Dan Walters

Members and supporters of the United Farm Workers march through Fresno during day 10 of their 24-day march on Aug. 12, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

Newsom feels the heat on farm labor measure

California Gov. Gavin Newsom must sign or reject a bill that would make it easier for the United Farm Workers Union to organize farmers' employees and is feeling the political heat.

By

Dan Walters

• September 7, 2022

Fast-food workers and other SEIU members marched to the Capitol to deliver postcards and petitions in support of AB257 to the Governor's Office on May 31, 2022. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Commentary

California unions can celebrate on Labor Day 2022

California unions have something to celebrate on Labor Day, including big wins in the just-concluded legislative session.

By

Dan Walters

• September 5, 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 calls GOP governors “bullies,” but what about him?

California Gov. Gavin Newsom denounces two Republican governors as "bullies" but that may be the pot calling the kettle black.

By

Dan Walters

• September 4, 2022

Commentary

California finally regains jobs lost in COVID-19 recession

The latest employment data reveal that after 28 months, California has finally recovered the millions of private sector jobs it lost during the COVID=19 recession.

By

Dan Walters

• August 31, 2022

Commentary

California’s last nuclear plant too vital to shut down

As California struggles to keep the lights burning, compromise legislation will, if enacted, keep the state's only remaining nuclear power plant in operation.

By

Dan Walters

• August 30, 2022

Electric cars are parked at a charging station in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Commentary

California’s ban on gas-powered cars won’t be easy

California will ban sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035, but the conversion to battery-powered vehicles poses numerous unresolved issues.

By

Dan Walters

• August 29, 2022

Betting odds are displayed on a board in the sports book at a hotel casino in Las Vegas on May 14, 2018. Sports betting isn't legal in California, but there are efforts to legalize it. Photo by John Locher, AP Photo

Commentary

How California’s Native Americans beat the odds

The involvement of California's Native American tribes in high-stakes political battles this year is the latest chapter in their amazing rise from slaughter and poverty into owners of a major industry.

By

Dan Walters

• August 28, 2022

Rep. Michelle Steel chats with a registered Republican voter through his front gate, while canvassing for voters ahead of the primary for the newly drawn 45th congressional district in Buena Park on May 28, 2022. Bing Guan for CalMatters

Commentary

Could California save Democrats’ US House majority?

Democrats are targeting five Republican-held congressional seats in California this year. hoping that gains in the state could save their House majority.

By

Dan Walters

• August 24, 2022

California Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined a strategy around the state’s water supply at a press conference at the Antioch Water Treatment Plant in Antioch on Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Commentary

Does Newsom’s drug bill veto signal White House hopes?

When Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have authorized safe injection sites for drug addicts, he may have signaled that despite his denials, he may be positioning himself for a presidential campaign.

By

Dan Walters

• August 23, 2022

Commentary

California faces existential threat of a megaflood

A new study has found that California faces the existential threat of a megaflood due to climate change.

By

Dan Walters

• August 22, 2022