Daniel Walters

Two firefighters hose down a burning home in a neighborhood. Half of the house has collapsed inward, and the flames can be seen spreading to the rest as the firefighters douse the fire with water.

Comentario

Disaster-prone California should adopt a preventive approach, rather than a reactive one

If disasters are unavoidable in California, we need to accept that fact and adopt Gov. Pete Wilson’s preventive approach, rather than merely reacting after the fact.

Por

Daniel Walters

• enero 15, 2025

A group of officials and first responders stand on a street in a fire-damaged area, with charred buildings and trees visible in the background. One individual wears a cap and sunglasses, while others wear jackets or uniforms. A camera crew films the scene, and smoke fills the hazy sky.

Comentario

As LA fires rage, Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass are targets in the blame game

Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass couldn't have prevented wind-propelled flames from igniting homes and businesses around the city. It isn't fair to blame them for it.

Por

Daniel Walters

• enero 14, 2025

A person with salt and pepper hair and wearing a black suit with a white shirt speaks during a press conference.

Comentario

Three years later, surplus spending casts a shadow over Newsom’s new state budget

A mistaken belief in a $97 billion phantom surplus three years ago complicates today's budget proposal, along with such future unknowns as wildfire costs and possible cuts in federal support.

Por

Daniel Walters

• enero 10, 2025

A city skyline is visible in the background, while green foliage is visible in the foreground. The view is of downtown San Francisco.

Comentario

California’s battle over taxing multinational corporations heats up again

Companies' and state tax officials' war over how multinational corporations should be taxed just got new ammo: two new lawsuits and a critical report.

Por

Daniel Walters

• enero 9, 2025

A raging wildfire consumes a structure, with massive flames engulfing the scene. Bright orange and yellow fire contrasts against the dark sky, creating an intense and dramatic visual. A fence and some vegetation are silhouetted in the foreground, emphasizing the destructive power of the blaze.

Comentario

Los Angeles County wildfires underscore California’s growing threat of disaster

Southern California’s disaster again demonstrates that while wildfires were once mostly confined to rural timbered areas during summer and fall months, a warming climate means they can and do strike anywhere and anytime, including residential neighborhoods in the middle of winter.

Por

Daniel Walters

• enero 8, 2025

Factura de PG&E de un consumidor de octubre de 2023. Foto de Manuel Orbegozo para CalMatters

Comentario

Promises to reduce California’s high living costs conflict with state’s progressive policies

When the Democrat-dominated California Legislature reconvened this week, its members chanted a new mantra about trying to reduce living costs in a state where those costs — particularly for housing and utilities — are at or near the nation’s highest.

Por

Daniel Walters

• enero 8, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom in a suit speaks at a podium labeled "Good-Paying Jobs," gesturing with their hands. Behind them, two individuals stand near informational boards with text and graphics. The setting appears to be an indoor event space with industrial lighting.

Comentario

Will Newsom simply finish his governorship or mount a White House campaign?

With two years to go, Gavin Newsom is at a political inflection point. Will he choose to finish his stint as governor and return to his wine and restaurant business, or will he mount a campaign for the White House?

Por

Daniel Walters

• enero 7, 2025

White popcorn boxes with red pinstripes, and the words "POP CORN" printed on them sit on a light colored, wooden table. The setting is a theatre or movie event.

Comentario

Tax loopholes cost California and its cities $107 billion but get little scrutiny

California would have 45% more for its budget if certain tax breaks, called tax expenditures, were eliminated, a fiscal consultant for the Legislature said.

Por

Daniel Walters

• diciembre 20, 2024

Vehículos Tesla cargándose en el lote Tesla Supercharger en Kettleman City el 23 de junio de 2024. Foto de Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Comentario

New decisions boost California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, but major hurdles remain

Recent decisions by the Supreme Court and the EPA appear to favor California's 2035 ban on gas-powered cars and trucks, but another important lawsuit, a Republican-dominated Congress and President Donald Trump are still there to challenge it.

Por

Daniel Walters

• diciembre 19, 2024

Rodeado de trabajadores con trajes protectores y bolsas de basura de color naranja brillante, el gobernador Gavin Newsom ayuda a despejar un campamento para personas sin hogar en San Diego.

Comentario

Billions of dollars later, California’s homeless crisis persists under Newsom

Gavin Newsom began his governorship with promises of decisive action on key issues, homelessness among them. Despite billions of dollars in spending, the population has increased and the crisis remains a weapon for Newsom's opponents.

Por

Daniel Walters

• diciembre 18, 2024