California Politics: The Fault Lines of Power, Wealth, and Diversity

ISBN: 087289276X

Author: Edgar Kaskla

Condition: New

California is full of myths and legends, but its political system shouldnt be. In this refreshingly critical take, Edgar Kaskla brings an analysis of power-how it is distributed, how it is used, and to what end-to bear on Californias political system and the many troubling issues it currently faces. Starting from the premise that California is in deep crisis politically, economically, culturally, and environmentally, Kaskla traces the states economic and political development as a process controlled by and for the elite, be they land barons, the Hollywood glitterati, or Silicon Valley execs.Kaskla focuses on what he calls growth machine politics-elites and their land use as promoters of development and redevelopment-to show students how the gap between the rich and poor in California continues to widen. As minority communities increase in size, as the cost of campaigning in the state balloons, and as the states debt crisis mounts, the socio-economic and cultural issues at play in California add up to a real threat to democratic governance. Kaskla clearly outlines how each of the states institutions are organized, but also shows how they are affected-indeed distorted-by a host of serious economic and social inequalities.Not one to mince words, Kaskla is in places irreverent, but his text is thoroughly researched and well argued, never crossing the line into the polemical. Tables, figures, maps, and lists for further reading help reinforce the books substantive points and critical approach, and a host of student and instructor ancillaries help with study, review, and preparation.