The IGS Poll does typically provide the Times its own written analysis of the findings from our statewide polls. But we have not prepared such reports when reporting on the results of the local polls we have done for the Times. This was also clearly stated in our MOU.In my opinion, the cross-tabs are where many of the storylines become most interesting, especially with regard to the impact that the fires have had on the public. And, there is much there for your reporters to delve into. I will certainly make myself available to them when they begin their review of the tabs.Understandably the most striking findings are the huge differences in the opinions of voters living in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones to the rest of the county on most of the poll's measures about the impact of the fire. But these differences also extend in their evaluations of some of the local leaders and groups in their response to the fires.But the poll also finds that fire's impacts were also more broadly felt by significant numbers of residents living outside the fire zone area, including employed voters, especially those working in the building trades and construction and in education and the arts. In addition, high levels of stress and concerns about the impact of the wildfire smoke on the physical health of residents are being reported by significant proportions.Mayor Bass comes across poorly in the eyes of most LA voters in both her respose to the wildfires and in voters' confidence in her leadership moving forward. Reactions to Newsom are more mixed and are largely partisan based.The views of voters toward the various policy proposals aimed at reducing the dangers of wildfires in the future are quite newsworthy, with large majorities endorsing new fire-resistant standards on new construction, greater funding for fire departments, and imposing greater restrictions on building homes in high fire risk areas.Let me know when I can expect to be receiving their calls.Mark

Los Angeles Times

03-03-2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Monday directing state workers to return to the office four days per week, shifting California government away from a post-pandemic model that allows roughly 95,000 government employees to clock in remotely for most of the week.
The change, which is expected to take effect July 1, comes after President Trump called many federal government workers back to the office last month and as corporations continue to retract remote work options.
'In-person work makes us all stronger — period,' Newsom said in a statement. 'When we work together, collaboration improves, innovation thrives, and accountability increases. That means better service, better solutions, and better results for Californians, while still allowing flexibility.'
California has more than 220,000 full-time state employees and about 60% work in positions, as janitors and highway patrol officers for example, that already require them to report in-person daily. The policy change is expected to apply to about 40% of the workforce who are currently required to report to an office at least two days per week. Newsom's order does not apply to workers who were hired under agreements to exclusively work from home.
The move could place the Democratic governor at odds with powerful public sector labor unions, who represent state workers in California.
Newsom has gradually adjusted his return to the office work policy since concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and government imposed restrictions subsided. The governor originally advised agencies and departments to set their own policies before his administration mandated that workers report in-person at least two days per week last summer.
SEIU Local 1000, the largest public sector union in the country, has resisted sweeping return to the office mandates and argued last year that any policy changes from departments and agencies must be collectively bargained. Labor unions have also disputed the contention that requiring people to commute to work again increases productivity.
The societal shift back to in-person work has been embraced by local officials, who blame remote work policies for the degradation of downtown districts that have experienced restaurant and business closures due to a shortage of patrons. Sacramento County has nearly 90,000 state workers and the most in California, followed by Los Angeles County with 20,000, according to data from the State Controller's Office.
Newsom's order also calls for the state to 'streamline the hiring process for former federal employees seeking employment' to fill vacant state disaster response and emergency roles, including in firefighting, forest management, and weather forecasting. Newsom's request follows the Trump administration's recent actions to cut the federal workforce.