Rethinking California: Politics and Policy in the Golden State

This book explores the state of California ― viewing the state as a holistic political culture that reflects the influence of multiple cultures, ethnic groups, and communities of interest. It starts with a broad historical foundation, and travels through cultural analyses and institutional discussions. The evaluation of specific policy issues affecting the state is an important stop along the way, and the crossroads that bring together the variety of analytic paths.   This book is suited for individuals interested in California policy work, and gaining a better understanding of that state's unique political culture.

Matthew Cahn is Special Assistant to the Dean in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He has been a faculty member at California State University, Northridge since 1991. His research interests include environmental policy and resource management, public policy, and American Government. Dr. Cahn has been involved in several applied policy areas, ranging from transportation issues in metropolitan Los Angeles to the question of marine protected areas in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

H. Eric Schockman previously served as Associate Dean/Associate Professor of Political Science for the University of Southern California. He was also a top consultant to the California State Assembly and the Los Angeles City Council. Dr. Schockman served as founding Chair of the National Anti-Hunger Organizations (NAHO), an alliance of all major national anti-hunger organizations in the United States. Additionally, Dr. Schockman was a former Member of both the National Interfaith Hunger Director's Committee and the Alliance To End Hunger. He was on the founding board of directors of the Global FoodBanking Network. He formerly served as Vice-Chair on the California Postsecondary Education Commission from 2009 through 2010 Eric has also served on the Little Hoover Commission, a bipartisan, independent body whose function is to promote efficiency, effectiveness and economy in state programs. He served in the Peace Crops in Sierra Leone, West Africa, teaching agricultural and sustainable development.

David Shafie research and teaching interests include public policy, environmental politics, and California politics.  His most recent books are Presidential Administration and the Environment, published by Routledge, and Eleventh Hour: The Politics of Policy Initiatives in Presidential Transitions (Texas A&M University Press).  He is co-author of Rethinking California: Politics and Policy in the Golden State (Longman, 2nd ed.) and he has published articles in American Behavioral Scientist, the Journal of Information Technology and Politics, and the Southeastern Political Review.   A core faculty member in the Environmental Science and Policy program, Dr. Shafie serves as coordinator of the Environmental Studies minor.