Sometimes I write this blog because I feel very strongly about something and I want to share it with friends. But sometimes, I write because I don’t know what I feel, and writing can clarify my thoughts.

The Chinese philosopher Mencius (371-289 BC), who lived shortly after Confucius, observed that “…when the personal life is cultivated, the family will be regulated. When the family is regulated, the state will be in order. And when the state is in order, there will be peace throughout the world. From the Son of Heaven down to the common people, all must regard cultivation of the personal life as the root or foundation.”

Just when you thought Price couldn’t get any crazier, she comes along with some truly offensive stuff.

Last year Oakland blew it by not applying for a guaranteed state grant to combat crime. Now the city has missed out on another massive Federal grant project to fight violent crime. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland yesterday announced the Justice Department is “doubling down” on its efforts to counter a surge in gun violence, with $78 million in new grants. That’s in addition to $350 million in federal funds previously awarded to cities with high rates of gun violence.

KQED reported on 14 reparations bills currently working their way through the California Legislature. Here’s my take on each. But first: