worker struggles to make ends meet on minimum wage.
Landscape
Reminiscence: The First Days of the Marriage Revolution
Same-sex marriage is now the law of the land in the United States. It wasn’t always. A look back at the beginnings in California.