[lbo-talk] California Economic Analysis

[James Nichols]

During the recall election last year there was something I took notice of: 
I know nothing about local politics and economic issues.  When I would get 
into debates with recall advocates I realized like myself they were 
getting their daily/weekly dispatches from think-tanks and websites; but 
unlike myself a large portion was directed specifically at local issues.  
Once I recognized the game I caught up a decent amount, but it got me to 
thinking.  I like to think of myself as fairly 'in the loop' but at the 
same time my grasp of local economic issues is next to nil.  This may be 
for the simply reason that I think in terms of large federal government 
programs; but at the same time I have more power--electorally speaking--at 
the local level.  Does anyone know of any left/liberal leaning think tanks 
and/or newsletters that deal with California?  If not do you know of 
economist--or anyone else I should direct my inquiry towards--who do 
analysis of California; I was thinking maybe there is a niche for some 
kind of newsletter/website that focuses on local issues out here because I 
feel submerged by business propaganda.  I'm thinking something on par with 
Doug's  Left Business Observer, email dispatches by American Progress, or 
Economic Reporting Review by Dean Baker. I'm going to contact some 
professors at my school to see if  they have any ideas, but any comments, 
resources, or suggestions would be really appreciated. 

thanks
Jim