Dan Walters

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

Commentary

Two lawsuits continue California’s tax wars

California's battles over tax limits continue with two lawsuits alleging that fees were improperly levied.

By

Dan Walters

• August 15, 2022

A group of people at a homeless encampment in Oakland on March 19, 2020. Photo by Ben Margot, AP

Commentary

Government squabbling cripples plans for the homeless

California spends billions on homelessness but a lack of coordination among public agencies is an impediment to success.

By

Dan Walters

• August 14, 2022

A vacant parking lot overlooked by the Urban Town House Project construction site in Long Beach, on July 22, 2021. The affordable housing project will be for low-income families. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Commentary

Housing factions use two state laws as weapons

As California ramps up pressure on local governments to increase housing production, two state laws are being employed by warring factions.

By

Dan Walters

• August 10, 2022

The offices of the Employment Development Department in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

How California mistreated workers who lost jobs in pandemic

California's Employment Development Department had a meltdown when facing a deluge of unemployment insurance claims and a new report explains how it happened.

By

Dan Walters

• August 9, 2022

Commentary

Does University of California undercut academic freedom?

The University of California is requiring candidates for faculty employment or promotion to write statements declaring their active support for diversity policies, but some see it as impinging on academic freedom.

By

Dan Walters

• August 8, 2022

Commentary

Old issue plagues Newsom’s Delta tunnel project

An old conflict plagues Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal to bore a tunnel to carry water under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - demands that more water flow into the Delta to protect wildlife habitat.

By

Dan Walters

• August 7, 2022

Andrew Rodriguez of Union City organizes his A’s swag as her gets in line to enter the stadium before the start of the game. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

California taxpayers will subsidize new A’s ballpark

A $279.5 million appropriation to the Port of Oakland was inserted into the state budget last year, and it turns out the money will subsidize a new baseball park.

By

Dan Walters

• August 3, 2022

Commentary

Lawyers trying to strangle alternative legal advice

"Scope of practice" conflicts are common in the California Legislature and one is a bill that would forbid the State Bar from exploring alternative legal services.

By

Dan Walters

• August 2, 2022

Commentary

Can Newsom finally win long Delta water conflict?

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is trying to succeed where his predecessors have failed, building a project to replumb the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

By

Dan Walters

• August 1, 2022

Commentary

Cities still seeking housing quota escape plans

The state is pressuring California's cities to adopt pro-housing policies, including quotas on zoning residential land. However, some cities are trying to find ways to undermine he quotas.

By

Dan Walters

• July 31, 2022