Dan Walters

The California Chamber of Commerce has targeted 17 bills on its annual "job killer" list. The eight survivors all relate to workplace issues.

Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom typify the pervasive syndrome of politicians saying things just to attract attention to themselves.

As California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders work on a new state budget, they face a multibillion-dollar deficit, but don't really know how big it will become.

The California Legislature will be playing charades this week, passing a budget bill to meet the June 15 constitutional deadline even though it's not the real budget. It will, however, protect lawmakers' paychecks.

California governors and legislators routinely misuse so-called budget "trailer bills" to enact sweeping policy changes without the transparent processes that they deserve.

The conflict over water rights has been brewing in California for decades. The Legislature is now involved as lawmakers weigh three bills to curb those rights, some dating back to the 19th century.

California received another reminder this week that, despite its world-class economy, the state has millions of families mired in poverty.

A new study analyzed California's economic competitiveness compared to other states and found that its edge is now narrowing.

The state Assembly has passed legislation to require large cities, counties and school districts to use independent commissions to redraw districts for their governing boards, but the measure exempts five major counties.

Five years ago, Gavin Newsom pledged support for a single-payer health care system but has since backed away. Even the universal coverage he now advocates for has become elusive goal.