Commentary
LA Times valiantly explains how Los Angeles became the epicenter of homelessness
The Los Angeles Times recently made a valiant attempt to explain how homelessness became a seemingly intractable crisis in L.A. County.
Dan Walters
Commentary
Charter schools need reform. This proposal could kneecap them
Lawmakers are considering creating an inspector general role just to oversee charter schools. It might slow the charter school movement.
Commentary
Holdouts in Marin County resist California rules speeding up multifamily housing
State pressure to allow more housing in Marin County is relentless, but some in Fairfax aren't giving up without a fight.
Commentary
Newsom’s South Carolina visit should remove any doubts about his political goals
South Carolina could host the first presidential primary again in 2028. Democratic politicians who see themselves as potential candidates are finding reasons to visit. Gavin Newsom went there this week.
Commentary
Valadao and other California GOP members of Congress might regret backing Trump’s megabill
Congressional Republicans in California are facing attacks over their support for Trump's controversial megabill. What happens in three targeted districts next year could easily determine which party controls the House, with potentially major consequences for the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
Commentary
California’s politics drifts rightward while New York’s leans left
In contrast to New York voters favoring a "democratic socialist," Californians chose moderate politicians like Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
Commentary
Presidential election reveals big shift in California voting patterns. Will it last?
Kamala Harris' poorer than expected performance with key demographic groups and increases in young voters registering Republican are signs of political change in California.
Commentary
California lawmakers finally achieve ‘holy grail’ reform of state’s key environmental law
The social and economic costs of leaving CEQA intact became too high. With Gavin Newsom nearing the end of his governorship, he decided to confront the issue squarely.
Commentary
Newsom uses political stunts to garner attention. As Jerry Brown learned, it can backfire
Gavin Newsom has shifted his image-building efforts into higher gear, bolstering assumptions that he will run for president. But as Jerry Brown learned during his tenure as governor, past political stunts can haunt a presidential bid.
Commentary
Five years later, the pandemic still weakens two California employee safety nets
The state still hasn't fixed problems with its unemployment and workers compensation funds, both of which faltered during the COVID pandemic and haven't recovered.