Dan Walters

Legislation this year ranged from the semi-ridiculous to the obviously justified. Gov. Newsom is a conventional liberal who did show a bit of political fortitude.

Gavin Newsom's first year as governor has produced some successes but his big goals remain elusive.

Some high-profile political issues appear headed for the ballot next year - unless they don't.

Shouldn't public schools be as accountable for outcomes as charter schools, for-profit colleges and community colleges?

Government regulation is supposed to protect the public but it also spawns political maneuvering by economic interests.

The California Paradox is incredible economic prosperity amidst rising poverty and income disparity.

California unions scored big wins in the Legislature this year, hoping to arrest declining union membership in the state.

A 44-year-old political battle about payouts for medical malpractice may be headed back to the ballot, unless doctors and lawyers reach agreement.

Having acted twice to protect California's children, Gov. Gavin Newsom can have a trifecta by signing legislation to mandate later school starting times.

Can a nine-county regional agency in the San Francisco Bay Area solve its chronic and acute shortage of housing?