With the increasing prevalence of psychological concepts in our everyday language, “gaslighting” has emerged as a powerful tool to describe manipulation. And it is not just limited to interpersonal relationships: in our age of post-truth and rampant misinformation, entire societies could be gaslit. Green European Journal explores how can we defend ourselves from the truth-bending rhetoric of narcissistic leaders.
Read More“If you want to change the world, the objective chance that you will prevail is probably bleak,” write the political scientists Eric Beerbohm and Ryan W. Davis of citizen mobilization efforts. “So it is unsurprising that citizens collectively engaged in efforts to put a dent in the world have to adopt and maintain beliefs that—in some ways—extend beyond the evidence available to them.”
Read MoreChilling from across the pond: Spain’s El Pais says it is imperative that societies start imposing high costs and severe consequences to organizations and individuals who deliberately and continuously disseminate false information. But who watches the watchers?
Read MoreEvery parent knows: if your child wastes their allowance, it’s time for better money skills—not a bigger allowance. Yet CA SB 63 proposes we add a half-cent sales tax for bailing out transit agencies like VTA. Perhaps it’s time for fiscal accountability across local gov’t projects. An Opp Now exclusive with Pacific Research Institute’s Tim Anaya and Evergreen Elementary SD’s Jim Zito.
Read MoreLocal political commenter Denise Kalm says that local gov’ts mis-label the real issues with our homeless community, ignoring the upstream problems of mental health and addiction. She says this “infantilizes” our unhoused neighbors, and leads to bad policy. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreHJTA spokesperson Susan Shelley warns that despite Prop 13’s safeguards against runaway taxes, the state has aggressively chipped away at the voter’s intent. The courts even pulled a taxpayer protection act off the ballot last year. But she’s confident that in 2026, Californians and SV residents will get a chance to put the brakes on local tax hikes. An Opp Now exclusive Q&A.
Read MoreSPUR’s Urbanist gathers local leaders to consider what it would take to achieve thriving San José, San Francisco, & Oakland downtowns, buzzing with pedestrian malls, green spaces, and tech-driven equity. From car-free streets to student hubs, could this vision blends Silicon Valley innovation with community soul to sidestep the urban doom loop?
Read MoreDespite taxpayer protections enshrined in Proposition 13, the state has ramped up all kinds of taxes through legal loopholes and questionable court rulings. So says Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Assn’s Susan Shelley, who points out that Californians—especially Silicon Valley residents—pay some of the highest sales tax in the nation. An Opp Now exclusive Q&A.
Read MoreWhether we’re talking CEQA, licensing req’ts, gas mandates, or sales taxes, CA congressional candidate Peter Coe Verbica and SF Libertarian chair Starchild argue that less is more—and would empower folks to stay in the Bay. Not flee to other, more cost-effective states. An Opp Now exclusive roundup.
Read MorePer our annual Opp Now tradition, we hit replay on a beloved short essay by Peter Coe Verbica. He reflects, below, on those inexplicable moments of renewal and recovery we might experience during the holidays—prompted by the loveliness found in ordinary activities, objects, and surroundings. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreIt was a dream we dreamed one afternoon long ago. On December 4, 1965, the Grateful Dead's first gig playin' in the band as the Dead took place in a large house that once stood on the current footprint of San Jose City Hall. On December 4, 2025, a commemorative plaque (thanks to SJRocks.org) will be placed to mark this legendary site. Public welcome; rings on your fingers and bells on your shoes appreciated.
Read MoreCounty officials are still snapping at each other regarding the proceeds from the “bait-and-switch” Measure A. At the same time, underdog Assessor finalist Rishi Kumar gains the support of local political leaders with his aggressive tax reform platform. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read More
