Dan Walters

The California Aqueduct, a central component of the California State Water Project. Photo via iStock

Commentary

California water war peace treaty? Not quite

Gov. Gavin Newsom claims progress on settling California's decades-long conflict over water allocation but it's a partial deal at best

By

Dan Walters

• April 4, 2022

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

Commentary

Is state biting off more than it can chew?

As California Gov. Gavin Newsom rolls out numerous new programs and expands existing ones, is the state biting off more than it can chew?

By

Dan Walters

• April 3, 2022

California legislators applaud Gov. Gavin Newsom as he delivers his first State of the State speech. Photo by Andrew Nixon, Capital Public Radio

Commentary

‘Job killer’ list tests Capitol’s ideological bent

Each year, the California Chamber of Commerce issues a list of "job killers" - bills the business community dislikes the most - and their fate is a guide to the Legislature's ideological orientation.

By

Dan Walters

• March 30, 2022

Big Lots! went big on help wanted sign as signs around the region are getting the cold shoulder from workers reluctant to resume service-industry jobs in Moreno Valley on July 5, 2021. Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

Commentary

Newsom’s upbeat job picture vs. reality

Gov. Gavin Newsom portrays California's latest job numbers as proof of a vigorous economic recovery, but as usual the facts tell a more nuanced story.

By

Dan Walters

• March 29, 2022

Commentary

Politicians eager to send Californians cash for gas

California politicians are falling all over themselves to send cash to car owners and/or taxpayers to offset a sharp increase in gasoline prices but it might take months for a final plan to be adopted.

By

Dan Walters

• March 28, 2022

Commentary

Hidden tax breaks escape scrutiny

"Tax expenditures" are a backdoor way for the state to spend money via targeted tax breaks, but they don't get the same scrutiny as other forms of spending.

By

Dan Walters

• March 27, 2022

A seven-member group of lawmakers, academics and judges is charged with recommending ways to revise California’s penal code. Image via iStock

Commentary

How California court system wasted millions

California's judicial hierarchy wasted millions of dollars on an inoperable data system and on a futile public records case.

By

Dan Walters

• March 23, 2022

Commentary

Finally, progress on vital Sites Reservoir project

The likelihood of a $2.2 billion federal loan increases the possibility that the Sites Reservoir, a vital step in protecting California's water supply, will be constructed.

By

Dan Walters

• March 22, 2022