lastminute

There has been much debate about efforts in California to tax the rich. But almost all of it centers around Proposition 40, the heavily contested billionaire tax, and two countermeasures, Propositions 41 and 42.

But there is another ballot measure that also would tax California’s wealthiest citizens that is getting far less attention — and has even garnered support from some billionaires who oppose Proposition 40.

The basics

Proposition 3 would make an expiring state income tax on high earners permanent.

The impact

Tax rates for the top 2% of earners would remain as they are. Income brackets rise with inflation, but last year the top 2% of taxpayers earned at least $371,000 for single filers and $743,000 for joint filers. Money generated by Proposition 3, like the current tax, would flow to education, with 89% going to K-12 schools and 11% to community colleges.

Dig deeper

In 2012, California voters approved a temporary increase in the income tax rate for the top 2% of California earners. In 2016, voters approved another extension through 2030. Proposition 3 would make the additional levy permanent.

Backers say the measure is crucial to maintain education funding levels and predict there would be grave problems if the measure is not approved. The state could expect to lose $5 billion to $15 billion annually in tax revenue starting in 2031, according to estimates from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

Opponents say taxes are already too high and the state should focus on cutting waste.

More reading

What to know about Prop. 3 (L.A. Times)

How Prop. 3 fared in Berkeley poll (L.A. Times)

Prop. 3 ballot language (California secretary of state)

Inside the Prop. 3 campaign (EdSource)

The California Environmental Quality Act is one of the most consequential and controversial laws on the books.

CEQA, which dates to the 1970s, requires state and local agencies to consider the environmental effects of many proposed projects before approving them. If a project could cause significant environmental harm that can’t easily be avoided, it undergoes a more detailed environmental review to examine its potential effects and alternatives.

Backers say CEQA is a vital tool for environmental review and gives the community a voice in development. But critics say CEQA is too often used to slow down needed housing and has been exploited as a bureaucratic weapon.

Enter Proposition 45.

The basics

Proposition 45 would impose stricter deadlines on environmental reviews, permits and court challenges. Agencies would have to spell out application requirements up-front and could not make repeated requests for more information or project changes. The measure caps public comment periods, while current law only sets minimum lengths. It also limits what courts may consider in CEQA lawsuits.

The impact

The law clearly would change the CEQA process; whether that would be for better or worse is the subject of debate. Backers say it would make the process faster and easier. Critics say it would roll back important environmental protections.

Dig deeper

The fight over Proposition 45 comes as California struggles to build enough housing to meet demand, causing prices to skyrocket. Housing prices, polls show, are a major issue for California voters.

But the proposition also is touching on another hot-button issue: data centers. Supporters and foes are battling over whether the measure would make it easier to build more of those controversial facilities.

More reading

California’s Prop. 45 aims to speed construction projects. Opponents say data centers will benefit (L.A. Times)

CEQA overhaul outrages environmentalists (L.A. Times)

The history of CEQA and its future (L.A. Times)

Could Embracing Sprawl Ease California’s Housing Crunch? (New York Times)

A NIGHT away in the UK can get expensive surprisingly quickly, once you’ve factored in fuel, dinner, drinks and expensive hotels.

So, I’ve been looking at what happens if you stick a flight on either end and head somewhere with a bit more va-va-voom – and found it could actually be CHEAPER.

One night away isn’t just a crazy idea – our booking figures at On The Beach show people are already choosing to head away for just one night, spending an average of around £200pp on flights and a hotel.

A quick change of scenery, dinner somewhere different and a night away from the usual routine – there’s a lot to like about that!

But you can actually do it for considerably less than that average; I’ve found seven one-night getaways from £75pp, including Dublin, Paris and the Algarve, but as you’d expect, the secret is in the flight times.

Leave in the morning and fly back the following evening, and one night away can give you a decent chunk of two days to explore – here’s how I’d do it.

1. Dublin one-nighter from £100pp

Dublin makes a very convincing case for the one-night holiday: good pubs, plenty to wander around and an evening that can start with “just the one” and develop its own itinerary from there.

The one-night wonder-deal I found is at easyHotel Dublin City Centre in Smithfield, a simple base for a trip where the city is the main attraction.

And at £100pp for flights and a night away, I can happily live without a pillow menu.

You leave Stansted at 6:35am on November 30, landing at 7:55am, then the flight home leaves Dublin at 8:35pm the following day.

I’d start day one with breakfast, then have a walk along the Liffey and across the Ha’penny Bridge.

Spend the afternoon exploring the centre, with a look around Grafton Street and a coffee stop whenever the early start catches up with you.

That evening, book somewhere for dinner, then find a pub with live music or wander through Temple Bar if you fancy it, but don’t feel obliged to spend the entire evening there.

After a night’s sleep, get a proper breakfast and take your time over the bits you missed with some more shops and a lazy lunch – before getting back in time for own bed.

2. Belfast one-nighter from £75pp

Seventy-five quid each for flights and a hotel – that’s just £150 for two people to have an actual night away, which is a very pleasing place to start before you’ve even chosen where to eat.

The deal I found is at The 1852, which has an on-site restaurant and two bars – handy if the plan for the first drink is simply “as soon as we’ve put our bags down”.

You fly from Manchester at 6:15am on November 18, arriving at 7:15am, then the return leaves Belfast at 5:20pm the next day.

I’d spend the first day getting a feel for the city centre, taking in City Hall and stopping for lunch before having a look around the Cathedral Quarter.

Come back here for dinner and drinks too.

The next morning, have breakfast and head towards Queen’s University for a wander around the university area.

Or, if you fancy something indoors, make the Ulster Museum your main stop.

Finish with lunch and one last Guinness before it’s time to head home.

3. Albufeira one-nighter from £80pp

This is the one that made me check the price twice.

A night in the Algarve, including flights, for £80pp – just £160 for two of you to go and have dinner and a night out in Portugal. Very, very tempting.

The deal I found is at Paladim & Alagoamar on a Self Catering basis, giving you the option to sort breakfast yourself.

The flight leaves London Stansted at 9:35am on November 29 and lands in Faro at 12:25pm, before you fly home at 7:15pm on November 30.

I’d keep the first afternoon simple: have a wander around Albufeira’s old town, make your way down towards the beach and stop for a late lunch or a drink with a view, before getting ready for dinner out together.

The following morning, have breakfast and head out for another seaside walk before finding somewhere for lunch.

It’s late November, so I’d make the trip about the coast, the food and the change of scenery – any sunbathing weather is a bonus rather than the thing the entire holiday depends on.

But Albufeira is still busy, with a decent amount of sunshine and looks gorgeous around this time of year.

4. Paris one-nighter from £125pp

“I’ve booked us a night in Paris” is a fairly efficient way of making a date night sound like you’ve put some serious effort in – but this deal is just £125 each, so won’t break the bank.

The deal I found is at hotelF1 Paris Porte de Montreuil, a straightforward budget base.

You leave Birmingham at 5:55am on November 15 and land at Paris Beauvais at 08:05am, with the return departing at 4:45pm the next day, getting you back for teatime.

I’d build the first day around a walk along the Seine, a look at the sights and a good lunch.

Choose one landmark you really want to see, rather than trying to collect the entire city before dinner.

Then spend the evening over a meal and a wander through Paris after dark – that’s plenty of romance for one day.

After a night’s sleep, find a café for coffee and breakfast, then have a final look around before heading home.

I’d keep the second morning nice and easy – there’s no need to make the last memory of your romantic break a furious speed-walk.

5. Amsterdam one-nighter from £135pp

Amsterdam is a good choice for a break where you don’t need to book something every hour, because this is the perfect place for wandering the streets and accidentally finding something unexpected to do.

The deal I found is at New West Inn in Nieuw-West – it’s a little out from the centre but has an on-site pizza corner, handy for a first or last meal in the city.

The flights give you plenty to work with: leave London Gatwick at 6am on November 30 and land at 8:25am, then fly home at 9:25pm the next day, getting back before 10pm.

One hotel night, with room to enjoy both days.

I’d spend day one exploring the canals, browsing the independent shops around the Nine Streets and stopping for lunch.

In the afternoon, carry on into the Jordaan, then find somewhere for dinner and settle into the evening – a couple of good food stops and a few miles of canal-side strolling make a very lovely first day.

The next morning, choose one bigger activity: a canal cruise or a museum you’ve been wanting to visit.

Book ahead where needed, then leave yourself time for a late lunch and another wander before the flight home.

6. Benidorm one-nighter from £120pp

A one-night Benidorm trip sounds like the kind of suggestion someone makes three pints into a Friday (speaking from experience).

But at £120pp including flights and a hotel, it actually deserves a sober second look.

The deal I found is at Benidorm City Olympia in the Old Town, with two beaches within walking distance and, for a short trip, having things you want to do close to your hotel is a big plus.

You leave Manchester at 7am on November 26 and arrive in Alicante at 10:50am, with the flight home leaving at 11pm the next day (landing around 1am on November 28) so loads of time to explore on your second day.

Worth remembering when you’re deciding what time to set the alarm the following morning.

I’d spend the first afternoon exploring the Old Town, stopping for tapas and taking a walk along the seafront.

Then get ready for the evening and take your pick of somewhere lively or a longer, quieter dinner – if you’ve ever been, you’ll know that Benidorm can accommodate both with ease.

After breakfast the next day, head out for another promenade walk, a coffee and a leisurely lunch or, if the weather‘s kind, have some time by the beach.

7. Copenhagen one-nighter from £145pp

Copenhagen sounds pretty far away, right? Well, with a flight time under two hours it’s one of the most logical one-nighters on this list.

The deal I found is at a&o Copenhagen Norrebro, a decent base with a bar on site and room upgrades available if you wanted to splash out a little more.

You leave Stansted at 8:15am on November 22 and land at 11am, then the return departs Copenhagen at 8:40pm the following day, giving you plenty of the second day to enjoy.

I’d start with lunch and an afternoon exploring the centre, including a wander around Nyhavn’s waterfront.

Have a look around the shops, stop for coffee and make dinner your main evening plan – you don’t need to fit a second city break in after dessert.

The next morning, find a bakery and give breakfast the attention it deserves.

Then spend some time around Norrebro’s independent shops and cafés, or take a walk through the King’s Garden by Rosenborg Castle.

I’d then finish up with lunch and one final coffee before heading home.

SCHOOL holidays – two words guaranteed to make any parent’s bank account start sweating.

The moment the school gates close, holiday prices normally launch straight into orbit, leaving us staring at a rainy weekend in Morecambe rather than a gloriously sunny break abroad.

But if you know where to look, you can find some mega October half term breaks without having to remortgage your house.

I’ve dug up eight cracking five-night breaks with direct return flights starting at £295pp – and every single one is in October half-term.

We’re not talking about the bottom of the barrel here either – I’ve found Spanish beach favourites, theme-park thrills, Italian lakes and Croatian coastlines, all coming in under £334 each.

So you can get a proper change of scenery for the family without dipping into your overdraft.

1. Alicante, Costa Blanca – from £295pp

If your main mission this October is keeping the kids from tearing the wallpaper off while keeping costs down, this is a strong contender.

Alannia Costa Blanca is inland near Crevillente, where October daytime highs average around 24C – warm enough for spending time outdoors without the fierce summer heat.

You’re staying in cabin-style accommodation with kitchen facilities, (a lifesaver when the little ones demand a third bowl of Weetabix at 5.30am).

And the resort has tropical pools and slides, playgrounds and an indoor pool, plus an on-site supermarket for when you inevitably run out of snacks.

This is my biggest bargain, as I found five nights self catering and direct return flights from East Midlands from £295pp.

It is a good shout for families who want plenty to do around their accommodation and the flexibility to keep some meals cheap.

2. Salou, Costa Dorada – from £297pp

Salou is a must-stay if you want options beyond staring at the same resort pool for five days.

You’ve got broad seafront promenades for a wander, big family-friendly beaches and PortAventura World nearby if you want to brave the big rides.

October daytime highs average around 22C, making it a good time for mixing exploring with beach afternoons when the sun’s out.

And my pick of hotel, Inter2 Apartments, is simple, affordable and practical.

You get kitchen facilities to keep breakfast costs down, a balcony for a quiet drink once the kids are asleep, and you’re around 500 metres from the beach and coastal path.

At £297pp for five nights self catering, including direct return flights from London Luton, it leaves a bit more in the holiday budget for ice creams and days out.

Just remember to budget separately for theme-park tickets.

(Here’s our thoughts on visiting the theme park).

3. Manilva, Costa del Sol – from £298pp

For southern Spanish warmth without staying in the thick of a busy resort, head west along the coast to Manilva.

It’s a quieter option that suits families who want to slow the pace down.

It sits right on the edge of the Costa del Sol, near Gibraltar, so expect great beaches without huge tourist numbers.

October daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-20s, which is comfortable weather for exploring, coastal walks and long lunches outside.

And Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol gives you spacious apartments with balconies or terraces and overlooking the water.

There are outdoor pools, a playground and a sports court, and plenty of options for transport down to the beach and exploring the surrounding area.

The five-night self-catering stay I spotted comes in at £298pp with direct return flights from East Midlands.

It makes for a super-practical option if you want room to spread out without spending a fortune on accommodation.

4. Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava – from £305pp

Lloret de Mar is an absolute staple for October half-term.

You’ve got beaches, coastal scenery and opportunities for days out, including nearby Tossa de Mar and its old town.

Plus, October daytime highs average around 23C, making this a good choice for getting out and exploring with a light jacket to hand.

Condado Apartments gives you equipped kitchens, living space to spread out and balconies.

There are also two rooftop pools, including one for children, and a sun terrace.

Having a kitchen means you aren’t forced to pay restaurant prices three times a day when the kids decide to eat two bites of dinner and declare themselves full.

With five nights on self catering and direct return flights from London Luton from £305pp.

It’s a straightforward way to keep holiday costs down while still getting a proper break.

5. Fuengirola, Costa del Sol – from £310pp

Fuengirola does the familiar Spanish family holiday incredibly well.

There are loads of beaches, a seafront prom and plenty of places to stop for food or coffee.

So you don’t need a complicated itinerary when a walk, some sand and a decent lunch can comfortably fill the day.

October daytime highs average around 23C, so there’s still a good case for eating every meal outside and enjoying the beach every day.

Las Palmeras Affiliated by FERGUS sits on the seafront promenade opposite the marina, with the beach and plenty of restaurants within easy reach.

But the real win: the hotel also has a pool and rooftop sun terrace overlooking the harbour. And it’s gorgeous.

It’s £310pp for five nights with return flights from East Midlands.

A great price and a decent hotel which I’d treat as a base for getting out and enjoying Spanish town life, rather than spending the whole holiday there.

6. Lake Garda, Italy – from £319pp

Here’s the wildcard: swap the sand for lakeside scenery in Italy.

Peschiera del Garda gives you canals, waterfront walks and plenty of opportunities for pizza and gelato, which tend to work well as encouragement when the kids have decided they’ve finished sightseeing.

Late October is a little cooler here, so you might not be out sunbathing.

But Gardaland theme park is nearby if you fancy a bigger family day out, (just make sure to check opening dates and budget separately for tickets).

Residence Eden has apartment accommodation in green surroundings outside the town centre.

Kitchen facilities make it easy to knock together a quick pasta dinner without taking tired children out to a restaurant at 8pm.

And it leaves plenty of time for trips into town and around the lake.

With five nights and direct return flights from East Midlands from £319pp, it’s a wicked alternative to the usual half-term beach break.

7. Cala Galdana, Menorca – from £315pp

Cala Galdana is a proper postcard setting.

It has a curved sandy bay backed by pine-covered surroundings, with coastal walking routes for when you fancy stretching your legs.

It’s a good choice for families who want a slower few days away.

Menorca’s October daytime highs average around 22-25C, so I’d come for beach walks and exploring, with swimming as an added bonus.

Alta Galdana is a simple budget base with a pool and sun terrace.

The bay and surrounding scenery are the main draw here, rather than a big programme of hotel entertainment.

At £315pp for five nights on room only, including direct return flights from London Luton.

It’s definitely worth a look if you’re happy heading out for meals and letting the destination do most of the entertaining.

8. Seget Donji, Croatia – from £334pp

If you fancy something totally different from the usual Spanish escape, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is well worth a look.

You’ve got Trogir nearby, Split as another option for a day out, and seaside walks around Seget.

October daytime highs around Trogir average roughly 22C, making this more of an exploring-and-long-lunches holiday than a guaranteed week of swimming.

Apartmani Medena is an apartment complex near the beach, around four kilometres from Trogir.

A seaside promenade connects it with Seget’s old fishing village, giving you an easy option for getting out for a walk.

The five-night stay I found comes in from £334pp with direct return flights from London Gatwick.

Food is extra but cheap enough around Seget, and this deal gives you a base for exploring a different stretch of Europe at a very, very reasonable half-term price.

Here are some great all-inclusive half term holidays that we’ve found for you as well.