California's New Governor Faces Crisis Landscape

When a natural disaster strikes -- tearing down infrastructure, demolishing buildings and devastating lives -- first-strike disaster teams must go in and make a quick assessment of needs. They prioritize each situation in order to minimize further loss, and begin strategizing how to tackle the problems. On Jan. 3, as Democrat Jerry Brown was sworn into office as the 39th governor of California, the landscape in front of him was a disaster.

What are among the top issues facing the state of California?

The top issues include the state budget deficit ($28 billion dollars), unemployment and jobs, education, affordable housing, and the lingering foreclosure crisis.

As Gov. Brown takes office, what was the first order of business?

"We have a massive budget deficit to address. I'm starting with a 25% cut to my own office," stated Gov. Brown in a recent public release. The $18 million allocated for the Governor's Office will now be $13.4 million. Among the cuts are the position of Secretary of Education, and the Office of the First Lady. More cuts to state programs are on the horizon.

Jobs are a key to a healthy economy. California unemployment is high. What does Gov. Brown intend to do?

With California unemployment at 12.4%, jobs are a top priority. Among Gov. Brown's two key campaign promises related to jobs--"Stimulate clean energy jobs, and encourage business start ups and expansions". This includes incentives for manufacturing jobs focused primarily in the clean tech industry.

California's education has lagged for many years. How does Gov. Brown intend to fix education?

" California faces unique challenges in education. Despite passage of Proposition 98 in 1988, per pupil spending lags behind most other states. In 1972, California was in the top 20 for per pupil spending; by 2009, we had dropped to the bottom 10," according to Gov. Brown in his education plan.

His plan includes new ideas for "theme schools" and technology to implement online learning. He also plans to overhaul state testing programs, spend more resources for teacher training, low-income families, and English language learners.

Gov. Brown's plan also recognizes, "current school law or practices allow students to undermine classroom decorum and disrupt the learning process." This requires discipline and good citizenship to return to the classroom, and empowerment of teachers.

How bright is California's housing market and prospects for affordable housing purchases?

While the housing crisis created more affordable housing as prices fell (for the few who could get a loan in 2010), the housing crisis continues into 2011 and shadow inventory looms. " Foreclosures in the state are still high. Sales of new homes are at historic lows. And millions of homeowners are underwater on their mortgages" as reported in the Los Angeles Times.