A Few Fearless New Year’s Resolutions for California

When the Queen of England declared 1992 an “ annus horribilus ,” she also might have been describing one of the worst years in the otherwise golden history of California. The Golden State used to escape the bruising budget woes, mean-spirited politics and paralyzing public strikes that have at times made life miserable in other states. No longer.

In the year just past, Californians endured the worst urban riots in the history of the United States, a depressing economy that put hundreds of thousands out of work, a crippling budget gridlock that held up state paychecks and other services, polarizing political battles that made matters worst, a paucity of leadership, the threat of a big-city school strike and numerous other crises. Only the 10 biblical plagues could have been worse.

As we gladly ring out the old, and optimistically ring in the new, here is our wish list of New Year’s resolutions. People make ‘em; people can break ‘em. But at least we have to try.

* For the state Legislature:

Grow up! Stop acting like bickering kids. Put aside partisan politics long enough to fulfill your obligations as public servants. Agree to an early compromise on the budget. Resolve the workers’ compensation nightmare before the cost of fraud drives more businesses out of the state. And, while you’re at it, simplify the regulatory requirements that stifle commerce. California is in stall city. Do your jobs, before the state loses more of them.

* For Gov. Pete Wilson and Assembly Speaker Willie Brown:

Cooperate! Tone down the polarizing politics. Do some good at the proposed economic summit next month. Forge a consensus on how to tackle the state’s many problems. Put the best interests of California before your personal agendas. Govern instead of grandstand.

* For the California congressional delegation:

Get your act together! Meet regularly--all 52 members, Republicans and Democrats--for the sake of California. Throw your weight around as the nation’s largest state delegation in Congress. Demand the federal immigration relief that was promised but never delivered. Insist on California’s fair share from the federal coffers. Past inaction by the congressional delegation has cost our state dearly. You don’t need to agree on everything, but you do need to agree on how best to protect California’s vital interests.

* For Peter V. Ueberroth and Rebuild Los Angeles:

Hang in there! South L.A. wasn’t ruined in a day and it won’t be revitalized in a day. Move those ideas off the drawing board and onto the streets. Close those deals that will create new jobs. Bring the banks along to make more loans. Don’t let the few troglodytes on the City Council stick you with the entire burden of creating jobs, encouraging economic development and hastening the healing of a city torn by class divisions and racial tensions. Make Rebuild L.A. even more of a model of diversity itself. Persevere, and block by block, help rebuild this city.

* For Chief Willie L. Williams and the LAPD:

Keep it up, Chief Williams! Build on your good start at Parker Center, and your first firm show of force last month at the intersection of Florence and Normandie. Expand community policing throughout the city despite limited resources. Show politicians and voters that the department deserves more dollars. Sensitize officers and promote more women as you refashion the LAPD. Earn back the respect of this city, and the nation.

* For the L.A. School Board and United Teachers-Los Angeles:

Keep talking! And, no walking! Put the children first. And, while keeping better track of the school system’s multibillion-dollar budget, restore confidence in the public schools before it’s too late. Parents are losing faith, and patience. Don’t let the state take over the education of our youngsters.

* For the mayoral candidates:

Rise above politics as usual! Debate intelligently. Defuse our city’s volatility by refusing to resort to exploitative race-baiting, ethnic-bashing or immigrant-blaming. Create an open and inclusive dialogue that overcomes geography, class and other differences. Campaign on a detailed program tailored for the austere ‘90s; the boom-boom ‘80s are over. And don’t ignore the need for healing. A classy mayoral race might even help reduce the discordance in the City of Angels.

* For the county supervisors:

Remember the people who elected you! Stop wasting public money on perks and pensions. Keep in mind the constituents’ desire for a change and remember the overworked county workers who don’t benefit as grandly as their bosses. Spend less time on politics, and more time on solving the problems of this county.

* For all Californians:

Don’t lose heart--be resourceful. Be responsible. Denounce destructiveness. Take the initiative to help your neighborhood, your city, your state. Sacrifice a little to help your neighbors. Donate your dollars or your time and talents year-round, not just during the holidays or when in search of a tax deduction. Do something now, rather than moan about the good old days.

California can’t take another annus horribilus like 1992. The legacies of last year still haunt us. The new year also poses tough economic, political and social challenges. All the more reason to stick to resolutions that rejuvenate the state in 1993.