Guest commentary: Population trends threatening U.S. prosperity
By Vlad Vaiman In recent years, birth rates dropping well below replacement levels has caused a worldwide seismic demographic change. Despite increased life expectancy, many nations — including the United States — are currently seeing a fast demographic transition toward “youth scarcity,” where fewer young people must sustain a fast-growing retiree population. Historically, global social and economic systems have relied on a steadily rising Read More →
Guest commentary: Santa Barbara is quietly building the future of Artificial Intelligence
By Starr Hall While Silicon Valley often dominates the headlines, the real story of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation is quietly taking root on the Central Coast, from Ventura to San Luis Obispo. Local startups are using AI to tackle real-world business challenges, ranging from marketing and customer feedback tocybersecurity, and even sustainability efforts. These diverse applications of AI are reshaping industries and Read More →
Guest commentary: The housing bubble is losing air
By John Grace We all know no one can predict the future. If we could, we’d all be sipping piña coladas in our beachside mansions bought with Bitcoin in 2012. Instead, we’re squinting at the horizon like financially anxious meerkats, trying to guess how the economic wind is blowing. It’s a lot like driving while Read More →
Guest commentary: America First cannot mean America Alone
By Jamshid Damooei President Trump is revitalizing the pledge of America First, the political theory he rallied behind during his first term which generally involves limiting immigration, disregarding global affairs and focusing solely on our domestic policy. This includes policies of non-interventionism, American nationalism and protectionist trade policy. America First is accompanied by a feeling that the rise of immigration has Read More →
Guest commentary: California’s new probate law is a win for some, but not all families
By Crista Hermance As an estate and crisis planning attorney, my mission is to help families avoid the chaos that can arise when a loved one passes without a plan in place. I’ve spent years educating clients about the very real — and often surprising — complications of California’s probate system. Many people assume that Read More →
Guest commentary: Proposed ‘skinny budget’ threatens to eliminate vital programs
By Patricia Keelan On April 1st, the new Trump administration abruptly closed five regional Head Start offices that provided support and guidance for Head Start programs in 23 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. But this was no April Fool’s joke. The sudden loss of the regional staff who had Read More →
Guest commentary: It’s worth investing in a 401(k), especially in this volatile time
By Danielle Brinkman-Mallare In today’s economic climate, uncertainty is the only certainty. Inflation remains high, interest rates fluctuate, and the stock market is prone to dramatic swings. Many Americans are feeling the pinch and wondering where to put their money to ensure long-term financial stability. As a Certified Public Accountant, I can confidently say that Read More →
