Commentary
The most powerful political force in the state is not the governor’s office, the legislature, or the state Supreme Court, but the California Coastal Commission.
It wields dictatorial power over almost all environmental and land decisions along the coast. Its influence ripples inland, as its restrictions on land use increase coastal property prices, forcing people to move inland, increasing demand there—thus also increasing inland prices.
That’s why its 12 members ought to face election every four years. Much as do four of the five members of the Board of Equalization. An initiative could bring about the reform, setting up 12 districts based on population….