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.
Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him
In his memoir, Pratt describes himself as selfish, undisciplined and unprincipled. He deflects blame, squanders fortunes and complains a lot.
How the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could affect California’s gerrymandered districts
The High Court's decision guts the Voting Rights Act’s impetus to draw districts so non-white ethnic groups get congressional representation.
We can’t ‘restore’ American history by flagging Native American books
Pres. Donald Trump is pressuring Redwood National and State Parks to tag tribally-centered books and material critical of American history.
Billionaires aren’t going to flee California. Others will without a budget fix
The idea that billionaires will flee California over a proposed wealth tax is bunk. Still, the ballot initiative is only a Band-Aid, and impedes a more serious conversation about the state's deeper fiscal problems.
Yousef Baig
California Voices Editor
Denise Amos
California Voices Deputy Editor
Dan Walters
Columnist
Jim Newton
Contributor
Pedro Rios
Contributor
Robert Greene
Contributor
George B. Sánchez-Tello
Contributor
Commentary
Xavier Becerra is wrong to fight release of police officers’ crimes
Investigative Reporting Program and Investigative Studios filed records requests asking the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to identify officers who committed felonies and other crimes. The department respond by sending us spreadsheets with 12,000 names. Three weeks later, Xavier Becerra’s office sent letter demanding their return.
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
Organic food is a rich bounty. Policymakers can help it grow
California agriculture is presented with an opportunity it has only begun to tap. Despite rapid growth in organic food production, only 4 percent of all agricultural land in the state is being farmed organically. We need policies that use organic agriculture as a practical, evidence-based approach to solving the complex challenges facing California.
Commentary
What if Dianne Feinstein steps down before her term ends?
Feinstein’s senior senator moment brought back speculation that she may decide to step down before her current term ends in 2024, when she will be 91 years old. That would allow Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint her successor. So who would he pick?
Commentary
Why not try a ‘faster’ speed rail system first? It could work now
Technology exists today to employ faster-speed rail service as soon as the tracks, right of way, and system controls are in place. This would be the most cost-effective approach toward making the Central Valley portion of the high speed rail project fully operational.
Commentary
Political rules can change game’s outcome
Are "gerrymandering" and "ballot harvesting" unethical political practices? It often depends on who's doing them.
Commentary
California must double-down on prison rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can work. When I arrived at San Quentin State Prison in 2014, I experienced a culture shock. Incarcerated men were passing by, in full conversation, about their college essays, victim impact statements, remorse letters, and their childhood traumas.
Commentary
San Joaquin Valley: California’s poor stepchild?
The San Joaquin Valley sees itself as a poor civic stepchild in California, and Gov. Gavin Newsom says he wants to be the region's champion.
Commentary
Weekly Walters 02/22/2019
A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.