golden

SACRAMENTO — California may be headed toward killing the billionaire birds that lay the golden eggs needed to nourish this Golden State.

The English fable about the farmer and his wife who foolishly whack their golden goose comes to mind when I think about the proposed billionaire tax in California.

The couple possessed a bird that laid a golden egg every morning, but they slaughtered it for one fat meal.

The billionaire tax — or wealth tax — would generate a one-time bounty for the state government of up to $100 billion collected over five years, according to its promoters. But its many critics say it would drive billionaires out of California, costing the state lots more in tax revenue over the long run.

These birds are capable of flying off to anywhere, after all.

Here’s how the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office summarizes the proposal’s fiscal effects:

• “Temporary increase in state revenues … probably would add up to tens of billions of dollars spread over several years.”
• ”Likely ongoing decrease in state income tax revenues of hundreds of millions of dollars or more per year.”

The golden goose is replaced by a mud hen.

Whether billionaires fly the coop or are forcibly penned in by the measure, as its drafters intend — and whatever the policy’s merits — it just seems like bad PR for California.

We might as well run TV ads and erect billboards along the border proclaiming: “Welcome to California, the land of opportunity. Make a fortune so state politicians can grab a sizable chunk.”

We’ve already got by far the highest income tax rates in the nation, topping out at 13.3%. The top 1% of earners pay between 40% and 50% of the entire state income tax collected annually. The top 0.1% kick in about 20%.

California is infamous for its unfriendly business climate, with byzantine regulations and an agonizingly slow permitting system.

“It sends out the worst possible message to the people we need in the state, the people who produce jobs,” says Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable.

Democratic strategist Garry South says: “Bleating about ‘tax the billionaires’ is a good applause line at Democratic gatherings, but it appears oblivious to the fact they’re already being taxed …

“Our revenue base is disproportionately dependent on capital gains and other income sources unique to the well-off.”

This wealth tax is not being pushed by Sacramento Democrats.

Love from labor, spurned by Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom is adamantly opposed. “It is not something that will allow us to be competitive,” he says.

And the governor asserts: “You would have a windfall one time, and then over the years you would see a significant reduction in taxes because taxpayers will move.”

Most Democratic candidates for governor oppose the ballot initiative.

“Driving out the entrepreneurs and innovators who have enriched California is not the answer to the pressing societal question” of how to address the “growing concentration of wealth,” says the latest gubernatorial entry, San José Mayor Matt Mahan.

The initiative is being led by a labor organization: the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West, which represents 120,000 healthcare workers. It intends to spend up to $14 million to collect nearly 875,000 voter signatures by June 24 to place the measure on the November statewide ballot.

It would impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of California’s 200-plus billionaires, based on their wealth as of Jan. 1 this year. The tax would be due in 2027, but it could be paid in installments over five years.

That’s assuming state bureaucrats can even figure out the billionaires’ worth. And the new tax law isn’t tied up in courts for many years, as it surely would be.

Band-Aid for Republican healthcare cuts

The measure’s purpose is to make up for the billions of dollars in federal cuts to California healthcare programs, especially Medi-Cal. Of the total tax take, 90% would go to healthcare and 10% to education.

“If we don’t do something about [the federal cuts], we’re going to see devastating consequences,” says Suzanne Jimenez, the union’s chief of staff.

Unless the billionaires are taxed extra, she says, money will need to be seized from other programs — such as education and public safety — to salvage healthcare.

It’s just the opposite, critics argue: If billionaires flee the state to avoid the wealth tax, all programs will suffer in the long run because the golden geese no longer will be producing billions in annual tax revenue.

Actually, a better, more reliable solution than the billionaire tax for Democrats is to flip the House of Representatives in November. Win enough seats to seize control from Republicans. Maybe take over the Senate, too. Then restore adequate federal healthcare funding.

Some political infighters suspect that the union is using the threat of a ballot initiative to negotiate more healthcare money from the state budget.

“I think this whole thing is a bluff,” says Mike Murphy, a veteran political consultant who has been helping the opposition. “If you don’t want to see this thing on the ballot, make me happy by putting more money in the budget.

“But they picked the wrong time to rob an empty bank.”

The state government is running on red ink, with deficit estimates ranging from $3 billion (Newsom’s figure) to $18 billion (the legislative analyst’s). Even deeper holes are projected for the future.

Jimenez denies the measure is being used as a negotiating hammer.

“No,” she says. “Our focus is to qualify this for the ballot.”

If it does, there will probably be flocks of golden geese voting by absentee ballot in other states.

What else you should be reading

The must-read: A political earthquake in mayor’s race makes election a referendum on L.A.’s future
Gavin’s exit, stage right: Tax billionaires, cut rents and other takeaways from California’s first gubernatorial debate
The L.A. Times Special: Real, fake or overblown? Sorting fact from fiction in fraud allegations surrounding Newsom, California

Until next week,
George Skelton

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Ross Back Sands beach is a hidden gem that stretches for three miles between Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Castle near Newcastle

A stunning expanse of golden sand framed by green dunes creates the ideal thirty-minute stroll linking Bamburgh castle with Holy Island’s Lindisfarne Castle.

Located just forty minutes by car from Newcastle, Ross Back Sands beach boasts three miles of pristine dunes, flanked by two magnificent examples of medieval construction.

The closest car park sits just fifteen minutes on foot from the shoreline, and this small distance ensures the gorgeous spot remains relatively quiet and deserted throughout the year, according to the Beach Guide.

Positioned at the northern tip of the beach stands Lindisfarne Castle, a 16th-century fortress sitting majestically atop Holy Island. The structure received significant modifications under the guidance of renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901.

During low tide, visitors can access the castle by walking across the causeway. Vikings once raided this region as it served as a contested boundary between England and Scotland, reports Chronicle Live.

Lindisfarne ceased functioning as a priory in 1537 during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries that followed his union with Anne Boleyn.

Situated south of the beach lies Bamburgh Castle, a Grade I listed structure. Historians believe it originated as a Celtic Brittonic stronghold called Din Guarie and potentially served as Bernicia’s capital from 420 to 547.

Control alternated between the Britons and Anglo-Saxons on three occasions before remaining under Anglo Saxon dominion from 590. Subsequently, the Normans constructed a fresh castle on this site before it reverted to Royal possession in 1095.

Following years of neglect, the fortress underwent restoration throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with William Armstrong putting the finishing touches to these renovations during the Victorian period.

One TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “Beautiful beach, I have visited many times and never seen more than a handful of people on it. You can often spot seals, the end nearest Holy Island is best for seal watching.

“It’s amusing to see other reviews saying ‘it is worth the walk’, which makes it sound like a bit of a slog to get there – in reality it’s about a mile of very easy walking, although the last part through the dunes undulates a bit.

“So if you think a gentle 20 – 25 minute walk is a bit of an ‘effort’ perhaps try a different beach! One thing to bear in mind is to take note of where you come out onto the beach from the dunes as it is easy to miss when going back, usually there is a marker like a bit of wood – or even a rusty gas canister when I was last there!”.

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“Enjoy the beach, enjoy the peace and enjoy the very pleasant little walk to get there, it is part of the experience.”

Parents who are looking to get away during the six week summer holidays could potentially save hundreds by booking during a certain week instead of planning their holidays at the start of the break

The six-week summer holidays are still a long way off, but many families will be booking their annual holiday in the coming weeks, and no doubt looking for ways to bring the price down a little.

Travelling during the school holidays is never going to be the cheapest option. Last year, research showed that a family of four will pay an additional £716 on average if they travel during a school holiday, and the big six-week holidays in July and August are when prices are hiked the highest.

But according to travel specialists, being a little flexible with your departure dates can make a big difference. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away UK, previously shared her insider knowledge: “Most people assume all summer flights are expensive, but there are specific days that offer much better value.”

READ MORE: UK family escapes £3,000 bills for £690 Greek island life and ‘feel free’READ MORE: EasyJet, Jet2 and BA cabin bag rules as big Ryanair change kicks in ahead of half term

She added: “The summer flight market follows predictable patterns. Prices peak during school holidays in late July and early August, but there are pockets of opportunity both earlier and later in the season.”

The priciest days in the summer fall on July 22, 23, and 29, when flights can cost up to 40% more on average. Therefore, if you can avoid these peak dates, you may find your holiday costs less overall. Dawn said: “If your travel dates are flexible, shifting even a day or two could save you a significant amount.”

Parents should double-check the term dates for their child’s school on GOV.UK. Some schools will place inset days in the days leading up to the school holidays, meaning it may be possible to get away a couple of days before the rush when prices rise.

Many parents are keen to get away in the first couple of weeks of the school holidays, but if you have patience, you can often get cheaper deals by booking in the last week of August. Around August 28, flight and package holiday prices tend to take a dive, but if your child isn’t back until September 4 or 5, you may be able to sneak in a few days of sunshine before the autumn term.

If you live close to the Scottish border or are willing to travel to a Scottish airport, you could potentially save money by travelling outside of the country’s summer holidays. Scottish schools break up around June 24-29 and return around mid-August in 2026. Therefore, if you are looking for a break mid to late August, departing from a Scottish airport could be a lot cheaper.

READ MORE: EasyJet, Jet2 and BA cabin bag rules as big Ryanair change kicks in ahead of half termREAD MORE: Exact hour to book last-minute February half-term holidays

As an example of how much prices can fluctuate, we looked at prices for a TUI package holiday at Zante Plaza Hotel & Apartments on an all-inclusive basis for a family of four. If they departed London Stansted on July 24, the cost would be £1156pp, but a free child place brings the total down to £3466.

However, if the same party travelled on August 28, returning September 4, the total would be £3076, saving just under £400 on the holiday cost.

For parents who are willing to risk term-time fines, Dawn says: “Early June hits that sweet spot between good weather and good prices.” However, you’d have to take into account the cost of fines, which are applied per parent per child, meaning a family of four can face four lots of penalties.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Chris Kreider scored two goals, Lukas Dostal made 27 saves and the Ducks swept their three-game season series with the Vegas Golden Knights with a 4-3 victory on Sunday night.

Cutter Gauthier scored and Ryan Poehling added an empty-net goal for the Ducks. Anaheim earned its eighth victory in 10 games overall despite nearly blowing an early 3-0 lead during a third period dominated by Vegas.

Mitch Marner and Ivan Barbashev scored goals in their third straight games for the Golden Knights, who have lost five straight and seven of eight. Vegas has gone on two five-game skids since Christmas, with an 8-2-0 surge sandwiched between them.

Tomas Hertl scored with six seconds to play and Adin Hill stopped 19 shots for Vegas.

Kreider put Anaheim up 2-0 with his first multigoal game since Nov. 6 for the Ducks, who acquired him last June from the New York Rangers.

He opened the scoring late in the first when a puck from Poehling hit his leg and went in. He tipped home his 19th goal early in the second.

Gauthier scored his 24th goal a few minutes later, beating Hill at the near post for the Ducks’ fifth power-play goal in five games.

Marner took advantage of a lucky deflection when Mark Stone’s pass from behind the net ricocheted off two Ducks and went straight to him.

Vegas took control in the third period, and Barbashev tapped home a stationary puck in the crease after Dostal couldn’t smother Jack Eichel’s shot.

Anaheim right wing Troy Terry returned from an 11-game absence with an upper-body injury, and center Mason McTavish also returned after missing five games.

The Ducks had their eighth consecutive sellout as they returned from a five-game road trip to begin a nine-game homestand. Anaheim doesn’t play another road game until March 10.

Up next for the Ducks: vs. Seattle at Honda Center on Tuesday.

This unspoilt beach is dog-friendly all year round and offers pristine golden sands, dramatic Jurassic cliffs and ‘unreal’ walks – visitors say the ‘gorgeous’ water feels worlds away

A hidden beach boasting vast stretches of pristine golden sand, encircled by striking cliffs and crystal-clear blue waters, is being praised as essential viewing by tourists.

This secluded beach in North Yorkshire, situated between Filey and Scarborough, offers unspoilt vistas and picture-perfect scenes that seem almost too beautiful to be real – yet it’s right here in Yorkshire.

Found just off the A165, approximately three miles from Scarborough, this remote retreat is truly idyllic, particularly for dog owners, as it’s exempt from the seasonal dog ban enforced by North Yorkshire County Council which affects other well-known beaches in the area.

The seaside panoramas at this beach are utterly breathtaking, showcasing a fusion of Yorkshire’s wind-swept rolling countryside and sweeping expanses of golden sandy shoreline.

It comes as no surprise that Cayton Bay Beach was recognised as one of Britain’s finest beaches in 2024.

A significant attraction for visitors, this coastal gem is delightful to explore whatever time of year you decide to go. It’s a spot of untouched natural magnificence and provides an ideal base for discovering the Yorkshire Coast, reports Yorkshire Live.

Cayton Bay Beach tends to remain relatively tranquil throughout the year and avoids the noise of crowded hordes.

With its serene ambience and abundant golden sands, tourists have described feeling as though they’ve been transported far from the rugged North Sea, with many even suggesting it resembles a holiday beach overseas.

A favourite destination for surfers, birdwatchers, adventure enthusiasts and fossil hunters, or simply those looking to unwind and recharge, Cayton Bay Beach offers the ideal retreat to enjoy peace and breathtaking views, with its dramatic limestone cliffs dating back to the Jurassic period over 150 million years ago.

Equally cherished by surfers and windsurfers alike, this bay confronts the full force of the North Sea. The beach is home to one of Britain’s oldest surf schools, with The Scarborough Surf School conducting surf lessons at Cayton since 1989.

Cayton Bay Beach boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for paddling and is also regarded as a popular location for learning to surf and kayak. It’s worth noting that the current at this beach can be rather powerful, so swimmers are cautioned against venturing too far from shore.

Today, the northern stretch of the coastline still reveals several World War II pillboxes discovered by beachgoers, with that section of the bay known as Johnny Finton’s Harbour.

It’s not difficult to understand why many have dubbed Cayton Bay Beach North Yorkshire’s hidden treasure, nestled amongst undulating hills. Visitors can wander for hours across the sand whilst savouring peaceful coastal walks, taking in Cayton Bay’s magnificent beauty.

Rocky formations at one end offer possibilities for climbers, whilst vast stretches of sand and sea extend along the shoreline. It truly is regarded as an idyllic beach – and when the weather’s on your side, you could easily imagine you’ve been transported to some far-flung paradise abroad rather than Cayton Bay Beach.

Holidaymakers can’t help but rave about this ‘hidden gem’, with one sharing on Tripadvisor: “What a stunning place the walk to it was unreal. It looked like a holiday beach water was gorgeous just stunning all round we had a lush day here definitely going back”.

Another beach fan said: “A beautiful stretch of England’s East Coast, a bay that allows a peaceful retreat in outstanding natural beauty. Nice sandy beach with grassy hills to sit. A great cafe (Salty Dog) with nice staff offering a wide range of treats at expensive prices.”

A satisfied visitor wrote: “A stunning beautiful beach, great for a walk when the tide is out. The children love running on the beach. It is a steep walk back up but well worth it.”

Meanwhile, one guest added: “Stunning scenery. Gorgeous beach. Lots of surfing going on. Great for walking the dog when the tide is out. You need to be reasonably fit to get back up the hill.”

It’s worth bearing in mind that both the descent to the shore and the ascent back are quite challenging, and those with restricted mobility, along with wheelchair and pushchair users, may struggle considerably with the route.

Additionally, there are numerous steps near the final stretch of the walk leading to the beach, which takes you through a picturesque woodland setting.

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