Commentary

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

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.

By Dan Walters

A person in medical protective clothing, wearing a face mask and a hair net, pushes a hospital gurney through a hallway inside a hospital, viewed from an open door.

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.

By Stephen Martinez

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

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.

By Jim Newton

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

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.

By David Myers

Commentary

‘Job killer’ bills may be more difficult to kill

The California Chamber of Commerce has been remarkably successful for two decades in defeating or neutralizing bills it places on its annual list of "job killers," but the Capitol's ambiance is changing and continuing that record may be more difficult.

By Dan Walters • April 10, 2019

Commentary

Yes, we need clean water. But it must remain tax-free

Taxing water, food and other essential needs would limit their affordability and betray our collective resolve that no one should be denied the essentials for health, sanitation and freedom from hunger and thirst.

By Guest Commentary • April 9, 2019

Commentary

How federal ‘opportunity zone’ tax incentive can help California build an inclusive economy

The federal opportunity zone program created by the 2017 tax overhaul, enables investors to defer capital gains taxes on funds invested in designated communities. Opportunity zones offer one path forward that relies on private capital to bear the cost.

By Guest Commentary • April 9, 2019

California Wildfires

PG&E’s management change is a missed opportunity. It must embrace radical reform

Without a radical change to the corporate culture, a hard to swallow dose of transparency and all-hands-on-deck fire prevention effort, the next PG&E-sparked wildfire will mean a Titanic ending to the company.

By Guest Commentary • April 8, 2019

Commentary

Big issue: Who’s an employee and who’s not?

A state Supreme Court decision tightening the definition of an employee has become a big legislative issue, putting Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez in the spotlight.

By Dan Walters • April 8, 2019

Commentary

Expanding California’s earned income tax credit is a smart investment in working families

As the cost of health care, housing, food, and transportation continue to rise, we must make work pay better. Expanding the California earned income tax credit will do that for those who need it most.

By Guest Commentary • April 7, 2019

Commentary

Managerial miscues plague the state

Managerial miscues plague state government, as three new audit reports confirm. They imply that fixing existing problems should take precedence over launching new services and programs.

By Dan Walters • April 7, 2019

Commentary

Weekly Walters 04/05/2019

A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.

By Dan Walters • April 5, 2019

Commentary

California students can help renew our democratic spirit. Here’s how

Our democratic spirit desperately needs to be replenished. Empowered with the tools to develop civic virtue, our students can lead the next voting rights revolution, bringing us out of the shadows of our current predicament and closer to the ideal of a more perfect Union.

By Guest Commentary • April 5, 2019

Commentary

A crackdown on misuse of taxpayer money?

Using public funds for political campaigns is illegal but it's a widespread practice in California. New legislation would put teeth in the law by authorizing the Fair Political Practices Commission to enforce it.

By Dan Walters • April 4, 2019

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California