Dan Walters

Tesla vehicles charging at the Tesla Supercharger lot in Kettleman City on June 23, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

New decisions boost California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, but major hurdles remain

Recent decisions by the Supreme Court and the EPA appear to favor California's 2035 ban on gas-powered cars and trucks, but another important lawsuit, a Republican-dominated Congress and President Donald Trump are still there to challenge it.

By

Dan Walters

• December 19, 2024

Surrounded by workers in hazmat suits and bright orange waste bags, Gov. Gavin Newsom helps clear a homeless encampment in San Diego.

Commentary

Billions of dollars later, California’s homeless crisis persists under Newsom

Gavin Newsom began his governorship with promises of decisive action on key issues, homelessness among them. Despite billions of dollars in spending, the population has increased and the crisis remains a weapon for Newsom's opponents.

By

Dan Walters

• December 18, 2024

A person stands in the middle of a road surrounded by charred home structures that were destroyed by a wildfire.

Commentary

Can new state regulations resolve California’s existential insurance crisis?

The state's elected insurance commissioner formally unveiled a large chunk of his plan to stem the exodus of insurers from California. Adoption of the plans may result in premium hikes, but maintaining a viable market is vital to the state's economy.

By

Dan Walters

• December 17, 2024

Commentary

UC Merced turns 20 years old yet remains California’s awkward stepchild

UC Merced has fallen far short of enrollment goals, spends more to operate than other UC campuses and has had less economic impact than expected.

By

Dan Walters

• December 13, 2024

State test results show California students overall performed much worse in math and English language arts than pre-pandemic, but a persistent achievement gap didn't worsen, as initially feared. Students at a classroom at St. HOPE’s Public School 7 Elementary in Sacramento on May 11, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

How California can fix its school crisis. Two projects point the way

Three years of expert, hands-on help pulled up two schools' test scores. The rest of the state's average scores remain below pre-pandemic levels.

By

Dan Walters

• December 12, 2024

A person wearing a navy blue suit stands in from of a lectern with a sign in front that reads "more housing, more accountability" during a press conference. The person uses both their hands to gesture as they speak. They are surrounded by other people behind them, some wearing construction gear.

Commentary

Will resistant Marin County change after a pro-housing governor just moved in?

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently moved to Marin County, home to wealthy enclaves that are notorious for resisting his pro-housing policies.

By

Dan Walters

• December 11, 2024

A person wearing a black shirt pushes a blue shopping cart as they pass by a cooler labeled "fresh eggs" and filled with egg containers at a grocery store.

Commentary

Californians are sour about economy. Their votes this year reflected it

A new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California helps quantify the economic unrest in Vice President Kamala Harris's home state and the frustration voters expressed at the ballot box.

By

Dan Walters

• December 10, 2024

Commentary

California’s housing crisis has gotten worse, not better, over the last 30 years

The rising home costs have spawned other problems, such as widening income gaps, growing financial burdens and an outflow of people from California.

By

Dan Walters

• December 6, 2024

The Bidwell Bar Bridge at Lake Oroville on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo by Andrew Innerarity, California Department of Water Resources

Commentary

California officials plan for a dry 2025 with grim water supply guesswork

The state Department of Water Resources made a low prediction of water supplies for agricultural and municipal users next year, though it's still too early to tell.

By

Dan Walters

• December 5, 2024

A person wearing a blue suit stands up while clapping as other people face him and clap.

Commentary

California politicians suddenly discover inflation in aftermath of election

Democratic legislators this week acknowledged the need to bring down costs of living, days after Donald Trump's win the presidency largely on economic issues.

By

Dan Walters

• December 4, 2024