Commentary

Two people in suits sit on a studio set, one speaking with hands raised mid-gesture while the other turns toward them, listening.

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.

By Jim Newton

A side view of a row of voters sitting in front of voting machines separated by blue dividers. The photo focus on a voter who rest their right hand on their chin as they contemplate their voting selections.

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.

By Dan Walters

A visitor center sits at the base of steep granite cliffs, surrounded by tall trees. People walk up and down the steps, gather near the entrance, and rest on benches outside. A sign reading “Welcome Center” is mounted on the building, while an American flag stands nearby. The dramatic rock face rises behind the scene under a clear blue sky.

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.

By Kerri Malloy

A person wearing a white polo shirt and a headset microphone holds up a folded U.S. dollar bill while speaking on a stage, with a large pink-lit screen blurred in the background.

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.

By Yousef Baig

Commentary

Local officials avoid ‘p-word’ as they push new taxes

California voters faced a slew of local tax and bond measures in this week's election and more will be coming in November, but in proposing them, local officials avoid mentioning escalating pension costs as the major reason they need more revenue.

By Dan Walters • June 6, 2018

Commentary

Wildfires and lead paint reignite Capitol’s ‘tort wars’

The "tort wars" that raged in the Capitol for decades over who and can sue whom are being reignited by conflicts over legal responsibility for wildfires and the sale of lead-based house paint.

By Dan Walters • June 4, 2018

Commentary

Brown may leave with two big projects on the bubble

Gov. Jerry Brown is heavily invested in two massive public works projects, twin water tunnels beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and a north-south bullet train. But as he prepares to leave the governorship for a second time, both are far from certain to be completed.

By Dan Walters • June 3, 2018

Commentary

Brown wants to save, but legislators want to spend

Gov. Jerry Brown is finalizing his last budget and wants to sock away more billions to cushion a future economic downturn. But legislative leaders have spending wish lists totaling several billions of dollars.

By Dan Walters • May 31, 2018

The nine justices of the United States Supreme Court are shown.

Commentary

Commentary: Conservative Supreme Court helps blue California

The U.S. Supreme Court, in overturning a federal law prohibiting sports wagering, bolstered the states' rights doctrine and in doing so, may help California in its battles with the Trump administration over tailpipe emissions and other issues.

By Dan Walters • May 30, 2018

Commentary

Battle over gas-tax hike intensifies

The California Republican Party is sponsoring a ballot measure to repeal a $5 billion package of taxes and fees on motorists to improve transportation systems. Gov. Jerry Brown is leading the campaign to preserve an important part of his legacy.

By Dan Walters • May 28, 2018

Commentary

Commentary: Hasty rooftop solar decree could backfire

The California Energy Commission has decreed that new homes must have rooftop solar power installations beginning in 2020. However, energy experts warn that the new rules were hastily drafted and could have adverse effects.

By Dan Walters • May 27, 2018

Dan Walters

Dan Walters Commentary Roundup 05/25/2018

A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.

By Dan Walters • May 25, 2018

Commentary

CalPERS’ new investment plan – wise or risky?

The huge pension fund that covers pensions for California's state and local government employees is unveiling a new investment strategy. However, the California Public Employees Retirement System has a spotty track record, so there's reason to be skeptical.

By Dan Walters • May 24, 2018

Commentary

Campaigns try to fool California voters

California political campaigns often try to fool voters into supporting candidates and causes they might otherwise not favor. This year's campaigns include misleading attacks with hidden motives and "slate mailers" that candidates pay for recommendations.

By Dan Walters • May 23, 2018

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California