Dan Walters

Commentary

The deterioration of city life in San Francisco and Los Angeles motivated voters to voice their disgust in Tuesday's election.

By

Dan Walters

• June 8, 2022

Sacramento State students voting 2019 election

Commentary

California voters just not interested this year

The primary ballot lacks motivating issues or contests, so voter turnout will be very low — perhaps setting a new record.

By

Dan Walters

• June 7, 2022

At center, Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon at the dais on May 31, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Democratic factions vie for power in Assembly

Clashes between progressive and moderate Democratic factions in the California Assembly have sparked a leadership power struggle.

By

Dan Walters

• June 6, 2022

Commentary

Four towns and four stories frame housing crunch

Four recent situations frame California's chronic inability to build enough housing to meet its demand.

By

Dan Walters

• June 5, 2022

Commentary

How Newsom would close the achievement gap in California schools

Gov. Gavin Newsom advocates "completely reimagining" California's schools to equalize academic outcomes, but will it work?

By

Dan Walters

• June 1, 2022

The entrance to Angel Stadium in Anaheim on April 12, 2022. Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports via REUTERS

Commentary

Anaheim scandal continues Southern California syndrome

A scandal unfolding in Anaheim is the latest chapter in a long-running saga about corruption in Southern California cities.

By

Dan Walters

• May 31, 2022

Sprinklers water a lawn in Sacramento on July 15, 2014. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Commentary

As drought persists, water rights on agenda

As drought continues to plague California, reconsidering water rights is becoming a topic, but change would be highly controversial.

By

Dan Walters

• May 29, 2022

California Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted inflation and abortion while unveiling his 2022-2023 state budget revision at a news conference in Sacramento on May 13, 2022. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Commentary

Newsom, legislators given stark budget warning

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are busily deciding how to spend a budget surplus, but the Legislature's budget guru advises caution.

By

Dan Walters

• May 25, 2022

California Capitol, home of the Assembly and Senate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Legislature’s supermajorities spawn super sneakiness

Democrats control three-quarters of the California Legislature's seats and one aspect of one-party domination has been ever-increasing secrecy in the legislative process, especially on the state budget.

By

Dan Walters

• May 24, 2022

The California Legislature is dominated by Democrats, but progressives and moderates are often at odds. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Progressives vie with ‘mod squad’ for power in California Legislature

This year's California elections are a venue for the state Legislature's power struggle, pitting progressive Democrats against business -friendly moderates.

By

Dan Walters

• May 23, 2022