Dan Walters

Seven Democrats running for California governor largely toed the line at a "beauty contest" with powerful labor leaders. But two people not in the room loomed large.

Other efforts to reduce Californians' carbon footprint have cost consumers. A new auditor report notes a greenhouse gas reduction program has raised gasoline prices.

Since Gavin Newsom became governor, state spending has increased an average 9% a year while revenues grew 6%. That's called a “structural deficit.”

Many of the state government's wrongheaded actions involve mishaps using advanced technology or systems. What happened this year with the State Bar is the latest entrant to a list of managerial failures.

The image that emerges after a recent dustup over a bill seeking to increase penalties for sex solicitation is one of a Democratic Party at war with itself as the governor tries to distance himself from his party’s leftish tendencies.

Gov. Gavin Newsom contrasted federal efficiency cuts with his use of AI to improve state government. But California's record of using technology has been poor.

A bill that would usher in a major change in pension law could cost local governments billions. Yet it is sailing through the Legislature without any opposition.

California lawmakers have a knack for instituting major programs without scrutinizing the potential downsides. A new proposal to create a state infrastructure financing board could become another example.

In the latest installment of the Capitol's "tort wars," a new proposal that would've enabled higher payouts for tax disputes was killed. Meanwhile, larger lawsuit payouts are affecting Los Angeles coffers, creating politically unusual positions.

California's future governor will have to deal with its housing shortage, homelessness, poverty, uncertain water supply, educational deficiencies and budget deficits.