Commentary
Officials walk fine line on using public funds for campaigns
California officials are straddling a fine legal line as they use public funds to persuade voters to approve billions of dollars in taxes, fees and bonds.
No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shot
A poll shows three Democrats and two Republicans have voter support percentages in the teens. The top two vote-getters in June will face off in November.
She spent six of her last years in arbitration with her HMO. Her husband’s still fighting the system
Arbitrators in medical disputes are supposed to be unbiased, but this couple suspected there is an incentive to favor HMO’s in arbitration.
A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass
Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.
California promised accountability for inmate deaths in jails. A year later, no results.
Lawmakers passed a law creating a state department to review inmate deaths, but it hasn’t completed a single death review in its first year.
Yousef Baig
California Voices Editor
Denise Amos
California Voices Deputy Editor
Dan Walters
Columnist
Jim Newton
Contributor
Pedro Rios
Contributor
Robert Greene
Contributor
Commentary
Pay-to-play ballot measures are flourishing
Tying political contributions to legislation is illegal bribery that could land dealmakers in prison, but such pay-to-play tactics are perfectly legal when it comes to ballot measures.
Commentary
Proposition 11 would affect paramedic services
Proposition 11 would affect paramedic services. Carol Meyer, Yes: For patients suffering from a cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without CPR or a defibrillator can decrease their chances of survival by 7-10 percent. Jeff Misner, No: We’re the last people you want to see in your day. But when we do show up, you want us to be our best. Life hangs in the balance.
Commentary
Weekly Walters 10/19/2018
A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.
Commentary
My turn: Why CA needs charter schools and how to improve them
Too many of our high poverty children-of-color have been stuck in failing public schools. The middle class and upper class have good options and opportunities. But public charter schools CAN most help our children with the greatest need.
Commentary
Feinstein-de León Senate debate changed nothing
Kevin de León needed to get aggressive in his only joint appearance with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who he wants to defeat on Nov. 6. But de León was very subdued and didn't change the campaign's dynamics.
Commentary
My turn: How the next governor can address our water crises
California’s two recent governors, Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, have been unusually skilled at water policy. Both responded effectively to urgent floods and droughts in ways that also brought long-term improvements. The next governor will face similar water problems. And he will see opportunities, expectations, and pitfalls along the way.
Commentary
Locals seek new levies despite $4B property tax surge
Despite very strong growth in property taxes, hundreds of local governments are asking voters to approve additional taxes. They are reluctant, however, to tell voters that rising pension costs are the major reason.
Climate Change
My turn: California must fight Trump on auto emission
California plays a central role setting auto rules and has a responsibility to lead the world’s fight against auto pollution. President Trump wants to revoke that unique authority. California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols must defend it.
Commentary
My turn: UC is Ground Zero for income inequality debate
Housing, food, healthcare, and other costs are soaring. Real wages are stagnant. And for UC lowest paid employees, most of whom are people of color, a raise means nothing if your job gets outsourced the next day to a private contractor that pays much less.