Commentary

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shot

A poll shows three Democrats and two Republicans have voter support percentages in the teens. The top two vote-getters in June will face off in November.

By Dan Walters

A person in medical protective clothing, wearing a face mask and a hair net, pushes a hospital gurney through a hallway inside a hospital, viewed from an open door.

She spent six of her last years in arbitration with her HMO. Her husband’s still fighting the system

Arbitrators in medical disputes are supposed to be unbiased, but this couple suspected there is an incentive to favor HMO’s in arbitration.

By Stephen Martinez

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.

By Jim Newton

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

California promised accountability for inmate deaths in jails. A year later, no results.

Lawmakers passed a law creating a state department to review inmate deaths, but it hasn’t completed a single death review in its first year.

By David Myers

Commentary

Brown wants to save, but legislators want to spend

Gov. Jerry Brown is finalizing his last budget and wants to sock away more billions to cushion a future economic downturn. But legislative leaders have spending wish lists totaling several billions of dollars.

By Dan Walters • May 31, 2018

The nine justices of the United States Supreme Court are shown.

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

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California