The article is bylined "Kerry Jackson is the Pacific Research Institute’s fellow in California studies." Their Mission Statement [1] opens:
"The mission of the Pacific Research Institute (PRI) is to champion freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility for all individuals by advancing free-market policy solutions. Since its founding in 1979, PRI has remained steadfast to the vision of a free and civil society where individuals can achieve their full potential. Put simply, public policy is too important to be left just to the experts. Individuals are the real decision makers when it comes to their schools, health care, and environment."
In other words, those funding Mr. Jackson's work have known the answers to California's problems in 2018 since at least 1979. More here: https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Pacific_Research_Insti...