California Politics and Government: A Practical Approach

Employing a unique nuts-and-bolts approach, CALIFORNIA POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT gives insight into real-life politics as it vividly illustrates the complex principles at work in state government. Current examples and clear explanations give readers a solid understanding of the ins and outs of California government. Thoroughly updated, the thirteenth edition addresses many complex economic, social, education, and immigration issues and their impact on state politics. It includes discussion of new court cases, the state's new spending plan, the 2014 elections, changes in government regulations, and more. In addition, public policy coverage is thoroughly integrated throughout the book, helping readers make connections and see firsthand the impact and practical applications of government and legislation in their own lives.

Larry N. Gerston, professor emeritus at San Jose State University, engages the political process as an author and an analyst. He has written 11 academic books in addition to California Politics and Government: A Practical Approach, including Making Public Policy: From Conflict to Resolution (1983); Politics in the Golden State (with Terry Christensen, 1984); The Deregulated Society (with Cynthia Fraleigh and Robert Schwab,1988); American Government: Politics, Process and Policies (1993); Public Policy: Process and Principles (1987); Public Policymaking in a Democratic Society: A Guide to Civic Engagement (2002); Recall! California's Political Earthquake (with Terry Christensen, 2004); American Federalism: A Concise Introduction (2007); Confronting Reality: Ten Issues Threatening to Implode American Society and How We Can Fix It (2009); Not So Golden After All: The Rise and Fall of California (2012); and Reviving Citizen Engagement: Policies to Renew National Community (2015). He has written more than 150 op-ed pieces for every major newspaper in California. Gerston is the on-air political analyst for NBC Bay Area television and KCBS radio. He speaks often on issues such as civic engagement and political empowerment and has authored four children’s books.

Terry Christensen is a San Jose State University professor emeritus of political science. He is the author or co-author of nine books. In addition to those co-authored with Larry Gerston, his works include Local Politics: Governing at the Grassroots (2006), co-authored by Tom Hogen-Esch, and Projecting Politics: Political Messages in American Films (2015), co-authored by Elizabeth Haas and Peter Haas. His experience in practical politics at the local level includes serving on numerous civic committees and commissions, advocating policy proposals, advising grassroots groups and advising and mentoring candidates for local office―many of whom are his former students. He was the founding executive director of CommUniverCity San Jose (www.cucsj.org), a partnership between the City of San Jose, San Jose State University and adjacent neighborhoods through which hundreds of students learn about life and politics in their community through service projects proposed by neighborhood residents and supported by the City. He is also host and executive producer of Valley Politics (www.creatvsj.org/valley-politics/), a monthly television program focused on politics in San Jose and Silicon Valley.