Mark Z. Barabak
@markzbarabak.bsky.social
LA Times columnist, covering politics from out West. Cat on a tin roof. Dogs in a pile. California uber alles.
https://www.latimes.com/people/mark-z-barabak
https://www.latimes.com/people/mark-z-barabak
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
The field may lack razzle and dazzle but not competent candidates. Voters are looking for someone to make their lives better, not serve as entertainment.
By @markzbarabak.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
By @markzbarabak.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: Unhappy with the choices for California governor? Get real
There's a large and varied field to choose from, even if there are no celebrities or white knights riding to the rescue. Voters are looking for someone to lead the state, not entertain them.
www.latimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:34 PM
The field may lack razzle and dazzle but not competent candidates. Voters are looking for someone to make their lives better, not serve as entertainment.
By @markzbarabak.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
By @markzbarabak.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
NEW: The rap on the candidates for California governor is they're a collective bore.
But that says more about those spitballing about the race than the candidates running. Voters want someone who'll get stuff done, not bread and circuses.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
But that says more about those spitballing about the race than the candidates running. Voters want someone who'll get stuff done, not bread and circuses.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: Unhappy with the choices for California governor? Get real
There's a large and varied field to choose from, even if there are no celebrities or white knights riding to the rescue. Voters are looking for someone to lead the state, not entertain them.
www.latimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:15 PM
NEW: The rap on the candidates for California governor is they're a collective bore.
But that says more about those spitballing about the race than the candidates running. Voters want someone who'll get stuff done, not bread and circuses.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
But that says more about those spitballing about the race than the candidates running. Voters want someone who'll get stuff done, not bread and circuses.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Billionaire tax proposal sparks soul-searching for Californians
“California politics forces together some of the richest areas of America with some of the poorest, often separated by just a freeway,”
Seema Mehta and Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
“California politics forces together some of the richest areas of America with some of the poorest, often separated by just a freeway,”
Seema Mehta and Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
Billionaire tax proposal sparks soul-searching for Californians
Economists say a tax on California's wealthiest residents could be the only way to pay for needed healthcare services in the state.
www.latimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Billionaire tax proposal sparks soul-searching for Californians
“California politics forces together some of the richest areas of America with some of the poorest, often separated by just a freeway,”
Seema Mehta and Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
“California politics forces together some of the richest areas of America with some of the poorest, often separated by just a freeway,”
Seema Mehta and Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Three years ago, I wrote about a failed case where the L.A. D.A.'s office brought charges largely on the word of 2020 election deniers.
Now, the prosecutor behind the case is one of the top voting rights lawyers for the Trump administration.
My latest:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Now, the prosecutor behind the case is one of the top voting rights lawyers for the Trump administration.
My latest:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Trump's DOJ hires voting rights lawyer behind L.A. case cited by conspiracy theorists
The Trump administration's new top voting rights lawyer is Eric Neff, a former L.A. County prosecutor who led a failed case against a voting software company that was the subject of conspiracy theorie...
www.latimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Three years ago, I wrote about a failed case where the L.A. D.A.'s office brought charges largely on the word of 2020 election deniers.
Now, the prosecutor behind the case is one of the top voting rights lawyers for the Trump administration.
My latest:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Now, the prosecutor behind the case is one of the top voting rights lawyers for the Trump administration.
My latest:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Immigration raids linked to significant California job losses, analysis finds
Suhauna Hussain
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Suhauna Hussain
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Immigration raids linked to significant California job losses, analysis finds
A UC Merced study used U.S. census data to track changes in the number of Californians reporting private sector employment across several months in 2025.
www.latimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Immigration raids linked to significant California job losses, analysis finds
Suhauna Hussain
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Suhauna Hussain
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
NEW: Democrats said they would autopsy the 2024 campaign while skipping past Biden and Harris, which is like trying to solve a murder without regard to weapon or motive.
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: Democrats are on a roll. So why not fight one another?
A decision by the party chairman to bury an autopsy report on the 2024 election has sparked anger among partisans. The reversal comes amid bright prospects for November's midterm vote.
www.latimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
NEW: Democrats said they would autopsy the 2024 campaign while skipping past Biden and Harris, which is like trying to solve a murder without regard to weapon or motive.
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
NEW: Democrats said they would autopsy the 2024 campaign while skipping past Biden and Harris, which is like trying to solve a murder without regard to weapon or motive.
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: Democrats are on a roll. So why not fight one another?
A decision by the party chairman to bury an autopsy report on the 2024 election has sparked anger among partisans. The reversal comes amid bright prospects for November's midterm vote.
www.latimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
NEW: Democrats said they would autopsy the 2024 campaign while skipping past Biden and Harris, which is like trying to solve a murder without regard to weapon or motive.
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Still, they should release their findings.
Chairman Ken Martin said they would.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
A tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy
The wealthy browse on Rodeo Drive while struggling consumers hunt for bargains at the grocer, revealing the stark wealth divide this holiday season.
Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
The wealthy browse on Rodeo Drive while struggling consumers hunt for bargains at the grocer, revealing the stark wealth divide this holiday season.
Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
A tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy
This holiday season, experts are using a K-shaped model to describe an economy in which the gap between the highest and lowest earners is growing.
www.latimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:44 PM
A tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy
The wealthy browse on Rodeo Drive while struggling consumers hunt for bargains at the grocer, revealing the stark wealth divide this holiday season.
Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
The wealthy browse on Rodeo Drive while struggling consumers hunt for bargains at the grocer, revealing the stark wealth divide this holiday season.
Caroline Petrow-Cohen
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
NEW: Is there a dumpster somewhere to torch and bury this year of bedlam?
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: America tried something new in 2025. It's not going well
Glow up or grow up? Times columnists Anita Chabria and Mark Z. Barabak look back and assess whether 2025 was good for America or an unmitigated disaster.
www.latimes.com
December 28, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW: Is there a dumpster somewhere to torch and bury this year of bedlam?
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
A return to a past Sierra wildfire to see the future of a recent one
A return to a past Sierra wildfire to see the future of a recent one
The first two miles were pleasant enough. The grade was mild, the forest serene.
www.latimes.com
December 28, 2025 at 11:15 AM
A return to a past Sierra wildfire to see the future of a recent one
NEW: Is there a dumpster somewhere to torch and bury this year of bedlam?
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: America tried something new in 2025. It's not going well
Glow up or grow up? Times columnists Anita Chabria and Mark Z. Barabak look back and assess whether 2025 was good for America or an unmitigated disaster.
www.latimes.com
December 28, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW: Is there a dumpster somewhere to torch and bury this year of bedlam?
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Fellow columnist @anitachabria.bsky.social and I renew our annual tradition, looking back on the year 2025 and speculating on what the New Year may bring.
It only hurts when we laugh.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Commentary: America tried something new in 2025. It's not going well
Commentary: America tried something new in 2025. It's not going well
Glow up or grow up? Times columnists Anita Chabria and Mark Z. Barabak look back and assess whether 2025 was good for America or an unmitigated disaster.
www.latimes.com
December 28, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Commentary: America tried something new in 2025. It's not going well
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
NEW: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. Now he’s trying to get her sprung.
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. He's trying to get her sprung
The president issued a symbolic and meaningless 'pardon' for Tina Peters, who was convicted on seven criminal counts tied to Trump's Big Lie about a stolen 2020 election. She remains unrepentant.
www.latimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. Now he’s trying to get her sprung.
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Barabak: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. He's trying to get her sprung
Commentary: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. He's trying to get her sprung
The president issued a symbolic and meaningless 'pardon' for Tina Peters, who was convicted on seven criminal counts tied to Trump's Big Lie about a stolen 2020 election. She remains unrepentant.
www.latimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Barabak: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. He's trying to get her sprung
LAFD report on Palisades fire was watered down, records show
Deletions and revisions in the drafts amounted to an effort to downplay the failures of city and fire department leadership.
Alene Tchekmedyian and Paul Pringle scoop
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Deletions and revisions in the drafts amounted to an effort to downplay the failures of city and fire department leadership.
Alene Tchekmedyian and Paul Pringle scoop
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Times Investigation: LAFD report on Palisades fire was watered down, records show
The deletions and revisions are likely to deepen concerns over the LAFD's ability to acknowledge its mistakes before and during its response to the blaze — and to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
www.latimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:42 PM
LAFD report on Palisades fire was watered down, records show
Deletions and revisions in the drafts amounted to an effort to downplay the failures of city and fire department leadership.
Alene Tchekmedyian and Paul Pringle scoop
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Deletions and revisions in the drafts amounted to an effort to downplay the failures of city and fire department leadership.
Alene Tchekmedyian and Paul Pringle scoop
www.latimes.com/california/s...
NEW: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. Now he’s trying to get her sprung.
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. He's trying to get her sprung
The president issued a symbolic and meaningless 'pardon' for Tina Peters, who was convicted on seven criminal counts tied to Trump's Big Lie about a stolen 2020 election. She remains unrepentant.
www.latimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW: She went to jail for Trump's Big Lie. Now he’s trying to get her sprung.
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Trump meaningless “pardon” of Tina Adams will keep her behind bars, where she belongs to keep others from boarding that crazy train.
From Denver, with a nod to Dr Seuss
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Trump’s reckless pardons aren’t just an abuse of power.
They make a mockery of the justice system and the people his unworthies screwed over
Ana Ceballos talks to some of those victims
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
They make a mockery of the justice system and the people his unworthies screwed over
Ana Ceballos talks to some of those victims
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
'Betrayed': Investors grapple with Trump commuting sentence of man who defrauded them
David Gentile was convicted in what prosecutors described as a $1.6-billion Ponzi scheme. President Trump freed him. Now victims, including Trump supporters, are at a loss.
www.latimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Trump’s reckless pardons aren’t just an abuse of power.
They make a mockery of the justice system and the people his unworthies screwed over
Ana Ceballos talks to some of those victims
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
They make a mockery of the justice system and the people his unworthies screwed over
Ana Ceballos talks to some of those victims
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Legend is a word that tends to be overused, but it certainly applies to Lou Cannon.
Here’s a piece I did when he “retired” at age 88, which really meant devoting more time to his autobiography.
RIP
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Here’s a piece I did when he “retired” at age 88, which really meant devoting more time to his autobiography.
RIP
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Column: Lou Cannon, 'Hall of Fame' political writer and Reagan chronicler, hangs it up. Sort of
At 88, he's not really retiring, but focusing full time on his memoirs.
www.latimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Legend is a word that tends to be overused, but it certainly applies to Lou Cannon.
Here’s a piece I did when he “retired” at age 88, which really meant devoting more time to his autobiography.
RIP
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Here’s a piece I did when he “retired” at age 88, which really meant devoting more time to his autobiography.
RIP
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
In a divided America, Rob Reiner was a tenacious liberal who connected with conservatives
In a divided America, Rob Reiner was a tenacious liberal who connected with conservatives
How the late Rob Reiner connected with liberals and conservatives
www.latimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM
In a divided America, Rob Reiner was a tenacious liberal who connected with conservatives
“The thing about Brentwood is that in some ways it’s still a small town. There’s obviously a lot of celebrities that live here, but they’re all neighbors.”
Brentwood is mourning the Reiners, but also having O.J. Simpson flashbacks
Salvador Hernandez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Brentwood is mourning the Reiners, but also having O.J. Simpson flashbacks
Salvador Hernandez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Brentwood is mourning the Reiners, but also having O.J. Simpson flashbacks
Brentwood may offer stars, politicians and athletes some privacy in nosy Los Angeles, but brutal slayings have once again put the neighborhood in the spotlight.
www.latimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:43 PM
“The thing about Brentwood is that in some ways it’s still a small town. There’s obviously a lot of celebrities that live here, but they’re all neighbors.”
Brentwood is mourning the Reiners, but also having O.J. Simpson flashbacks
Salvador Hernandez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Brentwood is mourning the Reiners, but also having O.J. Simpson flashbacks
Salvador Hernandez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
The wildfires revealed the limitations of California’s water systems. When L.A.’s overtaxed systems lost pressure, fire hydrants ran dry. A year later, residents and experts are weighing solutions that would make more water available for firefighting. www.latimes.com/environment/...
L.A.'s hydrants ran dry during the fires. Residents are still demanding solutions
Nearly a year after the devastating fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, residents and experts say the water problems that hindered firefighting leave several lessons.
www.latimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:08 PM
The wildfires revealed the limitations of California’s water systems. When L.A.’s overtaxed systems lost pressure, fire hydrants ran dry. A year later, residents and experts are weighing solutions that would make more water available for firefighting. www.latimes.com/environment/...
When love can’t cure addiction
Nick Reiner’s drug use and mental illness may look familiar to many families.
Corinne Purtill
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
Nick Reiner’s drug use and mental illness may look familiar to many families.
Corinne Purtill
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
Reiner family tragedy sheds light on pain of families grappling with addiction
Nick Reiner's drug addiction and mental illness may look recognizable to many families struggling with similar challenges.
www.latimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:49 PM
When love can’t cure addiction
Nick Reiner’s drug use and mental illness may look familiar to many families.
Corinne Purtill
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
Nick Reiner’s drug use and mental illness may look familiar to many families.
Corinne Purtill
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
NEW: We've had presidents who've lied about their vices, led the country into an unpopular war and overstayed their sell-buy date
But none who's so clearly acted as president for their side only -- a mentality evident in Trump's cruel reaction to Rob Reiner's death
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
But none who's so clearly acted as president for their side only -- a mentality evident in Trump's cruel reaction to Rob Reiner's death
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: In disparaging Reiner, Trump shows the shriveled heart of an us-versus-them presidency
Unlike his predecessors, Trump has repeatedly shown he cares only for his supporters and political allies. While many condemned his cruelty, Republican leaders continue to turn a blind eye.
www.latimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:56 PM
NEW: We've had presidents who've lied about their vices, led the country into an unpopular war and overstayed their sell-buy date
But none who's so clearly acted as president for their side only -- a mentality evident in Trump's cruel reaction to Rob Reiner's death
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
But none who's so clearly acted as president for their side only -- a mentality evident in Trump's cruel reaction to Rob Reiner's death
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Barabak: In disparaging Reiner, Trump shows the shriveled heart of an us-versus-them presidency
Commentary: In disparaging Reiner, Trump shows the shriveled heart of an us-versus-them presidency
Unlike his predecessors, Trump has repeatedly shown he cares only for his supporters and political allies. While many condemned his cruelty, Republican leaders continue to turn a blind eye.
www.latimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Barabak: In disparaging Reiner, Trump shows the shriveled heart of an us-versus-them presidency