Michael Warnken

The Democratic Legislature clearly has a bone to pick with Bianco over his seizure of county election ballots and his conservative, MAGA-style politics. This measure likely stems from that conflict, but should be viewed outside the realm of partisan politics. The sheriff v. coroner debate represents a long-running and broader ...

Lacking oversight: How to fix California’s system for selecting judges By Michael Warnken | May 29, 2026 California’s judicial selection process has undergone significant changes since the state’s admission to the Union in 1850. Today, trial judges are chosen through a hybrid system of judicial elections and gubernatorial appointments, as ...

At-Large Elections: Advantages and Disadvantages In at-large elections, all elected representatives represent the entire polity, be it a city or county. Proponents argue that this method promotes a unified vision among members since they all serve the same district. Additionally, at-large elections eliminate the issue of gerrymandering within the city, ...

California is in trouble. Nowhere is this more evident than in its cities. Once bustling centers of commerce and culture now are showcases for dirty streets, empty storefronts and the homeless encampments. Many people would blame the present circumstance on the pandemic or our current economic woes, but these are ...