Michael Higham

UC San Diego, Class of 2012, B.A. in Political Science. Education Journalist occasionally diving into energy policy, with the aspiration of becoming the coolest high school teacher or college professor your kids ever had.</p&gt

California Water Policy: Driest Year in State History Leads to Debate

The year 2013 marked the driest year recorded in California history. December is typically a wet month in the state, but the Summer-like Winter in 2013 was both a blessing

By Michael Higham

/ January 3, 2014

California Water Policy: Driest Year in State History Leads to Debate

7 Black Friday Facts: Billions Spent and Lawmakers React

The Black Friday phenomenon that unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season began in the 1930's. Today, it has become a widespread tradition in America to

By Michael Higham

/ November 29, 2013

7 Black Friday Facts: Billions Spent and Lawmakers React

14 Facts About Veterans' Struggles and Triumphs You Didn't Know

Every year on the 11th day of November, we formally stop to thank and remember those who serve our country. Some give all, but all give some and politics aside,

By Michael Higham

/ November 11, 2013

14 Facts About Veterans' Struggles and Triumphs You Didn't Know

Billions for California Education Funding in Jeopardy Due To Testing Reform

The California legislature passed AB 484 and Governor Jerry Brown signed the legislation for reform in the state's standardized testing. The current testing method (STAR) will be abandoned

By Michael Higham

/ October 31, 2013

Billions for California Education Funding in Jeopardy Due To Testing Reform

Revolutionary Nonpartisan Primary Elections Proposed in Oregon

Jeff Mapes of OregonLive.com covered the story of Mark Frohnmayer -- son of David Frohnmayer, an established member of Oregon politics, law, and academia -- pushing for a version

By Michael Higham

/ October 18, 2013

Revolutionary Nonpartisan Primary Elections Proposed in Oregon

NYC Mayoral Debate Excludes Independent Candidate Adolfo Carrion

Candidate of the Independence Party Adolfo Carrion was excluded at the October 15 debate in the race for New York City mayor. The debate features Democratic nominee Bill de Blasio

By Michael Higham

/ October 15, 2013

NYC Mayoral Debate Excludes Independent Candidate Adolfo Carrion

PPIC: Initiative Process Needs to Be Reformed

The Public Policy Institute of California published a report on public perceptions and recommendations on the state's initiative process. While a majority of Californians favor the initiative process,

By Michael Higham

/ October 10, 2013

PPIC: Initiative Process Needs to Be Reformed

Old Standardized Test Must Be Left Behind To Move Ahead, Bonilla Says

Credit: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 484 on October 2, ending California's K-12 standardized testing system and moving toward a new one. STAR testing

By Michael Higham

/ October 3, 2013

Old Standardized Test Must Be Left Behind To Move Ahead, Bonilla Says

Education Services Continue Through Government Shutdown... For Now

Credit: hxdbzxy / Shutterstock.com There is not a clear indication of when the federal government and its functions will be fully reinstated. For the time being, employees who provide non-essential

By Michael Higham

/ October 2, 2013

Education Services Continue Through Government Shutdown... For Now

Authors of California Fracking Law Strike Unprecedented Middle Ground

Credit: Calin Tatu / Shutterstock.com On the night of September 20, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 4, the state's first move toward comprehensive regulation of hydraulic

By Michael Higham

/ September 25, 2013

Authors of California Fracking Law Strike Unprecedented Middle Ground

Lower Threshold for Parcel Taxes Will Not Help Education Funding Gaps

Credit: tlegend / Shutterstock.com The California Legislature is considering a lower threshold for local parcel taxes for the entire state through a state constitutional amendment (SCA 11). A parcel tax

By Michael Higham

/ September 20, 2013

Lower Threshold for Parcel Taxes Will Not Help Education Funding Gaps

CA Testing Bill AB 484 Catches National Attention and Opposition

Assembly Bill 484 -- authored by Assemblymember Susan Bonilla -- passed the Senate floor on September 10 by a vote of 26 to 7 with 6 senators abstaining. The bill&

By Michael Higham

/ September 11, 2013

CA Testing Bill AB 484 Catches National Attention and Opposition