Profile
The Candidates for L.A. Mayor
One woman, one man. One Black, one White — two very different people, with one ambition in common
Features
Research
Be Afraid: Climate Change
When it comes to the climate, fear may help inspire much-needed urgency
Research
Special Report: Abortion in California
Without Roe, some states move to restrict abortion. California chooses the opposite course, offering services and protection
Research
On Politics and Demographics
As California grows, it’s changing. Representation adjusts more slowly.
Research
Special Report: Critical Race Theory and UCLA
Critics bent on squelching conversations about race have assailed the idea, usually without bothering to study it
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
Special Report: Immigration and the Duty to Help
“Bringing the university into the streets”
Research
The Lessons and Future of Remote Learning
Universities moved to remote education in the pandemic. What have they learned?
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
Research
The Facts About Immigration
President Trump and his supporters claim illegal immigrants are bringing danger to America. They’re not.
Research
Prison Sentencing: Politics vs. Results
For decades, California fought crime with long, rigid prison sentences. It didn’t work.
Research
Reducing Recidivism Through Public Health
Surprising results suggest that offenders can break the cycle of recidivism. Counseling and health are key.
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?”
Table Talk
Kamala Harris: California’s “Top Cop”
California’s attorney general discusses the state of the state with Blueprint editor Jim Newton.
Research
The Evangelist of Parking
UCLA’s Donald Shoup has led a revolution in the way we think about parking
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
Research
Strategies for Schools
The challenges of measuring what works — and what does not — in education
Research
Special Report: The Video
A look at the story, in video, behind the efforts by Long Beach to address climate change
Research
Trump in the Media: Authentic, Messy and Oddly Effective
Donald Trump knows how to grab the limelight. Then what?
Research
Do the Poor Bring Crime with Them?
Michael Lens challenges assumptions about the poor, housing and crime
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
“Sanctuary” and Safety: a Clash of Values
California leaders welcome and protect immigrants. Washington has had enough.
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.
Sketches
Landscape
The Court Sides with the Right
Constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky takes stock of the court today
Takeaway
Closing Note: Acting on Fear
Not all fear is bad, but it often distorts choices. Learning to manage it is the challenge
Editor's Note
Editor’s Note
California is big, diverse and complicated. The challenge of governing this state is huge.
Editor's Note
Closing Note: Governing Through Change
California’s problems are monumental, but history gives room for hope
Landscape
The Costs of War
A new book explores the ways public opinion shapes war and research informs opinion
Exclusively Online
The Electoral College and Democracy
Online Table Talk: Martin Gilens on the Electoral College
Takeaway
Closing Note: Start with Truth
The crying need for truth in an era of lies, distortions and stupidity
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.
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
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.
Landscape
New York’s Water Troubles
New York doesn’t face California’s drought, but it has water troubles of its own.
Editor's Note
Welcome to Blueprint
Welcome to a new magazine on the issues confronting Los Angeles and California.
Takeaway
Crime and Safety: A Better Approach
What should we learn from the latest research on crime and public safety? That good policing makes communities safer, and that smart approaches to incarceration save money and lives.
