What’s Jon Reading This Week, and Prop. 50 Poll Column From Yesterday Unlocked!

I am perusing the web all week, and I write about some things, but read about a lot more. Each week I curate interesting things that you may enjoy checking out.

THANK YOU! We open up our Paid Tier of membership a week ago Monday, and it’s been going great. I am so excited, and flattered, at how many readers have been willing to chip in to support this endeavor. We quickly got into the “Bestsellers” category (which is done only by amassing paid subscribers) and have been on it for a while! So grateful.

Anyways, I promise you that I will always be candid, I will always be fair, and I will always call balls and strikes. With support from folks like you, I am beholding to no one. No donor, no interest group, no political party.

INAUGURAL SUPER-SALE ENDS ON TUESDAY, 9/2! RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

Our Saturday Reading recommendations are a weekly THANK YOU to our paid subscribers. Here’s some news, and a few links. The rest, the best, are beyond the pay wall. Now is the time to upgrade! It’s only $5/mo. Or $50/yr if you sign up by 9/2, And then you are guaranteed this rate for life! After 9/2 the rates go $7/mo. Or $70/yr. Help support my ability to call balls and strikes!

---

***UNLOCKED PAID CONTENT*** THIS COLUMN ON A NEW SURVEY WAS RELEASED YESTERDAY FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS. BUT I HAVE UNLOCKED IT, AND PUT IT “ABOVE THE FIREWALL” HERE SO YOU CAN CHECK IT OUT!

---

THE HIGHEST PAID PUBLIC EMPLOYEE IN CALIFORNIA

Susan Muranishi, Alameda County’s top-paid administrator, earned $963,000 in 2024, overseeing a $5 billion budget. Her fiscal conservatism and leadership have earned praise, but her high compensation sparks debate amid concerns over pension sustainability and county priorities. The Chronicle reports here.

---

Whoa, this is where the “thank you” to paid subscribers start. FOMO? Take the plunge!

There are over a 15 stories linked below you want to read. There’s a recommended Podcast. And a host of other tidbits. Again, this stuff I found interesting. And of course the “must read” on this date feature….