Dan Walters

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with as hundreds of supporters stand behind her, waving signs with her name at a campaign rally.

Commentary

As Democratic candidates for governor increase, they wait for Harris to decide

Democratic big-money donors wait to see if former Vice President Kamala Harris will run for governor, which could thin out a crowded primary contest in June.

By

Dan Walters

• April 3, 2025

The state Capitol in Sacramento on July 6, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

In California’s Capitol, some political fights span decades

The dynamics of California's Capitol haven't changed much in the last 50 years. In fact, many conflicts from 1975 can still be found in bills this year.

By

Dan Walters

• April 2, 2025

The remaining structure of a bricked two-story house on a that was burned during a wildfire can be seen through the trees of a small hill. Some of the exterior walls of the house are charcoaled with black ash, while others are cracked throughout and barely standing.

Commentary

If California bails out LA’s $1 billion budget deficit, beware the slippery slope

Los Angeles' leaders got plenty of warnings they've been overspending for years. Now they're using January's fires to seek a state bailout.

By

Dan Walters

• March 28, 2025

A lively elementary school classroom is filled with students engaged in various activities. Two children sit across from each other, one reading aloud from a book while the other leans in, listening attentively with a smile. In the background, a teacher assists a student wearing a headscarf at a desk, while other students stand and interact. The walls are covered in colorful educational posters and student artwork, and the classroom is furnished with bookshelves, desks, and storage bins, creating a vibrant learning environment.

Commentary

The real crisis in California schools is low achievement, not cultural conflicts

As lawmakers debate whether transgender athletes can play sports, they're missing a more widespread education issue — low test scores, especially in reading.

By

Dan Walters

• March 27, 2025

The state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 16, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California politicians have an irritating habit of ignoring the downsides

California’s governors and legislators have a number of irritating habits, but the worst is their tendency to enact sweeping programs or policy decrees without weighing the risks.

By

Dan Walters

• March 26, 2025

Commentary

If zero-emission cars cut gasoline sales and tax revenue, how will California replace them?

Given the expected decline in gas sales under California's zero-emission vehicle mandates, the politics for implementing a new revenue source will be as thorny as the gas tax has been for 102 years.

By

Dan Walters

• March 25, 2025

Students on campus at the University of California, Davis in Davis on Feb. 2, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Under pressure from Trump, UC abandons its ‘diversity statement’ requirement for faculty

President Trump's crackdown on DEI means campuses like UC Davis have stopped making faculty applicants submit statements describing their diversity efforts.

By

Dan Walters

• March 21, 2025

Lobbyists gather around a television to watch as a bill is voted on before the Assembly at the state Capitol on Aug. 31, 2022. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Commentary

Lobbyists are a growth industry in a state as complex as California

The number of people registered to petition California's elected and appointed officials and its agencies has tripled in the past decade. California's budget is one reason why.

By

Dan Walters

• March 20, 2025

A group of individuals stands or sits near a sidewalk lined with belongings, including bags, a stroller, and a green tent. One person looks at a phone, another carries a large bag over their shoulder, and some appear to be conversing or waiting. The background features a textured gray wall, and the scene conveys a sense of urban life and temporary shelter.

Commentary

Newsom’s new California homelessness plan leaves out some important details

The Newsom administration released a new plan for addressing California homelessness, but the report failed to specify key details that will ultimately determine if its successful.

By

Dan Walters

• March 19, 2025

A person, with salt and pepper hair and wearing a black suit with a white collar shirt, stands in front of a black microphone stand overlooking a group of reporters and listeners.

Commentary

Costly health care expansion worsens California’s chronic budget deficit

A phantom budget surplus in 2022 continues to haunt Gavin Newsom and state legislators after lavish spending, including a costly Medi-Cal expansion, has added billions more to California's chronic budget deficit.

By

Dan Walters

• March 18, 2025