Dan Walters

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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

Commentary

California’s primary vote could be decisive

California's June 5 primary election could be more than decisive than usual. Voters could effectively make Democrat Gavin Newsom the next governor by giving Republican John Cox a second-place finish and could spoil Democratic hopes of making big congressional gains in the state.

By

Dan Walters

• May 21, 2018

Commentary

Prison inmates are down, but costs still going up

Under pressure from federal courts, California has sharply reduced numbers of inmates in state prisons. However, "corrections" costs are still rising and California is now spending $75,000 per year per inmate.

By

Dan Walters

• May 20, 2018

Commentary

Dan Walters Commentary Roundup 05/18/2018

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

By

Dan Walters

• May 18, 2018

Commentary

Lots of candidates, lots of uncertainty

With dozens of candidates for the U.S. Senate and governor this year, handicapping the June 5 primary election is difficult. The biggest unknown is whether Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will have the luxury of a Republican opponent in November, or will face fellow Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa.

By

Dan Walters

• May 17, 2018