A new year’s story list
I have been a journalist for so long that instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I look ahead to big news stories. A working list for 2019:
1. Trump in the crosshairs: What does the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller conclude? Will Democrats in Congress pursue impeachment?
2. 2020 presidential race: Which Democrats move to the front of the pack this year? Will any Californians—Sen. Kamala Harris, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, Silicon Valley billionaire Tom Steyer—make the top tier?
3. Police accountability: Is there any chance that the police officers will be criminally charged in the killing of Stephon Clark?
4. Inclusive economy: Does Sacramento’s Measure U windfall really bring economic development in poor neighborhoods?
5. Big Sacramento projects: How much progress is made redeveloping the former Sleep Train Arena in Natomas, or remaking the riverfront?
6. California’s new governor: Which of Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom’s costly campaign promises does he keep, and which get put on the back burner?
7. Gov. Brown’s legacy: Without Jerry Brown in office, does momentum slow for his big legacy projects—Delta tunnels and high-speed rail?
8. California wildfires: How does the rebuilding of Paradise and Camp Fire recovery go? Are there changes to development rules in fire zones?
There will be other big stories that we don’t see coming. That drama is what keeps news junkies like me going.