Commentary
Politicians like to keep us in the dark
A new legislative bill and a new threat by the attorney general are the latest attempts to undermine the state's Public Records Act.
Dan Walters
Commentary
Weekly Walters 03/08/2019
A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.
Commentary
1872 law gives police a license to kill
Shooting first and asking questions later might have been acceptable police conduct in 1872 California. It can’t be in the 21st century.
Commentary
State Supreme Court ducks key pension issue
The California Supreme Court has ducked a fundamental issue in state's pension crisis, leaving "California rule" up in the air.
Commentary
Newsom housing plan may have fatal flaw
Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking a carrot-and-stick approach to California's housing shortage, but it may have a fatal flaw.
Commentary
A crackdown on misusing public funds for campaigns?
The state's Fair Political Practices Commission wants the authority to prosecute local government officials who misuse public funds for campaigns.
Commentary
Weekly Walters 03/01/2019
A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.
Commentary
What are the limits on a ‘gig economy?’
The state Supreme Court drew a line between employees and contractors, and now the issue is a hot one for the Legislature.
Commentary
GOP dodges bullet, but faces tough future
Californians dodge a bullet by electing a moderate new party chairperson, but Jessica Patterson faces a daunting task to resuscitate her party.
Commentary
Political rules can change game’s outcome
Are "gerrymandering" and "ballot harvesting" unethical political practices? It often depends on who's doing them.