Dan Walters

In contrast to New York voters favoring a "democratic socialist," Californians chose moderate politicians like Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

Kamala Harris' poorer than expected performance with key demographic groups and increases in young voters registering Republican are signs of political change in California.

The social and economic costs of leaving CEQA intact became too high. With Gavin Newsom nearing the end of his governorship, he decided to confront the issue squarely.

Gavin Newsom has shifted his image-building efforts into higher gear, bolstering assumptions that he will run for president. But as Jerry Brown learned during his tenure as governor, past political stunts can haunt a presidential bid.

The state still hasn't fixed problems with its unemployment and workers compensation funds, both of which faltered during the COVID pandemic and haven't recovered.

State lawmakers and the governor have adopted a hide-the-pea approach to budgeting, relying on reserves, loans and payment delays to conceal a $21 billion deficit.

New laws, a future Supreme Court decision and consumer hesitance are some of the obstacles California must overcome if it's going to see a carbon neutral future.

California is still No. 1 in agriculture, generating $60 billion a year, but other industries have more clout. The state plans to double subsidies to films, which amount to half that.

The Legislature's and governor's budget proposals agree to spend $80 billion on schools. There've been few discussions about how to boost students' persistently low test scores.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators negotiate a final version of the budget, their differences on transit financing will be a key issue.