Bob Morris

Progressive blogger at Politics in the Zeros since 2003. Former Green Party of Los Angeles County Council co-coordinator (2002-2004). Organized antiwar protests 2004-2007. Focuses on issues that transcend party lines. Silicon Valley.

Adopting Time-of-Use pricing for electricity in California

Rather than charging a flat rate for electricity, major California power companies like PG&E and SCE are moving towards Time-Of-Use pricing. Rates rise when demand is highest and

By Bob Morris

/ February 7, 2012

Adopting Time-of-Use pricing for electricity in California

Governor Brown scaling back support for high speed rail

Even though he strongly supported high speed rail (HSR) in his recent State of the State speech, Gov. Jerry Brown is now hedging that support. He says the cost will

By Bob Morris

/ February 6, 2012

Governor Brown scaling back support for high speed rail

Making utility-scale renewable energy a reality in California

Renewable energy is growing fast in California. The state has mandated 33% renewable energy by 2020. That's a long way to go and a short time to get

By Bob Morris

/ February 2, 2012

Making utility-scale renewable energy a reality in California

Community redevelopment agencies about to become history

As part of Governor Jerry Brown's budget cutbacks, 425 local redevelopment agencies will shut down on Feb. 1. While some legislators want to delay the process or allow

By Bob Morris

/ January 31, 2012

Community redevelopment agencies about to become history

CalPERS earned just 1.1% in 2011

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) announced a disappointing 1.1% return on its investments for calendar year 2011. By its own estimates, it needs to average 7.

By Bob Morris

/ January 30, 2012

Governor Brown endorses Bay Delta Conservation Plan

Gov. Brown strongly endorsed and supported the Bay Delta Conservation Plan in his State of the State address. He says it will ensure water for 25 million Californians and agriculture,

By Bob Morris

/ January 26, 2012

Governor Brown endorses Bay Delta Conservation Plan

Governor Brown continues push for high-speed rail

Somewhat bafflingly, California Governor Jerry Brown’s continued his unwavering support for beleaguered High Speed Rail (HSR) plans in his State of the State speech last week. The HSR line

By Bob Morris

/ January 24, 2012

Governor Brown continues push for high-speed rail

California could generate massive wave and tidal power

The Department of Energy (DOE) says California has the potential to generate enough power for 14 million homes if its wave and tidal power were fully developed. Even if it

By Bob Morris

/ January 23, 2012

California could generate massive wave and tidal power

US military leads drive toward renewable energy future

"Energy Security needs to be one of the first things we think about, before we deploy another soldier, before we build another ship or plane, and before we buy

By Bob Morris

/ January 19, 2012

US military leads drive toward renewable energy future

This could be California's driest year on record

The Sierras have had practically no snow this year. Lake Tahoe, which relies on skiing for income, has no ski areas operating at full capacity. Some only have 30% of

By Bob Morris

/ January 17, 2012

This could be California's driest year on record

State-appointed panel says high-speed rail not feasible

The California High Speed Rail Peer Review Group, a group tasked with advising the state legislature on high-speed rail, says state bond money for high-speed rail (HSR) should be withheld

By Bob Morris

/ January 16, 2012

State-appointed panel says high-speed rail not feasible

California water system in need of major repair

The California Department of Water Resources warned in a December report that 50% of the state’s aging levees are not up to standard and up to $17 billion is

By Bob Morris

/ January 12, 2012

California water system in need of major repair