🐻California History Unit 16 – California Politics: Reagan to Schwarzenegger

Key Political Figures and Their Impact

• Ronald Reagan served as Governor of California from 1967 to 1975 and later became the 40th President of the United States
  • Implemented welfare reform and tough-on-crime policies as governor
  • Advocated for limited government, lower taxes, and deregulation
• Jerry Brown served as California's 34th and 39th governor (1975-1983 and 2011-2019)
  • Focused on fiscal responsibility, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform
  • Promoted renewable energy and climate change mitigation efforts
• Pete Wilson served as California's 36th governor from 1991 to 1999
  • Supported Proposition 187, which sought to deny public services to undocumented immigrants
  • Implemented welfare reform and tough-on-crime policies
• Gray Davis served as California's 37th governor from 1999 to 2003
  • Faced challenges such as the dot-com bust, energy crisis, and budget deficit
  • Recalled from office in 2003 due to dissatisfaction with his handling of the state's issues
• Arnold Schwarzenegger served as California's 38th governor from 2003 to 2011 after winning the recall election
  • Implemented budget cuts and temporary tax increases to address the state's fiscal crisis
  • Promoted environmental policies and signed landmark legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Major Policy Shifts and Legislation

• Proposition 13 (1978) limited property tax increases and required a two-thirds majority for tax increases in the state legislature
  • Significantly reduced property tax revenue for local governments and schools
  • Shifted power from local to state government in terms of funding decisions
• Three Strikes Law (1994) mandated 25-years-to-life sentences for offenders with two prior serious or violent felony convictions
  • Led to a significant increase in the state's prison population and associated costs
  • Disproportionately affected minority communities and raised concerns about fairness in sentencing
• Proposition 187 (1994) sought to deny public services, including education and healthcare, to undocumented immigrants
  • Passed by voters but later found unconstitutional by federal courts
  • Highlighted tensions surrounding immigration and the role of state vs. federal government in immigration policy
• AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act (2006), set goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California
  • Established a cap-and-trade program and promoted renewable energy development
  • Positioned California as a leader in climate change mitigation efforts
• Proposition 64 (2016) legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and older
  • Established a regulatory framework for the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis
  • Generated tax revenue for the state and local governments

Economic Trends and Challenges

• California experienced a severe recession in the early 1990s, driven by defense industry cutbacks and a real estate market downturn
  • Led to high unemployment rates and budget deficits
  • Prompted efforts to diversify the state's economy and attract new industries
• The dot-com boom of the late 1990s brought significant growth to California's technology sector
  • Concentrated in Silicon Valley and other tech hubs
  • Contributed to rising housing costs and widening income inequality
• California faced an energy crisis in 2000-2001, characterized by rolling blackouts and high electricity prices
  • Caused by a combination of market manipulation, regulatory failures, and supply shortages
  • Led to the recall of Governor Gray Davis and the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger
• The Great Recession (2007-2009) had a profound impact on California's economy
  • Resulted in high unemployment, foreclosures, and budget deficits
  • Prompted spending cuts and temporary tax increases to address the state's fiscal challenges
• California's economy has become increasingly dependent on the technology industry and international trade
  • Contributed to the state's economic growth and job creation
  • Raised concerns about the vulnerability of the state's economy to global market fluctuations

Social Movements and Cultural Changes

• The LGBT rights movement gained momentum in California, leading to important legislative victories
  • AB 205 (2003) granted domestic partners many of the same rights and responsibilities as married couples
  • The California Supreme Court briefly legalized same-sex marriage in 2008 before voters passed Proposition 8, which banned it
  • Proposition 8 was later overturned by federal courts, and same-sex marriage became legal in California in 2013
• The immigrant rights movement advocated for the rights and protections of undocumented immigrants
  • Opposed measures like Proposition 187 and pushed for comprehensive immigration reform
  • Supported the California Dream Act (2011), which granted in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented students
• The Black Lives Matter movement gained prominence in the wake of high-profile police killings of African Americans
  • Led to protests, calls for police reform, and increased awareness of racial injustice
  • Prompted the passage of AB 392 (2019), which raised the standard for police use of deadly force
• California's cultural landscape became increasingly diverse, with growing Latino, Asian, and immigrant populations
  • Contributed to the state's vibrant arts, food, and music scenes
  • Raised issues related to language access, cultural competency, and representation in politics and media

Environmental Issues and Policies

• California has been a leader in addressing climate change and promoting environmental protection
  • AB 32 (2006) set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • SB 100 (2018) committed the state to 100% clean electricity by 2045
• The state has faced challenges related to water scarcity, drought, and water management
  • Prompted efforts to conserve water, improve efficiency, and develop alternative water sources
  • Led to conflicts between urban, agricultural, and environmental water users
• Air quality has been a persistent concern in many parts of California, particularly in the Los Angeles basin and Central Valley
  • Strict vehicle emissions standards and clean air regulations have helped reduce air pollution
  • Environmental justice advocates have highlighted the disproportionate impact of air pollution on low-income and minority communities
• Wildfires have become an increasing threat in California, exacerbated by climate change and land management practices
  • Led to devastating losses of life, property, and natural habitats
  • Prompted efforts to improve wildfire prevention, response, and recovery strategies
• California has prioritized the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power
  • Supported by policies like the Renewables Portfolio Standard and net metering
  • Contributed to job growth in the clean energy sector and reduced reliance on fossil fuels

Demographic Shifts and Their Influence

• California's population has become increasingly diverse, with growing Latino, Asian, and immigrant communities
  • Latinos became the state's largest ethnic group in 2014
  • Asians are the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the state
• The state's population has aged, with a growing proportion of residents over 65
  • Raised issues related to healthcare, retirement security, and intergenerational equity
  • Prompted efforts to expand services and support for older adults
• Urbanization has continued, with a majority of Californians living in metropolitan areas
  • Led to challenges related to housing affordability, transportation, and infrastructure
  • Contributed to the growth of the state's major cities and their surrounding regions
• Income inequality has widened, with a growing gap between high-income and low-income households
  • Reflected in disparities in education, health, and access to opportunity
  • Prompted efforts to address poverty, raise minimum wages, and expand social services
• Demographic shifts have had significant political implications, shaping the state's electorate and policy priorities
  • Growing diversity has contributed to the state's progressive political leanings
  • Raised issues related to voter outreach, language access, and political representation

Notable Elections and Campaigns

• The 1978 gubernatorial election featured a close race between Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Evelle Younger
  • Brown, the incumbent, won re-election with 56% of the vote
  • The election took place against the backdrop of Proposition 13 and the tax revolt movement
• The 1994 gubernatorial election saw Republican Pete Wilson defeat Democrat Kathleen Brown
  • Wilson's campaign focused on crime, immigration, and the state's economic challenges
  • The election was marked by the controversy surrounding Proposition 187 and its impact on immigrant communities
• The 2003 gubernatorial recall election led to the removal of Democrat Gray Davis and the election of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • The recall was driven by dissatisfaction with Davis's handling of the energy crisis and budget deficit
  • Schwarzenegger's celebrity status and moderate positions helped him win a crowded field of candidates
• The 2010 gubernatorial election featured a matchup between Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Meg Whitman
  • Brown, who had previously served as governor, campaigned on his experience and plans to address the state's fiscal challenges
  • Whitman, a former CEO of eBay, spent record amounts on her campaign but ultimately lost to Brown
• The 2018 gubernatorial election saw Democrat Gavin Newsom defeat Republican John Cox
  • Newsom, who had served as Lieutenant Governor, campaigned on a progressive platform that included healthcare, education, and environmental protection
  • The election marked a continuation of Democratic dominance in statewide offices and the state legislature

California's Changing Role in National Politics

• California has become an increasingly important player in national politics, given its large population, economic clout, and reliably Democratic voting patterns
  • The state has the largest congressional delegation and number of electoral votes
  • Democratic presidential candidates have relied on California for fundraising and electoral support
• The state has been at the forefront of resistance to conservative federal policies, particularly during Republican administrations
  • Challenged federal policies on issues like immigration, environmental regulation, and healthcare
  • Used its market power and regulatory authority to influence national standards and practices
• California politicians have played prominent roles in shaping the national Democratic Party and its policy agenda
  • Leaders like Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, and Eric Garcetti have gained national prominence
  • The state's progressive policies have often served as models for national Democrats
• The state's size and diversity have made it a testing ground for innovative policies and political strategies
  • Successes in areas like environmental protection, minimum wage increases, and immigrant integration have inspired similar efforts in other states
  • The state's experience with direct democracy, through its extensive use of ballot initiatives, has drawn national attention and debate
• As the U.S. population and electoral map continue to shift, California's influence on national politics is likely to grow
  • The state's demographic trends, with growing Latino and Asian populations, mirror those of the nation as a whole
  • California's economic and cultural leadership, particularly in technology and entertainment, gives it outsized influence on national debates and priorities