The Little Hoover Commission: Advocating for Change 2023-24

The Little Hoover Commission: Advocating for Change 2023-24 Report #286 | December 2024 Milton Marks Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy www.lhc.ca.gov LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Dedicated to Promoting Economy Pedro Nava and Efficiency in California State Chair Government Anthony Cannella Vice Chair The Little Hoover Commission, formally known as the Milton Marks “Little Hoover” Commission on California State Government Dion Aroner Organization and Economy, is an independent state oversight agency. David Beier Asm. Phillip Chen By statute, the Commission is a bipartisan board composed of Gil Garcetti five public members appointed by the governor, four public members appointed by the Legislature, two senators and José Atilio Hernández two assemblymembers. Jason Johnson Asm. Liz Ortega In creating the Commission in 1962, the Legislature declared Janna Sidley its purpose: COMMISSION STAFF ...to secure assistance for the Governor and itself in promoting economy, efficiency and improved services in the Ethan Rarick transaction of the public business in the various departments, Executive Director agencies and instrumentalities of the executive branch of Tamar Foster the state government, and in making the operation of all Deputy Executive Director state departments, agencies and instrumentalities, and Krystal Beckham all expenditures of public funds, more directly responsive Daniel Harris-McCoy to the wishes of the people as expressed by their elected Ashley Hurley representatives... Shara McAlister The Commission fulfills this charge by listening to the public, Allie Powell consulting with the experts and conferring with the wise. In the course of its investigations, the Commission typically empanels advisory committees, conducts public hearings and visits government operations in action. Its conclusions are submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for their consideration. Recommendations often take the form of legislation, which the Commission supports through the legislative process. Contacting the Commission All correspondence should be addressed to the Commission Office: Little Hoover Commission 925 L Street, Suite 805, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-2125 | LittleHoover@lhc.ca.gov This report is available from the Commission’s website at www.lhc.ca.gov. Letter from the Chair December 13, 2024 I am honored to share the Little Hoover Commission’s biennial report for 2023-24. The Commission has served as California’s good government watchdog since 1962—helping both the Governor and Legislature enhance state operations and better serve all Californians. Over the past two years, we released 13 reports, issue briefs, or letters with 70 recommendations for policy change. We offered ideas to ensure responsible and effective artificial intelligence (AI) integration by state government, leverage AI to mitigate food insecurity and support disadvantaged Californians, sustain forward momentum in addressing California’s aging population, improve service provision to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and bring stability to the home insurance market. We provided targeted recommendations to reform the state’s bedrock environmental law—California Environmental Quality Act, and urged the state to adjust its approach to decreasing landfill emissions to more meaningfully respond to this major climate change contributor. We called for a data-driven response to issues surrounding retail theft. We assessed progress towards implementing past Commission studies, focusing on topics especially relevant to vulnerable Californians: labor trafficking, intimate partner violence, and the state’s Medi-Cal Dental program. The Commission sought to turn its recommendations into reality and supported 30 bills that would have implemented our proposals. Half of these bills were ultimately passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom. To provide policymakers and stakeholders with easier access to the Commission's work and recommendations, we launched a newly designed website. You can check it out here: https://lhc.ca.gov/. The Commission’s work, as always, is bolstered by distinct advantages: ◊ We are rooted in fact. The Commission has developed and preserved a reputation for careful research and thoughtful analysis, which in turn lead to measured, practical recommendations. We pride ourselves on an in- depth study process, typically spending six months to a year on a given topic. This extensive process—which includes staff research, public hearings, advisory roundtable meetings, and site visits ensures reports that are accurate, balanced, and thorough. ◊ We are nonpartisan. By law, no more than seven of the 13 Commissioners may be members of the same party. No faction dominates our work. ◊ We are independent. California law states clearly that the Commission’s work is not under the control of any elected official or agency. In the pages that follow, you will be able to learn more about the Commission and our commitment to building a more efficient and effective government for all Californians. We are proud of the work that we have accomplished and hope to continue to assist state leaders creating lasting positive change. Sincerely, Pedro Nava Chair, Little Hoover Commission ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 1 Table of Contents LETTER FROM THE CHAIR .................................................................1 ABOUT THE COMMISSION ................................................................3 STUDY PROCESS ................................................................................5 RECAP OF COMMISSION WORK ......................................................6 SUPPORTED LEGISLATION ..............................................................11 IDEAS FOR CHANGE .........................................................................15 MEET OUR TEAM ..............................................................................19 COMMISSIONERS THROUGH THE DECADES ................................21 2 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION About the Commission The Milton Marks “Little Hoover Commission” on California State Government Organization and Economy has served as an independent voice for government reform, advising the Governor and Legislature for over 60 years. Purpose and Responsibilities Organization The Commission has broad, independent authority The Commission is an independent panel comprised to evaluate the state’s services, activities and of 13 members—nine members of the public and functions, along with the policies and methods four legislators—and staffed by seven permanent for appropriating and administering funds. The employees and occasional student interns. The Commission also has the legal responsibility Commission’s nine public members are appointed to review and make recommendations on by the Governor, the Senate Rules Committee and reorganization plans initiated by the Governor. the Speaker of the Assembly to reflect a statutorily required balance between political parties. The Unlike fiscal or performance audits, which focus on public members also bring diverse experience to the compliance, the Commission’s studies explore how Commission’s study process and often represent state governmental entities can and should function. a variety of public and private sector domains, Commission reports and recommendations are including business, law, policy and management, developed through extensive research and interviews government and nonprofit organizations. Public of experts and knowledgeable professionals, members serve staggered, four-year terms. The academics and stakeholders. In conducting its work, remaining four members are current state legislators, the Commission focuses on how state government two from each party and from each house. Legislative can: members serve at the pleasure of the appointing ◊ Improve outcomes. authority. A full list of current Commissioners and staff is on pages 19 and 20. Though the Commission ◊ Increase transparency. operates within the executive branch of state ◊ Reduce spending without sacrificing services. government, it is not subject to the control or direction of any officer or employee of the executive ◊ Eliminate redundant services. branch, except in connection with appropriation of its ◊ Consolidate services or abolish, create and budget. reorganize departments or programs to better meet the needs of Californians. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 3 History Study Topics The Commission’s name and function derive The Commission has issued hundreds of from the federal Commission on Organization of recommendations on topics such as: the Executive Branch of the Government, which operated between 1947-1949 under the Truman CALIFORNIA Administration and again between 1953-1955 under ECONOMY the Eisenhower Administration. Former president Herbert Hoover chaired this commission, resulting in ENVIRONMENT & the nickname “Hoover Commission.” The members NATURAL RESOURCES were appointed by the President and Congress to create bipartisan solutions to increase the efficiency of the administration structures in the executive GOVERNMENT branch. To replicate the success of the “Hoover OPERATIONS Commission,” California State Senator Milton Marks in 1961 proposed an organization dedicated to HEALTH & HUMAN promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service SERVICES in California’s governing structure. The organization later was renamed the Milton Marks Little Hoover Commission on California State Government PUBLIC SAFETY, LAW, Organization and Economy to pay homage to both & JUSTICE the original Hoover Commission and Senator Marks. TECHNOLOGY & Gubernatorial Reorganization SCIENCE Plans TRANSPORT & The Commission plays a key role in California’s INFRASTRUCTURE process for reorganizing state government. Article V, Section 6 of the California Constitution authorizes the Governor to reorganize the functions This process, which has been used 37 times since of executive officers and agencies, a process that 1968, has provided for a quick yet careful method is outlined in detail in Government Code Section for reorganizing state government. In 2012, for 8523 and Government Code Section 12080 et seq. example, the Commission praised Governor Under this process, Governors submit their proposed Brown’s Reorganization Plan No. 2 as “important reorganization plans to the Little Hoover Commission and essential” in making state government “more at least 30 days before submitting the plan to the effective, efficient and transparent.” Legislature. Acting in its independent oversight role, the Commission then submits to the Legislature a The reorganization process as outlined in the report analyzing the plan. The Legislature has 60 constitution allows Governors to restructure state days in which to act on the proposal; if neither house government quickly and efficiently, while also rejects the plan, it takes effect. allowing for the independent assessment of the Commission. 4 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Study Process The Commission relies on a comprehensive study process to gather information and consider ways to promote economy, efficiency, and improved service in state government. The Commission’s open process creates an opportunity for the public to participate in the policy discourse. Select Conduct Gather Study Topic Research Input Study topics are generated by the Under the direction of the study The Commission holds formal public, legislators, Commission subcommittee, staff conducts public hearings, where subject staff, and Commissioners. The research by such methods as matter experts and other Commission typically selects three collecting data, reviewing news stakeholders testify and answer to five matters to research in depth articles and other relevant questions before the Commission. each year. The Commission Chair documents, and interviewing The study subcommittee selects Commissioners to serve experts, knowledgeable usually conducts meetings with on the study subcommittee, which professionals and stakeholders. knowledgeable and interested works closely with staff during the Commissioners and staff may also members of the public, whether study process. conduct site visits. from private industry, state or local governments, or other key stakeholders. Analyze & Review & Engage in Deliberate Adopt Report Outreach Throughout the study process, A draft report is presented to To encourage and support the Commission evaluates and the Commission for review, the implementation of its analyzes information gathered consideration, and adoption. recommendations, the through its research process. Once Commissioners may adopt the Commission and staff will: the study has been fully explored, draft report or determine that ◊ Hold meetings and a draft report with findings and amendments or changes are presentations to break down recommendations is prepared. necessary. After a draft report policy ideas from reports. is adopted by the Commission, the final report is sent to the ◊ Provide written support, Governor and Legislature for testify at legislative hearings, review and consideration. and work with legislative staff and interest groups to advance bills that implement its recommendations. ◊ Revisit study topics to monitor progress and consider whether additional review and recommendations are needed. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 5 Recap of Commission Work Artificial Intelligence, Food Insecurity, and California’s Vulnerable Populations Report #285, December 2024 Explores how artificial intelligence can help California state government better serve its vulnerable populations. Finds that millions of Californians, who cannot afford to buy enough nutritious food for themselves and their families, are not enrolled in CalFresh. Provides recommendations for using AI tools to combat food insecurity along four broad categories: increasing access to food aid, improving systems and coordination, innovative food access solutions, and supporting small farmers. Offers a broader framework for leveraging AI to address social challenges, such as the education achievement gap, and support disadvantaged Californians. Artificial Intelligence and California State Government Report #284, November 2024 Evaluates AI adoption in California state operations. Finds that artificial intelligence is a powerful force that has the potential to fundamentally transform the way we live. But, in the absence of safeguards, AI can also expose us to risks of bias, misinformation, and significant economic dislocation. Offers recommendations to empower state workers, researchers, and others dedicated to serving the public good, such as non-profit workers, to harness AI responsibly and effectively, driving innovation within state operations and beyond. Building a Stronger Home Insurance Market for California Report #283, November 2024 Offers an examination of the current condition of California’s home insurance market. Finds that homeowners are facing challenges of affordability and access in obtaining insurance, despite facing rates lower than homeowners in many other states. Meanwhile, finds that insurers are contending with growing risks and rising costs, largely associated with the ongoing risk of extreme losses resulting from catastrophic wildfires. Offers strategies to stabilize California’s home insurance market, including market-based reforms and ideas to reduce wildfire risk. 6 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Implementation Review: California’s Medi-Cal Dental Program Report #282, September 2024 Reviews implementation of the Commission’s recommendations from its 2016 study of California’s Medi-Cal Dental program, known at the time as Denti-Cal. Finds that California has made some progress implementing its past recommendations, but the state still ranks among the worst in the nation for pediatric dental disease. Of the recommendations made in the Commission’s initial report, one was fully implemented, seven were partially implemented, one was not implemented, and progress on two could not be determined. Support Letter: Home Insurance Trailer Bill Report #281, July 2024 Supported Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to streamline the review of insurance rate filings. The Governor’s proposed legislation built on the Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy to improve the insurance rate review process, address staffing issues, and provide greater clarity on submission requirements. Retail Theft: A Data-Driven Response for California Report #280, July 2024 Finds that, despite a recent uptick, reported retail theft remains at roughly the same level as during the 2010s and lower than it was in earlier decades. Concludes that more detailed crime data is needed for policymakers to craft an evidence-based response. Commends the Department of Justice for its existing data initiatives, and recommends they be expanded in consultation with experts. Also recommends that the state partner with California universities and other nonpartisan research institutions to study preventative measures, rates of underreporting, economic impact, and drivers of public perception. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 7 CEQA: Targeted Reforms for California’s Core Environmental Law Report #279, May 2024 Finds that California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has been an important player in countless environmental victories, especially in disadvantaged communities that often bear the brunt of negative environmental impacts. However, concludes that, like any law, CEQA is not perfect. Calls for improving CEQA through targeted, limited reforms to improve the law’s functioning and to ensure it is accomplishing its purpose. Recommends six reforms to CEQA, including a raising of the standing requirement for filing a CEQA lawsuit, a restriction on late submission of public comment, and a broad exemption for infill housing. Also calls for in-depth study of five additional issues related to CEQA. Implementation Review: California’s Response to Labor Trafficking Report #278, February 2024 Evaluates the degree to which Commission recommendations from three initial reports on the topic, issued in 2020, have been implemented. Finds that the need for an organized, comprehensive state response to trafficking has only increased since the Commission released its initial reports, with some victim service organizations reporting serving an increasing number of clients over the past two years. Concludes that of the 10 recommendations made by the Commission, two have been partially implemented and there had been no progress on the other eight. Implementation Review: Intimate Partner Violence Report #277, December 2023 Examines the degree to which recommendations have been fulfilled from its 2020 and 2021 reports on intimate partner violence, which detailed steps the state should take to strengthen its response to this abuse. Determines that many of its past recommendations on this issue have at been at least partially implemented—one has been fully implemented, seven have been partially implemented, and no progress has been made on 10. However, concludes that the state has ultimately fallen short in addressing this pervasive form of violence. 8 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Master Plan for Aging Implementation Report #276, January 2024 Reviews early implementation of the 10-year Master Plan for Aging, a statewide effort that identifies five broad goals and more than 20 action areas for the state to respond to California’s rapidly aging population. Applauds the state’s ambitious efforts, but recognizes that achieving the Master Plan’s vision will require sustained focus and commitment. Offers targeted recommendations to strengthen forward momentum through improved oversight and accountability, including administrative changes, such as clarifying and codifying leadership roles among administrative agencies and ensuring a means for stakeholder participation. Also recommends strengthening the ability of the Legislature to provide input and oversight of this whole-of-government effort. Issue Brief: California’s Aging Population Report #275, October 2023 Offers insights and implications of California’s aging population. Highlights dramatic shifts in the size of California’s older adult population, finding that the share of California’s population that is fifty-five years and older will grow by ten percentage-points in the next forty years. Identifies factors contributing to the state’s rapidly aging population, such as its long life expectancy and low fertility rates. Considers key policy areas impacted by a growing older adult population include housing and homelessness, workforce, and healthcare. Reducing California’s Landfill Methane Emissions: SB 1383 Implementation Report #274, June 2023 Calls on the state to adjust its approach to decreasing landfill emissions. Finds that by enacting SB 1383 in 2016, the state set an ambitious and laudable goal to divert large amounts of organic material out of landfills, reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions and improve the state’s air, water, and soil quality. However, identifies that California is falling short of its goals: the state missed its 2020 target and is poised to miss its 2025 goal. Highlights how adjustments in the state’s implementation of SB 1383 would improve organic waste disposal and allow for a more efficient statewide response to climate change. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 9 A System in Distress: Caring for Californians with Developmental Disabilities Report #273, April 2023 Urges California to better serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Highlights broad problems in the state developmental disabilities services system, including inconsistencies in services among racial and ethnic groups and among different regions across the state. Calls on the Legislature to further expand state oversight of the 21 regional centers, which are charged with coordinating these services, with oversight from the California Department of Developmental Services. Also recommends that policymakers establish more consistent policies, procedures and a core set of services offered statewide. 10 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Supported Legislation The Commission actively supports bills that would implement its recommendations. In the 2023-24 legislative session, 15 of the bills we supported were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor. Developmental Disabilities Background: In its 2020 report, Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime, the AB 1147 (ADDIS) Commission found that detecting labor trafficking is Chapter 902, Statutes of 2024 particularly daunting, as few understand the nature of the crime and to the unsuspecting observer, Summary: Requires the state to address several the work itself may appear legitimate. Increasing issues within its developmental disabilities services public awareness of trafficking crimes may help system, including disparities in treatment based on with both victim identification and crime prevention. race and geographical location, regional boards, However, labor trafficking is often neglected in standard services, vendorization, and technology. human trafficking public awareness campaigns. The Background: In its 2023 report, A System in Distress: Commission recommended that California conduct Caring for Californians with Developmental Disabilities, public education and outreach campaigns to increase the Commission called for the Department of awareness of all forms of human trafficking. Developmental Services (DDS) to identify a standard set of core services to be delivered by all regional AB 1888 (ARAMBULA AND RAMOS) centers, and to utilize technology to make it Chapter 614, Statutes of 2024 easier for consumers to find out what services are Summary: Establishes a dedicated labor trafficking available. The Commission also recommended that unit within the California Department of Justice regional centers use standard categories to track to receive labor trafficking reports from law the race and ethnicity of clients receiving services enforcement agencies and other entities and refer so that disparities could be more easily identified. those reports to appropriate agencies for action. Additionally, the Commission recommended that Background: In its 2020 report, Labor Trafficking: DDS put forward a comprehensive project plan to Strategies to Help Victims and Bring Traffickers to Justice, modernize its data systems. The Commission also the Commission found that each year, hundreds called for DDS to standardize the vendorization of known labor trafficking survivors seek help in process and allow vendors to provide services across California. Yet cases that can bring their traffickers to the regional center system. Finally, the Commission justice remain rare. To enhance efforts to bring labor recommended that the state enhance support traffickers to justice, the Commission recommended for regional center governing boards, including California mandate that the Department of Industrial additional training and greater protection against Relations pursues labor trafficking alongside its retaliation. other work to combat the underground economy. Labor Trafficking The Commission also recommended the state standardize coordination among state agencies AB 1966 (DAVIES) around labor trafficking. Chapter 198, Statutes of 2024 Summary: Requires ticket sellers to include information and resources for human trafficking victims with all ticket purchases for events at an entertainment venue. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 11 Intimate Partner Violence Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover AB 1962 (BERMAN) from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found Chapter 367, Statutes of 2024 that many intimate partner violence survivors are already in crisis by the time they reach out for help. Summary: Strengthens revenge porn laws to include The Commission recommended that California adopt secretly recorded or stolen images. a strategic approach focused on prevention and Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A early intervention, while continuing to support crisis Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover intervention and victim services; expand antiviolence from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found initiatives into every segment of society, and allow that many intimate partner violence survivors are survivors to pursue civil cases against their abusers. already in crisis by the time they reach out for help. The Commission recommended that California adopt AB 2308 (DAVIES) a strategic approach focused on prevention and Chapter 649, Statutes of 2024 early intervention, while continuing to support crisis Summary: Extends from 10 to 15 years the intervention and victim services; expand antiviolence maximum duration of a protective order issued initiatives into every segment of society, and allow against people convicted of certain domestic violence survivors to pursue civil cases against their abusers. offenses. AB 2499 (SCHIAVO) Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A Chapter 967, Statutes of 2024 Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found Summary: Allows an employee who is the victim of a that many intimate partner violence survivors are crime, or has a family member who is the victim of a already in crisis by the time they reach out for help. crime, to take time off of work without penalty. The Commission recommended that California adopt Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A a strategic approach focused on prevention and Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover early intervention, while continuing to support crisis from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found intervention and victim services; expand antiviolence that many intimate partner violence survivors are initiatives into every segment of society, and allow already in crisis by the time they reach out for help. survivors to pursue civil cases against their abusers. The Commission recommended that California adopt a strategic approach focused on prevention and SB 1394 (MIN, ASHBY, AND WEBER) early intervention, while continuing to support crisis Chapter 655, Statutes of 2024 intervention and victim services; expand antiviolence Summary: Creates new ways for survivors to stop a initiatives into every segment of society, and allow domestic abuser from tracking their car. survivors to pursue civil cases against their abusers. Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A SB 899 (SKINNER AND BLAKESPEAR) Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover Chapter 544, Statutes of 2024 from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found that many intimate partner violence survivors are Summary: Establishes uniform standards for courts already in crisis by the time they reach out for help. when issuing gun violence restraining orders, as well The Commission recommended that California adopt as the state’s other firearm restraining order laws. a strategic approach focused on prevention and early intervention, while continuing to support crisis 12 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION intervention and victim services; expand antiviolence AB 479 (RUBIO) initiatives into every segment of society, and allow Chapter 86, Statutes of 2023 survivors to pursue civil cases against their abusers. Summary: Extends provisions, until July 1, 2026, that SB 989 (ASHBY AND RUBIO) authorize the Counties of Napa, San Luis Obispo, Chapter 654, Statutes of 2024 Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Yolo to offer an alternative program for individuals convicted Summary: Enhances investigation procedures in of domestic violence. cases involving domestic violence-related deaths. Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found recommended that the state review its requirements that many intimate partner violence survivors are for batterer intervention programs to determine if already in crisis by the time they reach out for help. they facilitate rehabilitation. The Commission also The Commission recommended that California adopt recommended that the state begin a process to a strategic approach focused on prevention and determine how to tailor rehabilitative services to an early intervention, while continuing to support crisis individual’s needs. intervention and victim services; expand antiviolence initiatives into every segment of society, and allow Open Meetings survivors to pursue civil cases against their abusers. SB 544 (LAIRD) AB 2432 (GABRIEL, CERVANTES, AND Chapter 216, Statutes of 2023 REYES) Chapter 651, Statutes of 2024 Summary: Updates teleconferencing requirements in the Bagley-Keene Act, which govern how state Summary: Establishes a fund to disburse fines boards and commissions conduct open meetings, paid by corporations convicted of illegal activity, to to promote equity and public participation through assist victims, including survivors of intimate partner virtual meetings while safeguarding the personal violence. safety of board and commission members. Background: In its 2021 report Beyond the Crisis: A Background: In its 2021 report, The Government Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover of Tomorrow: Online Meetings, the Commission from Intimate Partner Violence, the Little Hoover recommended that state boards and commissions Commission found that the funding source for the provide public access to their meetings in both a Violence of Crime Act (VOCA) grant program has been physical location and a teleconferencing option. The declining for years and cannot be considered a stable Commission also recommended allowing board and funding source. The Commission recommended commission members to participate in meetings that the Governor designate a leader responsible remotely without requiring public disclosure of those for steering California to a prevention- and early- locations. intervention approach that should assess all current sources of funding and advocate for changes to help the state make progress on its strategy to reduce, prevent, and recover from intimate partner violence. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 13 recommendations through the years regarding fiscal Organic Waste Recyling accountability. AB 2346 (LEE) Background: For decades, the Commission has Chapter 712, Statutes of 2024 recognized the importance of fiscal accountability Summary: Provides flexibility to local governments in in government. In a 2015 report on making how they comply with procurement requirements for California government more customer-centric, the recovered organic material. Commission cited efforts to improve government transparency, and noted that a lack of transparency Background: In its 2023 report, Reducing California’s can breed corruption and mismanagement. In Landfill Emissions: SB 1383 Implementation, the 2017, the Commission recommended a series of Commission found that it has been increasingly changes designed to ensure the accountability and difficult for local governments to reach their transparency of special districts. Other reports procurement requirements for recovered organic through the years have focused on various aspects waste—particularly renewable gas. Thus, the of the need for greater fiscal accountability, including Commission recommended that the state expand stronger oversight of spending financed by state and the list of compliance pathways and products local bonds, improvements to fiscal management, eligible to count toward a jurisdiction’s procurement the need for procurement reform, and the need for requirements. better personnel management. SB 1046 (LAIRD) Chapter 452, Statutes of 2024 Find a full list of Commission supported legislation here. Summary: Requires a Program Environmental Impact Report for small and medium compost facilities to streamline permitting and help the state meet its climate goals. Background: In its 2023 report, Reducing California’s Landfill Emissions: SB 1383 Implementation, the Commission recommended that state agencies work together to streamline permitting requirements to construct infrastructure necessary to meet statutory requirements. The Commission also recommended that the state should build in as much flexibility as possible for local governments to recycle their organic waste. Customer-Centric Government AB 2455 (GABRIEL) Chapter 568, Statutes of 2024 Summary: Modernizes whistleblower laws and adds protections to prevent the misuse of state funds and is in line with numerous Commission 14 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Ideas for Change from Little Hoover Generated by the Little Hoover Commission through our research over the past several years, the following recommendations have the potential to result in positive change for California. California Economy Recommendations: Review and adjust state licensing requirements that do not provide EQUITABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT commensurate increases in safety. Establish “blind” ACROSS CALIFORNIA data collection. Develop bridge education programs Problem: California is an economic powerhouse, for people with some experience to quickly meet center of innovation, and home to world-leading California’s requirements. Create apprenticeship enterprises. Significant disparities in income, pathways for occupations so students can earn a employment, and opportunity distinguish, however, wage while working to meet requirements. (Report) the state’s coastal metropolitan areas from its rural Environment & Natural and inland regions. Resources Recommendations: Do more to facilitate inclusive regional economic development, including by CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY directing resources to regions that need them the ACT (CEQA) most, investing in regional capacity, aligning funding Problem: The California Environmental Quality Act’s and state programs to support regional development (CEQA) protections have been most profound in the strategies, and ensuring that regions balance the most disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, goals of growth and inclusion. (Report | Fact Sheet) where negative environmental impacts have often been greatest in the past. But like any law, CEQA can COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY have damaging, often unintended, consequences. Problem: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a Recommendations: Strengthen the requirements devastating and unequal impact on California’s small needed for litigation of alleged CEQA violations. businesses and workforce. Limit the submission of public input. Create a Recommendations: Take a bolder state leadership broad, simplified exemption for infill housing. role in providing and coordinating support for Increase judicial training. Defer to statute and CEQA small businesses and in establishing public-private guidelines. Establish clear parameters for significance partnerships to advance small enterprises. Build on thresholds. Commission in-depth studies of several California's recent work to strengthen workforce CEQA-related issues. (Report | Fact Sheet) development and career education and encourage REDUCING METHANE EMISSIONS training partnerships that feature high levels of coordination between trainers and employers, as Problem: California failed its 2020 goal to halve well as guidance and support for trainees. (Series organic landfill waste from 2014 levels and will likely of two reports focused on small businesses and job miss its 2025 target. Even with projected capacity training and reskilling |Fact Sheet). increases, the state faces an annual eight million ton shortfall. Over 100 local jurisdictions have requested OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING compliance deadline extensions. Problem: California's licensing process often Recommendations: Enact a temporary pause to the bars entry to occupations and is not a thoughtful implementation of SB 1383—successfully achieving examination of how to best protect consumers. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 15 the goals will require changes in law and regulation, MASTER PLAN FOR AGING additional funding, and creating a more holistic Problem: Improved oversight and accountability is approach to reducing landfill methane emissions. needed to ensure that the state achieves the vision Local jurisdictions must be given a fair amount of of the Master Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint to time to make needed changes. (Report | Fact Sheet) promote healthy aging and prepare for the state for CLIMATE CHANGE the coming demographic changes. Problem: Climate change-induced rising tides will Recommendations: Clarify leadership roles. Enhance legislative oversight. Ensure continued effectively “condemn” pieces of private property stakeholder engagement. Improve transparency. and legally convert them into public lands. This Emphasize direct benefits to Californians. Establish will inevitably result in legal conflict between state a roadmap for implementation. Strategically use government and private oceanfront property owners. California’s data assets. Track investments. (Report | Recommendations: Clarify the impact of sea level Fact Sheet) rise on property rights under California’s Common Law Public Trust Doctrine. Create a legal framework DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES to prevent litigation and instability. (Report) Problem: The state’s developmental disabilities FOREST MANAGEMENT system suffers from broad problems, including inconsistencies in services among racial and ethnic Problem: California’s forests are overgrown as groups and among different regions across the state. a result of climate change and century-old fire suppression methods, leaving them vulnerable to Recommendations: Create a consistent intake process to be used by all regional centers. Use disease, insects, and fire. technology to make it easier for people to find out Recommendations: Increase forest restoration what services are available. Identify a standard set through collaboration. Create a culture where fire of core services that should be delivered by every is a tool instead of a threat. Develop a long-term regional center by 2025. Create standard categories plan for forest materials. Educate Californians on to measure the racial and ethnic characteristics of forest resiliency. Plan for the long-term and ensure clients receiving services. (Report | Fact Sheet) accountability. (Report | Fact Sheet) Public Safety, Law, & Justice Health & Human Services RETAIL THEFT COVID-19 AND CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH Problem: California lacks the detailed crime data needed for policymakers to craft an evidence-based Problem: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated response to concerns regarding public concern over an already worsening crisis in children’s mental retail theft. health. Recommendations: Expand the California Recommendations: Establish a single point of Department of Justice’s existing data initiatives overall leadership for children's mental health. Set to include information on crime statistics, clear outcome goals. Promote coordination around demographics, law enforcement response children's mental health care and services. Center times, prosecution and adjudication data, and schools as sites for supporting child mental wellness. rehabilitation, reentry, and recidivism data. Partner (Report | Fact Sheet) 16 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION with California universities and other nonpartisan effectiveness. Right size entry level officer training. research institutions to study preventative measures, Develop robust ongoing education. Create a more rates of underreporting, economic impact, and representative POST Commission. (Report | Fact drivers of public perception. (Report | Fact Sheet) Sheet) INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SENTENCING Problem: California lacks a coordinated, cohesive Problem: There is a structural imbalance between strategy to prevent intimate partner violence and what the state’s sentencing laws require and its support survivors with their long-term needs. public safety resources and the state fails to reduce recidivism and provide opportunities for offenders to Recommendations: Adopt a strategic approach to turn their lives around. intimate partner violence focused on prevention and early intervention and designate a leader to be Recommendations: Establish a Criminal Justice responsible for steering the state to this approach. Center to collect data on sentencing and best Review and fund rehabilitation programs for people practices and recommend opportunities to improve who are violent toward their partner. Expand housing sentencing and public safety. Do more to incentivize and economic stability assistance for survivors and counties to expand public-private partnerships to their dependents. (Report | Fact Sheet) provide services for offenders re-entering their communities. (Report) LABOR TRAFFICKING Technology & Science Problem: Since criminalizing human trafficking, the state has focused on combatting sex trafficking, AI, FOOD INSECURITY, AND VULNERABLE neglecting those trafficked for their labor in POPULATIONS restaurants, agricultural fields, construction sites, and Problem: Millions of Californians, who cannot afford even private homes. to buy enough nutritious food for themselves and Recommendations: Create a statewide council to their families, are not enrolled in CalFresh. coordinate anti-trafficking activities. Study where Recommendations: Solicit AI-powered solutions labor trafficking occurs and who is victimized. to increase CalFresh uptake and language access, Empower state agencies to respond. Provide training improve retention, alleviate administrative burdens, to amplify detection efforts and investigations, and streamline public feedback. Encourage use of and step-up prosecutions. (Series of three reports technology-based solutions to address food access focused on coordinating a state response, uncovering problems and improve efficiency in farming. Enhance the crime, and helping victims and bringing coordination and oversight to address fragmentation traffickers to justice | Fact Sheet) in food aid programs. (Report | Fact Sheet) LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING AI AND STATE GOVERNMENT Problem: California spends millions of dollars on Problem: Artificial intelligence is a powerful force law enforcement training each year, yet there is very that has the potential to fundamentally transform the little evidence to demonstrate which types of training way we live, but state government has struggled to actually achieve intended goals and positively impact implement and utilize new technology. police behavior in the field—and which do not. Recommendations: Build a California AI Computing Recommendations: Incorporate academic research Center. Create a California AI Council to oversee into training. Assess basic training academies for ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 17 implementation of AI in state operations. Empower Recommendations: Expand the state’s affordable state workers with GenAI tools and training. Make housing strategy to put a greater focus on affordable GenAI implementation easier and enhance legislative home ownership. Consolidate housing functions oversight. Improve GenAI procurement and risk across state agencies. Jumpstart affordable housing assessment processes, and expand these to include production by adopting the model used to attack all technologies that have significant risk. Strengthen California’s wildfire crises. Reconsider how the state human worker voices. Educate the public about measures local governments’ progress toward GenAI. (Report | Fact Sheet) housing goals. Create and fund a county ombudsman position with the authority to approve housing GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) projects when a locality is not compliant with its Problem: GIS can be a powerful tool for decision- housing element. (Report | Fact Sheet) makers yet remains underused across government. Government Operations Recommendations: Codify the role and authority of ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE the State Geographic Information Officer. Establish a multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction body to help Problem: As technology and knowledge evolve, coordinate statewide GIS efforts. (Report) California should take steps to improve its election infrastructure. Transport & Infrastructure Recommendations: Adopt an open source election HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE system. Require the use of “risk-limiting audits” as soon as funding allows. Improve the training Problem: California’s home insurance market is in of elections officials. Delineate standards for crisis, with many homeowners struggling to access compliance audits. (Report | Fact Sheet) affordable coverage and insurers contending with growing risks and rising costs. RECALL REFORM Recommendations: Ensure catastrophe modeling Problem: Weaknesses in the state's recall system regulations allow for public oversight and recognize raise concerns relating to potential overuse or abuse climate mitigations. Allow insurers to account and the possibility of undemocratic outcomes. for reinsurance costs in rate setting. Improve Further, some recall election procedures do not accessibility and timeliness of insurance information. reflect current election administration. Align information and requirements around Recommendations: Adjust the signature mitigating fire risks and maintaining insurability. requirement for recalling statewide office-holders Ensure homeowners have access to all options for from 12 percent of the vote in the last election for the home insurance. Leverage property condition and office to 10 percent of registered voters. Replace the risk information to inform policy decisions and existing two-part recall ballot with a “snap” special investments. Establish a public catastrophe model for recall election that places the targeted official on the state. Help homeowners protect their properties the ballot with all potential replacements. Make against fire. (Report | Fact Sheet) procedural changes to improve the administration of AFFORDABLE HOUSING recall elections. (Report | Fact Sheet) Problem: California is short by two to three Find more ideas for change here. million homes to safely house its population. 18 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Meet our Team Commissioners PEDRO NAVA, CHAIR (D-Santa GIL GARCETTI (D-Los Angeles) Barbara) Appointed by Governor Newsom in 2021. Appointed by Assembly Speaker Pérez Professional photographer and author in 2013 and reappointed by Speakers of ten books. Former Los Angeles County Rendon in 2017 and 2021 and Rivas in District Attorney, teaching Fellow at 2024. Government relations advisor. Harvard University’s Kennedy School, and Former State Assemblymember from president of the California Science Center 2004-2010, civil litigator, deputy district Foundation’s Board of Trustees. attorney, and member of the state Coastal Commission. Elected Chair of the JOSÉ ATILIO HERNÁNDEZ (NPP- Commission in 2014. Burbank) Appointed by Assembly Speaker Rendon ANTHONY CANNELLA, VICE in 2023. Founder and CEO of IDEATE CHAIR (R-Riverside) California, a public relations and policy Appointed by the Senate Rules management firm. Also, founder Committee in 2022. Civil engineer and and Board Chairman of ideateLABS. principal with Northstar Engineering Former Director for External Affairs and Group. Former State Senator from 2010- Community Relations for ConnectEd: The 2018. Previously served on the Ceres City California Center for College and Career. Council and was twice elected mayor of that city. Elected Vice Chair of the JASON JOHNSON (NPP-Napa) Commission in 2023. Appointed by Governor Newsom in 2023. Member of the Land Trust of Napa DION ARONER (D-Berkeley) County Board of Trustees and Horary Appointed by the Senate Rules Commander of Travis Air Force Base. Committee in 2019 and reappointed Former Managing Partner at Founders in 2023. Partner for Aroner, Jewel, and Den. Founder and former CEO at August Ellis. Former State Assemblymember Home Inc. from 1996-2002, chief of staff for Assemblymember Tom Bates, social ASSEMBLYMEMBER LIZ ORTEGA worker for Alameda County, and the first (D-San Leandro) female president of SEIU 535. Appointed by Assembly Speaker Rendon in 2023. Elected in 2022 to DAVID BEIER (NPP-San Francisco) represent the 20th Assembly District. Appointed by Governor Brown in 2014 Represents Hayward, San Leandro, most and reappointed in 2018. Managing of Union City, portions of Dublin and director of Bay City Capital. Former Pleasanton, and several unincorporated senior officer of Genentech and communities. Amgen, and counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the JANNA SIDLEY (D-Los Angeles) Judiciary. Appointed by Governor Brown in 2016 and reappointed in 2020. Partner at ASSEMBLYMEMBER PHILIP CHEN Ichor Strategies and appointed to the (R-Yorba Linda) Board of the Los Angeles City Employee Appointed by Assembly Speaker Rendon Retirement System (“LACERS”). Former in 2021. Elected in 2016 to represent general counsel at the Port of Los 55th District. Represents portions of Los Angeles 2013-22 and city attorney at the Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office from counties and the cities of Brea, Chino 2003-13. Hills, Diamond Bar, La Habra, Industry, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 19 Former Commissioners Who Served in 2023-24 Cynthia Buiza (DTS-Los Angeles) Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) October 2018 - April 2023 September 2021 - December 2024 Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) Sean Varner (R-Riverside) October 2021 - March 2023 April 2016 - June 2023 Bill Emmerson (NPP-Redlands) Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) December 2018 - July 2023 April 2023 - December 2024 Staff Commission staff arrange meetings, conduct research, draft reports, advocate for recommendations and provide full-time representation for the Commission. Staff members are available by phone at (916) 445-2125 or by email at: Ethan Rarick, Executive Director Ashley Hurley, Senior Research Analyst Ethan.Rarick@lhc.ca.gov Ashley.Hurley@lhc.ca.gov Tamar Foster, Deputy Executive Director Shara McAlister, Administrative Analyst Tamar.Foster@lhc.ca.gov Shara.McAlister@lhc.ca.gov Krystal Beckham, Project Manager Allie Powell, Communications and Outreach Analyst Krystal.Beckham@lhc.ca.gov Allie.Powell@lhc.ca.gov Daniel Harris-McCoy, Project Manager Daniel.Harris-McCoy@lhc.ca.gov 20 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Commissioners through the Decades Katcho Achadjian 2011-15 Kenneth Cory 1994 Richard D. Hayden 1977-81 Michael E. Alpert 1994-97, 1997- Carl D. Covitz 1993-2001 Martin F. Helmke 2007-11 2007 George E. Danielson 1965-67 José Atilio Hernández 2023-present Alfred E. Alquist 1969-96 David P. Dawson 1977-79 Harold C. Henry 1971-76 Eloise Anderson 2006-10 Robert J. DeMonte 1975-77 D. W. Holmes 1967-71 Dion Aroner 2019-present C. E. Dixon 1969-70 Gary H. Hunt 1998-2000 Roy Ashburn 2009-10 Clifford Duke 1967-68 Alyson Huber 2010-13 Patricia Bates 2003-04 Virginia Ellis 2011-14 H. Herbert Jackson 1968-77 Charles G. Bakaly, Jr. 1994-98 Bill Emmerson 2013, 2018-23 Jason Johnson 2023-present Joseph Ball 1967-68 David J. Epstein 2002-06 Michael E. Kassan 1983-87 Scott Barnett 2016-17 Harry Farb 1975 Loren Kaye 2006-16 David Beier 2014-present Benjamin Felton 1981-82 Christine Kehoe 2003-04 Marjorie M. Berte 1998 Jack R. Fenton 1967-81 James E. Kenney 1967-75 Harry Blackman 1967-69 Gil Ferguson 1992-94 Lucy Killea 1993-96 Tasha Boerner Horvath 2021-23 Liz Figueroa 2005-06 Nancie B. Knapp 1978-86 James Bouskos 1982-85 Jack Flanigan 2012-17 John T. Knox 1962-65 Victoria Bradshaw 2010-12 Gordon Fleury 1968 Quentin L. Kopp 1997-98 Marilyn C. Brewer 2006-12 Dean Florez 2007-11 Louis J. Kroeger 1967 Iveta Brigis 2017-19 Edward R. Fryer 1977-79 Joshua Lafarga 2017-18 Ryan L. Brooks 2007-10 Harold Furst 1963-67, 1968-75 Andrew L. Leavitt 1969-75 Cynthia Buiza 2018-23 Gil Garcetti 2021-present Eugene C. Lee 1962-63 Hugh M. Burns 1969 Marshall Geller 2008-11 Don B. Leiffer 1963-67 Howard A. Busby 1967-75 Arthur F. Gerdes 1990-94 Donald L. Livingston 1975-79 Paul L. Byrne 1962 Albert Gersten, Jr. 1981-94 Walter H. Lohman 1969-71, 1971-75 Thomas Caldecott 1967-68 Pier A. Gherini, Jr. 1994-98 Welton C. Mansfield 2003-07 Bill Campbell 1999-2000, 2001-02 Mike Gordon 2005 Haig G. Mardikian 1984-93 Anthony Cannella 2014-18, 2022-present Richard E. Gulbranson 1988-89 Bob Margett 2007-09 Mary Anne Chalker 1982-83, 1985- Anthony P. Hamann 1970-71 Milton Marks 1962-66, 1968-93 1995 Daniel W. Hancock 1997-2005, Diane Martinez 1997-98 2006-13 Phillip Chen 2021-present Chad Mayes 2015-21 Dixon R. Harwin 1979-82 Maurice Rene Chez 1976-81 Stanley E. McCaffrey 1968-69 Sally Havice 1998-2001 Dominic L. Cortese 1996 Patrick D. McGee 1967-70 ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 21 Carole V. Migden 2007 Bill Quirk 2017-21 Vernon Sturgeon 1962-65 George Miller, Jr. 1962-68 Leslie “Teddie” A. Ray 2003-07 Dair Tandy 1962-67 Dave Min 2021-2024 Philip J. Reilly 1979-80 F. D. Tellwright 1962-67 Eugene “Mitch” Mitchell 2004-12 Anthony Rendon 2013-15 Richard Terzian 1986-2002 Ernest N. Mobley 1970-76 Lloyd Rigler 1975-79 Helen Torres 2016-18 Stuart G. Moldaw 2002-06 Sebastian Ridley-Thomas 2015-17 Richard S. Trugman 1979-83 Gwen Moore 1984-95, 1995-1999 Joseph Rodota 2004-05 Juan Vargas 2001-03 James Rogan 2006 Mark Vargas 2012-13 James F. Mulvaney 1979-1982 Richard Roth 2013-21 Sean Varner 2016-23 Mark Nathanson 1983-85 Alan E. Rothenberg 1977-78 John Vasconcellos 1997-04 Pedro Nava 2005, 2013-17, 2017-present Michael J. Rubio 2011-13 Frank Vicencia 1981-83 Jim Nielsen 2019-2022 H. Eric Schockman 2000-03 Jean Kindy Walker 1978-87 Jennifer A. Openshaw 2001-04 Cathy Schwamberger 2018-22 Sean Walsh 1999-2002 Verne Orr 1975 David A. Schwarz 2007-16 Paul D. Ward 1975-76 Liz Ortega 2023-present Jonathan Shapiro 2010-17 Carmen H. Warschaw 1976-78 M. Lester O’Shea 1984-88 Nathan Shapell 1968-97 Louis Warschaw 1975-76 Angie Papadakis 1990-2000 Richard E. Sherwood 1962-67 Howard Way 1965-68 George E. Paras 1987-90 Janna Sidley 2016-present Caspar W. Weinberger 1967-68 Don Perata 2014-15, 2015-19 Roy Sorenson 1962-66 Scott Wilk 2023-2024 Charles S. Poochigian 1996-98, Sumi Sousa 2013-15 Mark Wyland 2011-13 1999-2006 Phillip D. Wyman 1981-92, 2001 Jackie Speier 1994-96 Manning J. Post 1962-69, 1971-83 Bruce Young 1983-85 Abraham Spiegel 1986-94 Sol Price 1962-63 Stanley R. Zax 1994-2007 Barbara Stone 1987-94 Tom Quinn 2012-13 Stanley M. Zimmerman 2000-04 Audra Strickland 2005-10 22 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Little Hoover Commission Members CHAIR PEDRO NAVA | Santa Barbara GIL GARCETTI | Los Angeles Appointed to the Commission by Speaker of the Assembly Appointed to the Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom John Pérez in April 2013 and reappointed by Speakers of in November 2021. Professional photographer and author the Assembly Anthony Rendon in 2017 and again in 2021 of ten books. Former Los Angeles County District Attorney, and Robert Rivas in 2024. Government relations advisor. teaching Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, Former State Assemblymember from 2004 to 2010, civil and president of the California Science Center Foundation’s litigator, deputy district attorney and member of the state Board of Trustees. Coastal Commission. Elected chair of the Commission in March 2014. JOSÉ ATILIO HERNÁNDEZ | Burbank Appointed by Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon VICE CHAIR ANTHONY CANNELLA | Ceres in April 2023. Founder and CEO of IDEATE California, a Appointed to the Commission by the Senate Rules public relations and policy management firm. Also, founder Committee in March 2022. Civil engineer and principal with and Board Chairman of ideateLABS. Former Director for Northstar Engineering Group. Former State Senator from External Affairs and Community Relations for ConnectEd: 2010 to 2018. Previously served on the Ceres City Council The California Center for College and Career. and was twice elected mayor of that city. Elected Vice Chair of the Commission in July 2023. JASON JOHNSON | Napa Appointed by Governor Newsom in June 2023. Member DION ARONER | Berkeley of the Land Trust of Napa County Board of Trustees and Appointed to the Commission by the Senate Rules Horary Commander of Travis Air Force Base. Former Committee in April 2019 and reappointed in 2023. Partner Managing Partner at Founders Den. Founder and former for Aroner, Jewel, and Ellis. Former State Assemblymember CEO at August Home Inc. from 1996 to 2002, chief of staff for Assemblymember Tom Bates, social worker for Alameda County, and the first ASM. LIZ ORTEGA | San Leandro female president of Service Employees International Union Appointed to the Commission by Speaker of the Assembly 535. Anthony Rendon in March 2023. Elected in November 2022 to represent the 20th Assembly District. Represents DAVID BEIER | San Francisco Hayward, San Leandro, most of Union City, portions Appointed to the Commission by Governor Edmund G. of Dublin and Pleasanton, and several unincorporated Brown Jr. in June 2014 and reappointed in January 2018. communities. Managing director of Bay City Capital. Former senior officer of Genentech and Amgen, and counsel to the U.S. House of JANNA SIDLEY | Los Angeles Representatives Committee on the Judiciary. Appointed to the Commission by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in April 2016 and reappointed in February 2020. ASM. PHILLIP CHEN | Yorba Linda Partner at Ichor Strategies and appointed to the Board Appointed to the Commission by Speaker of the Assembly of the Los Angeles City Employee Retirement System Anthony Rendon in October 2021. Elected in November (“LACERS”). Former general counsel at the Port of Los 2016 to represent 55th District. Represents portions of Los Angeles and city attorney at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties and the Office. cities of Brea, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, La Habra, Industry, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Full biographies are available on the Commission’s Linda. website at www.lhc.ca.gov. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2023-24 | 23 “DEMOCRACY ITSELF IS A PROCESS OF CHANGE, AND SATISFACTION AND COMPLACENCY ARE ENEMIES OF GOOD GOVERNMENT.” Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, addressing the inaugural meeting of the Little Hoover Commission, April 24, 1962, Sacramento California Milton Marks Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy www.lhc.ca.gov