2020 was an immensely challenging year for local governments in California. Cities and counties were already struggling to address rising pension costs, housing prices, and homelessness when they were hit by the worst pandemic in over a century. The forced closure of businesses led to record losses in sales tax revenue and spiking unemployment. By summer, 54% of San Francisco storefronts had permanently closed.
Localities were also forced to navigate a new virtual landscape this year. Zoom meetings became the norm for city and county boards. That led to some dust-ups, though it arguably increased public participation as well. That wasn’t always a good thing. With the politicization of COVID-19 and mask wearing, we saw jarring examples of harassment against public officials. Some health officers were forced to quit and hire security.
But we pulled through. Or at least we’re trying to, even without adequate help from the federal government. Today, we’re looking back at the year we survived and the stories that interested you most.
Without further ado, here are California City News’ Top Stories of 2020:
1. It’s Time To Stop The Intimidation Of Elected Officials
2. CalPERS Retiree Gets Fund’s Largest Pension Ever at $34,884 a Month
3. CalPERS Loses $69 Billion in Market Crash
5. Anaheim Relieves Its City Manager
6. Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole Resigns
7. Laguna Beach Virtual Meeting Interrupted by Porn
8. SLO City Manager Tackles Stalker Who Barged Into Mayor’s Office
9. Coronavirus by Zip Code: Virus’ Geography Tells a Troubling Story
10. Some Local Governments Are Suspending Public Records Requests in Response to Coronavirus
Happy New Year!