Dan Walters

California's budget deficit is growing as its revenues fall short of expectations. The Capitol's top Democrats disagree on what to do about it.

Just as rule changes in sports can affect the final score, rule changes in politics also affect outcomes. Three pending legislative proposals would affect what happens to local and state ballot measures.

Although Californians' overall tax burden is among the nation's highest, the state's taxes on alcoholic beverages are among the lowest.

Pardon the pun, but 2023 could be a watershed year not only for its immense amounts of rainfall and snow but for the 173-year war for control of California's water supply.

Despite California's status as the world capital of high technology, its state government has been spectacularly unable to employ technology efficiently.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's crusade against the oil industry over gas prices missed the larger point that the cost of nearly everything in California is very high.

As Colorado River flows decline, California's share of its water, and particularly that of the Imperial Irrigation District, face potential cutbacks by the federal Bureau of Reclamation.

While a three-way battle to succeed U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein plays out, her recent absence from the Senate has renewed calls for her to resign and let Gov. Gavin Newsom name a successor.

California's politicians must contend with a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, but they also face demands from leaders of vital health care and transit services for more money to solve their fiscal woes.

California's budget revenues, particularly income taxes, are continuing to fall below expectations, indicating that the deficit will continue to rise, posing a political dilemma for Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators.