Books by Larry N. (San Jose State University Gerston

While people profess a disdain for politics, in a democracy politics is the primary vehicle for citizens to influence the decisions and decision makers that shape public policy at every level. This work provides an overview of public policymaking in its various aspects.

Presented in the author's characteristic no-holds-barred style of wit and candor, this book casts a harsh light on the current state of American policy. The author argues this isn't American entitlement run amuck. Rather, he suggests there really is a powerful disconnect. But, he assures us hope is not lost and offers suggestions for how simple shifts in attitude and policy can move America back in a forward direction.

With descriptive elegance and humor, this book presents the compelling story of Californiäs ascendance and decline, the kind of place on which anyone in the business of governance should keep an instructive eye. Using California as a rich historical and contemporary example, the book suggests answers to the question of how to create policy that marries expectation to outcome in any state of such fluctuating diversity and complexity. Step by step, the book discusses how California has come to its present dysfunctional condition and what, if anything, can be done to change course.