Unlike his first time in the governor’s office, Jerry Brown uses ballot initiatives to create a forward-moving agenda; leading California off a fiscal cliff and enacting reforms on criminal justice and water.  And when Donald Trump wins the presidency, Brown rejects the label of the California...

In his runs for attorney general and governor, Brown ignores the conventional wisdom of political consultants; relying instead on his own political mind and small team. Back in the governor's office, Brown blocks out criticism from his own party and carries out painful budget cuts in the face of...