California lawmakers, by and large, are a labor-friendly bunch and, as in past years, they passed a host of new workplace protections that took effect when the new year struck.

If you were an economic Democrat, the unions and the middle class, you're by and large going to the GOP now.

Maybe whip some cream, perhaps make your own crust, but by and large, pies are simple and quick.

The fees are coming “overwhelmingly from low-income and a little bit from moderate-income consumers,” who are “by and large living paycheck to paycheck,” said Robert Herrell, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California.

"I thought by and large it was conducted very respectfully on both sides," she says and she hopes that will encourage people at home to talk about the issue in a similar manner.