Abolish the California Capital

The Pandemic Showed Us the Wonders of a Decentralized State Government

Why bother maintaining a state capital?

Californians certainly shouldn’t. The pandemic demonstrated what things are essential in California, and what things we can live without. Among our superfluous assets: the designation of Sacramento as our capital city, and the various buildings occupied by our state government there.

In the biggest emergency of our lives, our elected officials managed to respond and govern with the Capitol, the seat of government, closed. Public employees in Sacramento-based agencies kept the government running while working remotely or from home.

Having the capital effectively closed didn’t …

by Joe Mathews | June 29, 2021

There’s Only One Entity Ruthless Enough to Reopen All California Schools

The State Faces a Choice: Outsource School Reopenings or Watch Schools Crumble

by Joe Mathews | February 23, 2021

Many Californians say schools need to re-open now. But no one has had the guts to open all schools, and all grades, and actually send all kids back to class. …

Why States Can Lead America Forward

Pursuing Progressive Policies on the State Level Can Move the Dial on Major Issues Like Citizenship, Immigration, and Health Care

by Joe Mathews | October 23, 2020

American states, conventionally seen as threats to Americans’ constitutional rights, also can be powerful forces for protecting and extending rights in ways that benefit the whole country, said panelists at …

Should We Embrace Our Divisions to Build a Better America?

Rather Than Chase National Unity, Our Best Hope for Protecting Our Rights and Building a Better Future Lies at the State Level

by Joe Mathews | October 20, 2020

Do you trust your state more than the U.S. government? Do you dream of California independence? Does breaking the U.S. into regional republics intrigue you?

Then you might be a …

The Shiny Sacramento Statue That Reflects California’s Failures

As the State Continues to Expand Its Authority, Local and Regional Communities—Including the Capital Itself—Suffer

by Joe Mathews | June 23, 2020

There may be no better symbol of Sacramento’s failure as California’s capital than the 18-foot-tall stainless-steel sculpture outside the city’s downtown sports arena. The work, by famed contemporary artist Jeff …

Unreal Just How Awful Real ID Is | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

It’s Unreal Just How Awful ‘Real ID’ Is

A New Federal Standard for Driver’s Licenses Threatens Our Basic Freedoms

by Joe Mathews | February 11, 2020

Do you love this country, this state, and your freedoms?

Then show it. Defy your state and national governments—and refuse to get a “Real ID.”

There are bad ideas. There are very …

Get More Zócalo