Mathews and Paul will be discussing their recently released book, California Crackup: How Reform Broke the Golden State and How We Can Fix It.

Their fast-paced and often humorous narrative deftly exposes the origins of our current political and fiscal problems-from the ugly 1879 constitutional convention to Hiram Johnson's Progressive reforms to the Prop 13 tax revolt and its legacy of supermajority requirements and voter initiatives.

Mathews and Paul then furnish a uniquely California fix: innovative solutions that allow Californians to debate their choices, settle on the best ones, hold elected officials accountable for results, and choose anew if something doesn't work.

California Crackup has been receiving many positive reviews. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Neither Mr. Brown or Ms. Whitman, as they attempt to blaze a trail to the governor's mansion, have suggested anything as sweeping as the proposals in California Crackup." 

Additionally, the American Prospect declares, "[T]he best ideas for rebuilding California's government that the state has seen since - well, probably ever."

Read more about "California Crack-up" at http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520266568.

Following the discussion, members of SCC will give a recap of the group's recent activities as well as upcoming events.

A group of Davis community members have joined forces as Saving California Communities (SCC) to advocate for permanent structural budget reform at the state level.  This group brings together county, city and school elected representatives, educators, parents, students, city directors, health professionals, university and community college representatives, senior citizens, government employees and business owners.

For additional information, please visit http://www.savingca.org.